Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
Flowers: June to July. Height: 60cm (24in).
Anise became so popular in medieval England as a spice, medicine and perfume that in 1305, Edward I placed a special tax on it. The revenue earned through this tax helped repair damages to the London Bridge. Ancient Egyptians placed it in pharaohs’ tombs because of its medicinal benefits.
Medicinal: Used as a gargle with honey and vinegar for tonsillitis. Also used as an aid to digestion, bloating, flatulence, indigestion and constipation, for chest infections, to induce sweating, for headaches, toothache, and to treat rickets.
Culinary: Used for flavouring salads, puddings, soups and stews. From Roman times, Anise was one of the ingredients in ustaceus, a special cake made with digestive herbs that was served as a finishing dish for feasts in order to sweeten the breath and aid digestion. (This may be the origin of the modern-day wedding cake.) Sugar-coated anise was also commonly eaten at the end of a meal in medieval times.
