HISTORY

Anise is one of the oldest known seeds, and the aniseed plant has been cultivated in Egypt for at least 4,000 years. Ancient Romans purportedly hung Anise plants near their pillows to prevent bad dreams, and also used it to aid digestion and ward off epileptic attacks.

Ancient Roman wedding ceremonies often concluded with the breaking of a cake of wheat or barley containing anise over the bride's head as a symbol of good fortune. And centuries later, King Edward IV was said to have slept on bed linens that had been perfumed with anise.