Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

Common Name:

Anise Hyssop, Licorice Mint, Hummingbird Mint, Blue Giant Hyssop

Description/Taxonomy:

Agastache foeniculum is a member of the lamiaceae family, also known as the mint family. Anise Hyssop originates from the plains and prairies of the North American Continent. Anise Hyssop shouldn't be confused with Hyssop, Star Anise, or Anise Seed.

Anise Hyssop is an erect herbaceous perennial plant with a semi-woody stem that can grow between 2-4 feet tall. The bright lavender flowers bloom from the end of summer into the beginning of fall and appear to have false whorls. The flowers bloom out of the central apex of their mantle. The leaves are oval shaped and the stems are square, which is a key characteristic for plants in the mint family. Each plant can produce up to 90,000 individual flowers, so look closely when they are blooming in your garden. When you crush the leaves of Anise Hyssop, you will note a slight licorice smell.

Anise Hyssop is a key pollinator plant. This Earth Medicine will attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden sanctuary.

Cultivation:

You can plant Anise Hyssop directly in your garden beds or container garden during spring and after the last frost. You may also start Anise Hyssop indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date to give it a boost. Anise Hyssop requires cold stratification before its seeds will sprout if you plan to start your own seeds instead of purchasing transplants from your local farmers market or garden store.

When sowing seeds or planting your Anise Hyssop transplants in the garden, it is ideal to allow 18-20 inches between each plant. Anise Hyssop is slightly bushy and has many branching stems. 

This herb is self-seeding and hardy for Zones 3-8. It prefers full sun and fertile soil that drains easily. Anise Hyssop doesn’t do well in clay rich soils.

Like all plants in the mint family, Anise Hyssop grows quickly. Its leaves and floral parts can be harvested when the flowers begin to appear, which usually occurs between June - September. Remember, when harvesting flowers or stems, it’s ideal to harvest just above a node. This will encourage new plant growth, which means more medicine for our pollinator friends and your apothecary!

History:

Although there is not much written information about the historical uses of Anise Hyssop, we do know that the First Nations peoples of the North American great plains and prairie regions worked with this Earth Medicine topically and internally for many different ailments. One of my favorite Indigenous teachings regarding Anise Hyssop is the way it was used in prayer bundles and burned to lift the spirits. The pleasant sweet licorice smell has been known to treat melancholy and depression.

Spiritual Uses:

As a flower essence, Anise Hyssop has traditionally been utilized to lift the spirits and heal trauma on a cellular level. This Earth Medicine may also help to dispel belief systems that no longer serve our consciousness. I personally find that Anise Hyssop helps to dispel the cycle of shame, blame, and guilt that can run a muck in our emotional/spiritual minds. Anise Hyssop also works on stuck emotions in our lungs.

Parts Used:

Leaves and Flowers

Herbal Actions:

Expectorant:

In general, expectorants have an affinity for the respiratory tract. They dry up mucous and help the lungs expel excessive mucous. As the lungs expel excessive mucous, the lung tissue is able to create new antibodies and this promotes the healing process. Expectorants should not be used to treat dry coughs. They are best for wet/boggy and even painful coughs.

Diaphoretic:

Anise Hyssop brings moisture to the surface of the skin when consumed through a hot infusion. This creates an overall cooling affect and is used to lower fevers.

Mild Antidepressant :

Promotes mental well being by reducing symptoms of depression and helping the body respond to stress.

Carminative:

The presence of strong volatile oils is responsible for creating this herbal action. Carminitives are focused in the digestive system and they relieve gas, bloating, and spasms in the smooth muscles. They also increase circulation within the gut and aid in the digestive process.

Anti-Viral:

The volatile oils present are responsible for this herbal action. Anti-viral herbs suppress the growth of viruses, generally through supporting the immune system. Anise Hyssop works great for the Herpes virus 1 and 2 when used topically and/or internally.

Nervine Relaxant/Sedative:

The volatile oils in the flowers are responsible for this action. In general, nervines relax, calm, and sedate the nervous system. Nervine Relaxant/Sedatives, such as Anise Hyssop, are gentle and may be consumed throughout the day to encourage a more peaceful daily experience.

Energetics:

Cooling + Sweet + Slightly drying

Medicinal Benefits:

Internal:

Upper Respiratory Congestion

Sore Throat

Digestive Disturbances

Fever Reduction

Anti-viral/Immune Support

Topical:

Herpes Virus

Burns

Cautions/Contraindications:

There are no known contraindications for this plant ally.

Dosage and Method of Delivery:

Tea: steep 2-3 tsp. per cup of hot water for 15 minutes.

Tincture: 1-2 droppersful, 2-3 times daily

Glycerin: 1-2 droppersful, 2-3 times daily

Vinegar: 1 Tbsp. daily

Topical: Crafted into an infused oil for massage or into a salve