“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone – Matthew 23:23
Anise is commonly known as dill. In Jesus’ time it was given as a tithe. Apparently, the Talmud requires that the seeds, leaves and stem of dill be used to pay tithes. It is also believed that the Romans served it in order to avoid indigestion and flatulence.
In medieval times people used anise to gargle and to treat tonsillitis. Pliny recommended chewing it to get rid of “morning breath” and advised people to keep it near the bed to prevent bad dreams. During the 16th century, Europeans used anise to bait mice and trap them.
Read about its many benefits, one of which is reducing menstrual pains.
Sources: Bible Study Tools; Our Herb Garden; Foodofy
