Fennel and anise are different plants, although they share similar flavors, culinary uses and some physiological properties. Often fresh fennel bulb is mistakenly tagged as anise in the produce section. Fennel may prevent and alleviate colic, heart disease, dementia, arthritis and stroke, according to Bharat B. Aggarwal, PhD, professor of cancer research and biochemistry at M.D. Andersen Cancer Center. Do not use fennel supplements without consulting your doctor first.
Fennel
If left to grow naturally, fennel can reach a height of 6 feet. Petite yellow flowers embellish the plant, and the entire herb is scented with a licorice aroma. The bulb is cooked as a vegetable in many cuisines, and fennel's fresh aerial parts are sliced and added to give flavor to fish dishes. One cup of sliced raw fennel bulb has approximately 113 calories, 6 g of carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin A and trace minerals, according to the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory.
Anise
An annual plant, anise grows easily in balmy climates such as southern Europe and the Middle East. Its seeds are often referred to as aniseed, and their flavor tends to be more subtle than fennel seed, leaving behind little aftertaste, according to Aggarwal. The volatile oils in these tiny seeds disperse quickly after being ground, so it is best to grind aniseed just before using. Aniseed is a superb digestive remedy, which may be why it is an essential ingredient in several after-dinner liqueurs, such as the Greek ouzo and the French pastis. Consult your doctor before using this herb medicinally.
Health Conditions
Anethole is a phytochemical that both fennel and anise share. A volatile oil, anethole is responsible for the licorice taste of both plants. According to Aggarwal, anethole is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substance. It is effective in calming stomach cramps in a similar manner as atropine, a prescription medication used for digestive spasms. It works as an antispasmodic by relaxing the parasympathetic nervous system, which is connected to the digestive tract. Ask a qualified health-care practitioner whether fennel seed or aniseed are appropriate for your condition.
Safety Considerations
Fennel has an estrogenic effect, and ingesting medicinal amounts of fennel might interfere with the action of birth control pills. Herbalist Michael Castleman writes that those women who have contraindications for birth control pills should avoid consuming large amounts of fennel. In addition, pregnant women should not take fennel. The same advice may prove relevant to aniseed as well, as it also has mild estrogenic action. Do not ingest fennel oil, as it could initiate seizures.
References
- USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- "Healing Spices: How to Use 50 Everyday and Exotic Spices "; Bharat Aggarwal; 2011
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