Aniseed, or anise, is one of the earliest known herbs and is mentioned in records before the birth of Christ. The Greeks used teas made from anise and fennel for asthma and other respiratory ailments. Smith, A.W.
The aromatic seeds remain a popular cold remedy today.
Anise contains therapeutic phytochemicals, including creosol and alpapinene, that kill germs while clearing the lungs of congestion.
Grieve, M.
If you like the taste of licorice - you will like the taste of anise as well. The seeds make a sweet cup of hot tea that clears any stuffiness upon sipping it.