Anise Hyssop, native American remedy for coughs
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, 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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November 3rd, 2008 at 13:31
[...] Hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis, has certainly been in use a very long time, and was once seen as a virtual cure-all, although it’s not used so much nowadays. However, it’s still a popular home remedy, used mainly for chest and stomach complaints. It’s not closely related to Anise Hyssop. [...]