What is it? Anise is an herb used to treat upset stomach, gas, colic, scabies, cough, asthma, irritated and inflamed bowel conditions, arthritis, and menstrual (monthly period) problems. It is also used to increase breast milk, improve sex drive, and to help during childbirth. Anise is used for colds, bronchitis and respiratory infections.

Other names for Anise include: Aniseed, Anisi fractus, Pimpinella Anisum, Sweet Cumin, and Anisum.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using: Tell your doctor if you:

are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
are breastfeeding
have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage: Talk with your caregiver about how much Anise you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Anise. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine: Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Drug and Food Interactions: Do not take Anise without talking to your doctor first if you are taking: Blood thinning medicine (examples: warfarin (Coumadin(R)), clopidogrel (Plavix(R)), aspirin, enoxaparin (Lovenox(R)), dalteparin (Fragmin(R)))

Warnings: Before taking Anise, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Pure Anise oil should not be taken by mouth without asking your care giver. Seizures (uncontrolled shaking) and pulmonary edema (water in the lungs) have occurred with as little as 1 to 5 milliliters of Anise oil. Use with caution if you have any allergic skin conditions.

Side Effects: Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
Chest pain
Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin