How to Make Anise Tea

Anise tea is a herbal tea made from the plant Pimpinella anisum. It is also known as aniseed and is a spice native to the Eastern Mediterranean and South East Asian regions.^{[1]
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Research source} Some of the things it is thought to be helpful for include the digestive system, colic, bronchitis, and nausea^{[2]
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Research source}^{[1]
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Research source} but don't substitute it for proper medical treatment; it's a gentle soothing aid, not a solution to serious complications. What makes this tea worthwhile making is its taste which is aromatic, sweet, and akin to licorice. It makes a warming, fragrant and spicy tea that is comforting.

Ingredients

Anise infusion:

Dried or fresh anise leaves
1 cup boiling water

Anise decoction

1 tablespoon anise seeds
2 cups boiling water

Anise tea (long steep):
Serves 1

1 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon crushed anise seeds

Anise tea with milk:

Substitute the boiling water amount in each recipe with milk
Use the prior recipes to guide amount of seeds or leaves

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Anise Infusion

1
Boil the kettle. Place 1 teaspoon of dried anise leaf or 3 teaspoons of fresh, crushed anise leaf or leaves into one cup of boiling water.
2
Allow to steep for a few minutes. It is now ready to serve.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Anise Decoction

1
Boil the kettle.
2
Crush or grind 1 tablespoon of anise seeds. A mortar and pestle is a good instrument for this purpose.
3
Add 2 cups of boiling water to a saucepan. Add the crushed seeds. Simmer gently for 5 to minutes.
4
Serve. It is now ready to serve as it is. However, you may wish to add milk, as with ordinary tea.seeds:

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Anise Tea (Long Steep)

1
Crush the anise seeds if you haven’t done so already. This releases their fragrant oils and makes certain that the tea will taste marvelous.
2
Place the crushed anise seeds into the intended mug or cup.
3
Pour the boiling water into the cup.
4
Allow to steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Yes, the tea will cool but the flavor depth will benefit greatly from a long steeping time. Once it is has steeped sufficiently, it is ready to serve.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Anise Tea with Milk

1
Substitute the water in any of the above recipes with warm milk. Anise tea can be particularly delicious if it is brewed using warm milk instead of the water. Made with milk, it is an ideal drink to enjoy just before going to bed, as anise is reputed to induce sleep.^{[3]
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Research source}

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use a teabag?

Community Answer

If you like, you can use a teabag to place the anise seeds or leaves inside for steeping. Health food stores often sell empty teabag pouches that allow you to add your own herbs and spices or tea leaves inside. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for adding the leaves or seeds.
Question

Can I add milk and sugar?

Community Answer

Yes, you certainly can. See the Method detailing using milk for this tea. You will need to experiment to see how much sugar you find suitable in this tea, it's not usually added but there's no reason why you can't add some.
Question

Is it true that anise can enlarge breasts?

Caeiia

Top Answerer

No.

Warnings

Do not self-diagnose or self-treat using herbal teas without seeking the advice of your doctor.

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This tea is not a substitute for professional medical treatment of any ailment.

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