Botanical Name: Pimpinella anisum. The anise seeds have been used since ancient times. The plant was grown, and its seeds were used as a spice in ancient Egypt, an application later adopted by the Greeks and Romans. It is primarily the seeds (botanically they are fruits) of the plant and the essential oil extracted from them that are used both as herbal medicines and in cooking. Also, the flowers and leaves of anise plant are a great addition to salads or as a garnish. The taste is very distinct and often compared to licorice root and fennel. Today, it is