Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) for sore throat
Anise is one rarely used herb, that noone knows as herb.
Most of the people use Anise as spice for cooking. But it is also very good to fight headache, sore throat, insomnia and hickups ;)
Anise extracts has Etheric oil named Anethol, which is widely used as aroma agent for cookies and some alcohol beverages such as French Pastis, Greek Ouzo, Bulgarian Mastika and Arab Arak. Those beverages SURPRISINGLY are also very good for sore throat and insomnia.
Anethol in Anise also helps to cough out phlegm from your throat, helps digestion, and is mild pain reliever.
How to prepare Anise tea?
1 tea spoon of Anise seeds are crushed with wooden or porcelain mortar and pestle. No iron pestle can be used. If you don't have wooden mortar put the seeds between 2 pieces of paper and crush them with a spoon.
The crushed seeds are put in a tea pot and poured over with 0.5 litres (~1 pint) of boiling water. Close the tea pot with the lid and leave it for 1 hour.
The beverage is filtered through strainer or piece of fabric to get the seeds removed and is taken cooled 1-2 times a day.
Better sleep and softer or no headaches will be observed after few days.
If you prepare more Anise tea and you don't want to drink it, the infusion can be used to treat swelling. Soak a towel in the tea and put it over the swelling. It will help to subside it.
