Anise in the Bible-Uses & Side Effects

Anise (also called Pimpinella anisum or dill) is known for it's healing properties such as soothing and mild pain relief but did you know that in Biblical times Anise was also used as a tithe?  See uses, side effects and the only verse in the Bible about Anise below.

Anise. Photo courtesy of Mae Mu on Unsplash.

"There is also a species of dill cultivated in Eastern countries known by the name of shubit. It was this species of garden plant of which the Pharisees were in the habit of paying tithes. The Talmud requires that the seeds, leaves, and stem of dill shall pay tithes. It is an umbelliferous plant, very like the caraway, its leaves, which are aromatic, being used in soups and pickles" (1). 
The Bible does not clarify uses for Anise as there is only one Bible verse that uses the word Anise.
Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 
​Known possible health benefits of Anise are:

• Anti-fungal
• Antibacterial
• Anti inflammatory
• May help against stomach ulcers
• Helps to maintain blood sugar levels
• Reduces symptoms of depression
• Reduces symptoms of menopause (2).
• May ease menstrual cramps
• Constipation relief. A combination of anise, fennel, elderberry and senna is said to relieve constipation according to one study published BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2010.
• Insomnia relief
• Gas relief
• Helps relieve coughing
• May relieve an upset stomach
• Has been used as a natural remedy for neurological disorders such as epilepsy.

Possible side effects of using Anise supplements:

• Anise supplements may be harmful to people who have hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids (3).
• Pregnant women should avoid using Anise seed or supplements and consult their physician before taking any supplements or over the counter remedies.
• "Anise may also interact with certain medications including birth control pills, estrogen, and tamoxifen. Speak to your healthcare provider before consuming anise if you are taking these or any other medications" (4).

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More Herbs & Spices in the Bible

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References:

1. ​Anise definition and meaning retrieved on April 11, 2021 from https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/anise/
2. 7 Health benefits and uses of anise seed retrieved on April 11, 2021 from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/anise#TOC_TITLE_HDR_11
3. The Health benefits of anise retrieved on April 11, 2021 from https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-anise-88608
4. Anise: Benefits, side effects and preparations retrieved on April 11, 2021 from https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-anise-88608