Dried Anise Seeds

Anise, also called aniseed or Pimpinella anisum, is a plant that hails from the same family as carrots, celery and parsley.

It can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) tall and produces flowers and a small white fruit known as anise seed.

Anise has a distinct, licorice-like taste and is often used to add flavor to desserts and drinks.

It’s also known for its powerful health-promoting properties and acts as a natural remedy for a wide variety of ailments.

Though anise seed is used in relatively small amounts, it packs a good amount of several important micronutrients into each serving.

In particular, anise seed is rich in iron, which is vital for the production of healthy blood cells in your body.

It also contains a small amount of manganese, a key mineral that acts as an antioxidant and is necessary for metabolism and development.

One study showed that anise seed extract exhibited powerful antidepressant properties in mice and was as effective as a common prescription medication used to treat depression.