Fruit of an umbrella plant, it is cultivated for its intense perfume and mostly used in confectionery, liquor industry and pharmacy. It enters in the composition of many sweets and aromatic breads, as well as sweets and various alcoholic beverages, including the Provençal Anisette and the infamous antique absinthe. The most known effect of anise is the digestive one and for this reason was already appreciated by the Romans who used it at the end of the most demanding banquets. Anise is also carminative and antispasmodic and so it is used for herbal teas and digestive infusions. It also promotes relaxation and it is often present in medicines for cough.