The Anise Hyssop

SUNDAYS IN THE GARDEN/ AUGUST 2ND, 2020

Welcome back everyone! Today we are going to take a look at the Anise Hyssop, an herb from our herb garden here at O’Hara.

The Anise Hyssop is a perennial native to North and Central America. While it looks similar to lavender, this herb is actually part of the Lamiaceae family, or as its more commonly known, the mint family.

The Anise Hyssop has a wide range of uses that make it a handy herb to have around.

Medicinally, this herb can be used for treatment and prevention of a variety of illnesses. The leaves once made into a tea help to stimulate the digestive system, and also help to cure diarrhea. The tea is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial which makes it helpful in the treatments of colds and chest pains, as well as respiratory illnesses. It also works to induce sweating to break fevers. The tea is also a mild sedative.

Topically the herb can be used to heal injuries and burns, as well as to treat sunburns and poison Ivy.

Both the flowers and leaves can be used in salads, including fruit salads. The leaves can be used as a seasoning on pork or rice dishes as well!

Dried the flowers are ideal for making potpourri.

The Anise Hyssop and its many uses make it a staple to have in any working herb garden!