Anise (Pim pinella anisum) is sweet and very aromatic, distinguished by its characteristic flavor. The seeds, whole or powdered, are used in a wide variety of regional and ethnic confectioneries. it is an annual herb of the parsley family, it is cultivated chiefly for its seeds. It is commonly used in meat and vegetable dishes. It makes a soothing herbal tea and has been used medicinally from prehistoric times to treat menstrual cramps and as a cure for sleeplessness, chewed with alexanders and a little honey in the morning to freshen the breath. Its essential oil is used to flavour absinthe, anisette, Pernod liqueurs, and as an insecticide against head-lice and mites.
