It has been known since the 12th Century that the aniseed flavoured herb fennel is good for eyesight. Hildegard of Bingen who was a herbalist of that time said that fennel strengthened the eyes, brain and hearing. The poet, Longfellow wote " above the lower plants it towers, the fennel with it's yellow flowers, and in an earlier age than ours, was gifted with the wondrous powers, lost vision to restore" So what's that got to do with Anise myrtle? a lot they both have that same aromatic aniseed flavour and the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation has been doing extensive research on Anise myrtle and found that it is not only high in Vitamin E but also lutein, a carotenoid compound that plays an important role in eye health.
Chlorophyll a and b have also been identified, this is implicated in the reduction of oxidative stress in the human body, which is linked with the prevention of chronic diseases.
Anise myrtle (Backhousia anisata) is a medium-sized tree grown int he rainforest areas of eastern Australia and is related to the lemon myrtle.
To use in cooking it can be substituted for Stan Anise, Pernod or even fennel to give that great aniseed flavour. Use with fish or chicken or what I often do it put some in when I'm baking vegetables, just mix Anise myrtle with a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper and add.
