Awesome Garden Herbs – Anise Hyssop

It’s summer, yay! I have tons of herbs growing in my garden and I was out the other day, trying to recall the benefits of each herb, but I couldn’t remember.  And then it came to me…

Make a series of posts about it!  That benefits us all, right?

The first herb up today is an American native – Anise Hyssop aka Agastache foeniculum.

This delightfully scented perennial tastes lightly of anise and fresh mint with a natural sweetness.  It tastes fantastic as a tea, or even just chewed on.  I made some refreshing iced tea with it this afternoon and it really hit the spot when the temperatures are hovering around 90 degrees outside.

Anise Hyssop is part of the mint family but it doesn’t spread like crazy.  It dies down to the ground in the winter and sends up its cute little leaves in early spring to say, hey, I’m back, let’s do this again!

On the medicinal side of things, Anise Hyssop is a very calming herb. I’ve steeped it into a tea on days when I’m stressed out and it sends me to a place of zen where I can relax. Thankfully, this herb does relax, but leaves you feeling very calm and clear headed too, not a bad combo.
Used as a tea, the leaves are also good for congestion, opening up the airways, and lowering the fever of a cold.  Like many other herbs, Anise hyssop has antibacterial, anti inflammatory and anti viral properties.  Drink it after a meal you know will cause gas and digestive discomfort like uncle Ike’s flaming Cajun chili and you will be good to go!

To make iced Anise Hyssop tea, pour 12 ounces of boiling water over 2 TBS of fresh chopped herbs and steep until cool.  Add honey, maple syrup or whatever sweetener you desire and pour over ice. Ahh! So cool and fresh!

The bees love the little purple plumes the Anise Hyssop sends up mid summer and we love pollinators!  So, yet another reason to add this wonderful herb to your garden bed.

If you want to learn more details on Anise Hyssop, here are some great links that expound on its growing habits, etc:

More info on growing: Mother Earth News

More info on it medicinal uses: Sand Mountain Herbs

What are some of your favorite herbs? Favorite teas? Tell me all about it, I ‘d love to hear from you!

Thanks
Angie