Anise is an herb. The seed and oil are used to make medicine. Less commonly, the root and leaf are used to make medicine as well. Do not confuse anise with other herbs called star anise or fennel. These are sometimes called anise.
Anise is most commonly used for indigestion (dyspepsia) and a long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). It is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
In foods, anise is used as a flavoring agent. It has a sweet, aromatic taste that resembles the taste of black licorice. It is commonly used in alcohols and liqueurs, such as anisette and ouzo. Anise is also used in dairy products, gelatins, meats, candies, and breath fresheners.
