The Respiratory Health Benefits of Anise Tea

Anise is an herb with a history as old as human civilization. Records of its use goes back to the days of ancient Egypt, and continue through numerous ancient cultures, including Greece and Rome. By the time of the Middle Ages, it was seen throughout nearly all of Europe, spread rapidly by trade because of its popularity. While greatly enjoyed for its delicate appearance, sweet-smelling flowers and the licorice flavor of its seeds, anise had a great reputation as a medicinal herb, a use that is still valid today. Anise tea is still enjoyed today, and is a common home remedy for promoting respiratory health.

Common Respiratory Ailments

While we often do not pay attention to breathing, it is vital not only to our survival, but to the quality of our health. For those with poor respiratory health, life can be extremely difficult, as respiration has a direct impact on our energy, endurance, mental ability, stress levels and even more. Many things can interfere with good respiratory health. Some of the most common are:

• Infection: Nearly everyone has experienced a respiratory infection at some point in their life. The common cold and influenza are two of the most common illnesses found worldwide, well known for causing coughs, inflammation and an abundance of mucous that makes breathing difficult. If left unchallenged, respiratory infection can also worsen into pneumonia.
• Allergies: An exaggerated immune response to a perceived irritant results in an allergic reaction. Respiratory allergens, such as dust, pollen, pet dander and other irritants, can make life miserable for those with respiratory allergies. The activation of histamines results in frequent sneezing, itching, and post-nasal drip.
• Asthma: This disease causes chronic inflammation and constricting of the airways, which can limit breathing and cause severe coughing and wheezing. Usually aggravated by allergies or environmental pollutants, asthma can make physical activity difficult, and often requires an inhaler to treat.
• COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses a group of disease that result in an inability to breathe in and out normally. They can include chronic bronchitis, which is an ongoing cough, and emphysema, which is lung damage that inhibits the ability to exhale.
• Cystic Fibrosis: This disease involves poor drainage of mucous from the lungs. This causes shallow breathing, and the accumulated moisture in the lungs leads to frequent infections, making it a very frustrating condition.

Anise Tea for Respiratory Health

Several of anise tea’s benefits can help to improve respiratory health, making breathing easier for those dealing with one of a variety of respiratory health issues. Those dealing with respiratory infection may be able to use it to shorten recovery time, as anise tea is equipped with several natural antibacterial and antiviral components that aid the immune system in eliminating infection. It is even more effective at helping to manage the symptoms of a respiratory infection. Some of its main constituents, thymol, terpineol and anethole in particular, help to ease coughing and chest congestion. Anise tea also serves as an expectorant, which prompts the drainage of mucous and helps to clear the airways. Its antispasmodic effect helps to relax the airways that may constrict or spasm because of irritants, and may help to reduce asthmatic symptoms.