Agastache foeniculum
Traditionally used as a carminative to ease gas, bloating, and mild digestive discomfort, and as an expectorant to loosen respiratory mucus. Taken warm, it’s used as a diaphoretic during a feverish cold. It’s also gently relaxing and pleasant as an evening or digestive tea — a nervine and aromatic all in one.
Harvest leaves in late spring through early summer, before flowering, for culinary use.
Carminative — Helps relieve gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort
Diaphoretic — Encourages sweating
Expectorant — Helps loosen and move mucus from the lungs and chest
Similar herbs: Bee Balm, Catnip, Chamomile
Herbaceous perennial.
USDA Zones 4–8.
Seed or nursery plant. Choose Agastache foeniculum.
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Surface sow; light helps germination.
Harvest leaves once established and gather flowers as they open.
Fall sowing or spring sowing both work well.
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Steep anise hyssop in hot water to draw out its flavour and water-soluble properties. The best everyday preparation for this plant.
Cut the upper leafy stems as flowering begins. Use fresh, or dry in a single layer out of direct sun until crisp.
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Infuse anise hyssop into honey for a sweet preparation, taken by the spoonful or stirred into drinks. Especially useful for a soothing, aromatic preparation.
