Anise lofant - medicinal herb native to North America. This plant is a relative of lemon balm and catnip, but the effect it has on viruses, microbes and fungi is an order of magnitude stronger.
Lofant has wonderful aromatic, honey and healing qualities.
Aniseed lofant: useful or not?
Aniseed lofant is a herbaceous perennial of the family of Luminous. Depending on the place of cultivation and the characteristics of this plant has different names: licorice mint, anise hyssop. The international name of the grass is multicolon fennel. Shrub can reach a height of 1-1.5 meters. 
The lofant's foliage is similar in shape to nettle leaves. Flowers are collected in spike-shaped lilac, white and even blue inflorescences. The stems and leaves of the herb are rich in essential oils, thanks to which the lofant exudes a strong mint-anise flavor. From the stems and leaves are prepared tinctures, decoctions, fees, cream and many other healing tools.
Did you know? The first mentions of the essential oilpickled hyssop found in the writings of the ancient Greek healer Hippocrates. The Greeks and Romans used the plant to stimulate the appetite. The herb was also used in ancient Chinese and medieval Arabic healing. In India, this spicy plant was known in the 5th century AD. Licorice mint was also used as a spice in Kievan Rus. Here grass was often seasoned with roasted apples. The aroma of spices is very harmoniously combined with the taste of apples.Anise lofant is surrounded by many rumors and myths: the plant is attributed to various miraculous healing properties, sometimes calling it a panacea for almost all diseases. This statement is a great exaggeration, but this herb has some healing properties. The fennel polygrim does not cause any harm to the human body; on the contrary, its correct use brings incomparable benefits.
From the earliest times the indigenous inhabitants of North America - the Indians - knew about the benefits of a fennel multicolumn. They healed this herb with various skin diseases and purulent wounds, and also used for coughing, fever, diarrhea. When the anise lofant began to be grown as a honey-bearing and ornamental plant in European countries, its benefits and harms became the subject of close attention of folk healers. Doctors have found it very promising and began to apply in their recipes.Today the lofant is not a pharmacopoeial plant and is not used in official medicine. However, this plant is recognized as a highly promising material for creating drugs with bactericidal, antioxidant, immunostimulating and fungicidal actions. Pilotropic and antioxidant properties of anise hyssop can make it a valuable material for medical cosmetics. 
Important! Stop using apickled hyssopif you find yourself an allergic reaction or an individual intolerance to the plant.
Chemical composition
The subject of scientific research anisic lofant was only at the beginning of the 21st century. Therefore, the chemical composition of this herb is not fully understood. It is known that all parts of a plant contain the following components:
- malic, citric, caffeic and ascorbic acid;
- tanning components (about 9%);
- phenolic compounds;
- glycosides;
- flavonoids;
- alkaloids.
Also in the fennel multi-grays, vitamins of group B (B1, B2), iodine, iron, manganese, copper, chromium, zinc and selenium are found. 
The aerial part of the lofant consists of almost 15% of the essential oil. In the essential oil contains up to 80% methylchavicol, the plant itself, and the plant owes its extraordinary anise fragrance. In general, the essential oil of licorice mint contains up to 20 chemical elements, their concentration is variable, and depending on the dominance of a substance, the grass slightly changes its aroma - mint, lemon or fruit notes are shown.
Did you know? Licorice mint is part of almost all liqueurs produced today.
Beneficial features
In terms of their impact on viruses, microbes and fungi, licorice mint is on a par with potent essential oil herbs. The essential oil of lofanta has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal properties and can be used in dermatology. Concentrated decoction can be used as an external agent for fungi and skin diseases. Baths with a lofant are very useful, they soothe and disinfect the skin.
In dermatology also used asparagus, parsnip, kupenu, peony, basil, sphagnum moss, bathing echinacea, horsetail.
Tincture of this herb stimulates the digestive system, normalizes metabolism. Fennel multicolon is also a strong biostimulant and is used as a tonic. Therefore, a lofant is often called "northern ginseng". Regular use of herbs as a collection, seasoning, tinctures or decoction strengthen and enhance immunity.
Preparations from the stalks and flowers of the plant relieve from physical and mental fatigue, save in the fight against stressful conditions, increase the efficiency and endurance of the body. In addition, the plant has valuable properties that can slow down the aging process. The plant cleanses the body of toxins, toxins and other harmful elements. 
To prepare a decoction of fennel multicolon one tablespoon of crushed (fresh or dried) leaves, stems and flowers of the lofant pour one cup of boiling water. Infuse liquid in a thermos for about 2 hours. Then strain the drink. Apply this broth before meals for half a cup three times a day.
For the inhabitants of megacities with a poor state of the environment, anise hyssop can be a real salvation. This herb will protect your body from the harmful effects of bad ecology, and will also contribute to the removal of toxic elements and heavy metals from the body.
If you add a little licorice mint when cooking stewed fruit or jam, the berries in your blanks will reveal their taste and aroma as much as possible. 
Did you know? Anise hyssop perfectly removes the aroma of garlic from the mouth and hands. In addition, the plant is able to remove the smell of sweat and get rid of fume.
What is treated with anise lofant?
The medicinal properties of anisome lofanta are widely used in traditional medicine. Healers use the entire terrestrial part of the plant. In addition to general strengthening goals, licorice mint is directly used to get rid of specific ailments:
- Treats a headache.
- Relieves insomnia and problems with the nervous system.
- Helps with vegetative dystonia.
- Lowers blood pressure in people with hypertension.
- Heal minor wounds and burns.
- Eliminates swelling caused by diseases of the veins of the lower extremities.
- Helps fight liver and gastrointestinal problems.
- Effective with colds.
- Struggles with a decrease in visual acuity and hearing impairment.
- Relieves inflammation of the urogenital system and normalizes hormones.
In official medicine, a lofant is sometimes used for the speedy recovery of a patient after surgery or childbirth.Are there any contraindications?
In addition to the beneficial properties of anise lofant has some contraindications. It should not be used in children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. The plant is contraindicated for people suffering from thrombophlebitis, epilepsy, patients with cancer, as well as persons with hypotension (low blood pressure). It is not recommended to use lofant with frequent muscle cramps.
Important! Even in the absence of contraindications or allergic reactions, it will not be superfluous to consult a doctor before taking a lofant.Here is a magic plant - anise lofant. We recommend all summer residents to plant it on the site. Thanks to its rich vitamin and mineral composition, this herb will benefit you every day.
