Anise Hyssop, Agastache foeniculum (synonym Agastache anethiodora or Stachys foeniculum), is also sometimes called Anise Mint, Giant Hyssop, Blue Giant Hyssop and Liquorice Mint. It is not related to Hyssop, Anise, Star Anise, Mint or Liquorice. It’s not as potent medicinally, either, but it is full of flavor and good in salads, as flavoring and for tea.
Anise Hyssop is a hardy perennial which reaches a height of 60-90cm (2-3 feet) and is attractive to bees. It requires a well drained sunny position, and will put up with quite poor soil, but it must never be allowed to get waterlogged.
Native Americans used anise hyssop as a remedy for coughs, and its modern uses are for colds and to lower temperature in a fever. It can also be used to treat soreness caused by excessive coughing. For all these purposes, make a standard infusion with 2-3 teaspoonfuls of fresh chopped herb or 1-2 teaspoonfuls of dried to 1 cup of boiling water. Allow to stand for at least 10 minutes, then strain and use.
In common with all medicinal herbs, it’s important that anise hyssop is grown organically so as to avoid getting chemicals in with your remedy. To find out more about growing organic anise hyssop, visit the Gardenzone.
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Soso buiutafel!!! I want to plant herbs too but I don't have a backyard yet! Any suggestions on best indoors herbology?
D
I have a two footer in my window.
It has just started blooming.
Will it pollinate itself or do I need to do it myself?
Also, at this point, how long can I wait before harvesting the leaves? Some are beginning to yellow. i use organic liquid
fish fertilizer.
Anise hyssop is hermaphrodite (has both male and female flowers on the same plant) and self-fertile in the absence of bees. You can harvest the leaves as required, the main crop for storage would be in late summer/early fall.
I don’t know where you live, as flowering is usually in July, with seeds ripening the following month.
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