Anise is cultivated chiefly for its fruits, called aniseed, the flavour of which resembles that of licorice. In the Mediterranean region and in Asia, aniseed is commonly used in meat and vegetable dishes. It makes a soothing herbal tea and has been used medicinally from prehistoric times. The essential oil content is about 2.5 percent, and its principal component is anethole. The essential oil is used to flavour absinthe, anisette, and Pernod liqueurs.
Anise enjoys considerable reputation as a medicine in coughs and pectoral affections.
In hard, dry coughs where expectoration is difficult, it is of much value. It is greatly used in the form of lozenges and the seeds have also been used for smoking, to promote expectoration. Famous for its delicious distinctive flavor, licorice is essential in innumerable candy, confection and beverage recipes and makes an estimable liquer. It is also a traditional herbal remedy with an ancient history and world wide usage. Modern research has shown it to have effects upon, amongst other organs, the endocrine system and liver.