Anise seed is used for upset stomach, intestinal gas, and as an expectorant to increase productive cough, as a diuretic to increase urine flow, and as an appetite stimulant.

Women use anise to increase milk flow when nursing, start menstruation, treat menstrual discomfort or pain, ease childbirth, and increase sex drive. Men use anise to treat symptoms of “male menopause.â€ Other uses include treatment of seizures, nicotine dependence, trouble sleeping (insomnia), asthma, and constipation.

Some people apply anise directly to the skin to treat lice, scabies, and psoriasis.﻿