Anisum.

The seeds of Pimpinella anisum.

Dose.—From twenty grains to one-half drachm in powder.

Therapeutic Action.—Anise is an aromatic stimulant and carminative. When taken it imparts its odor to the pulmonary, renal, and mammary secretions. By some it has been supposed to promote the secretion of milk, urine, bronchial mucus, and menses. It is often used in flatulent colic, and pain in the stomach and bowels, to which infants are subject. Combined with cathartics, it tends to prevent nausea and griping.

Oleum Anisi.—Oil of Anise posseses all the properties of the seeds, and is used for the same purposes. It is often associated with Lobelia, Sanguinaria, Ipecacuanha, and other nauseating expectorants, to conceal any unpleasant taste, and render them less obnoxious to the stomach, and at the same time improve their pectoral qualities. In the preparation of cough mixtures, it is very useful both as a corrigent and auxiliary to the compound. It may be combined with Copaiba, and used in chronic catarrh and disease of the urinary organs. Dose, five to ten drops.

The American Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1898, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.