Does Anise Hyssop Have Medicinal Benefits?

Individual parts of the plant are used for different purposes but leaves are the most useful ones. Indeed, the leaves of hyssop can be used in herbal tea or added fresh in small quantities to a salad with other greens. The dried leaves can be used for medicinal purposes to treat coughs, fevers, wounds, and diarrhea.

What is anise hyssop good for?

Early Americans harnessed its medicinal powers and found that Anise Hyssop worked as a cough suppressant, fever reducer, and sore throat ameliorator – an ideal solution for common colds and flus. Since the plant has antibacterial qualities, it was also used in salves to treat wounds, burns and infections.

Can I eat anise hyssop?

Culinary. Both the flowers and leaves of Anise-Hyssop are edible. The leaves have a pleasant mild licorice/anise flavor while the flowers add a hint of floral sweetness. Harvested fresh, leaves can be added to summer pasta dishes or cold vegetable soups.

Which hyssop is medicinal?

Hyssopus officinalis
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a plant that’s been used medicinally for centuries, possibly even as far back as Biblical times (it’s mentioned in the Old Testament). The above-ground parts of the plant are what are used for medicine, not the roots.

What are the benefits of drinking hyssop tea?

Hyssop tea may offer mild benefits for heart health, mainly by decreasing inflammation and improving circulation, which helps to decrease the risk of heart attack, blood clots, and blood sugar related disorders.

What is the difference between hyssop and anise hyssop?

Despite these names, anise hyssop is neither anise (Pimpinella anisum) nor hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis). Although, like hyssop, it is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Anise hyssop is a perennial plant in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4-8. It prefers well-drained soil in part sun to full sun.

Is anise hyssop the same as lavender?

Also called fragrant, lavender, or blue giant hyssop, this is an aromatic herb. The leaves have a refreshingly sweet smell and taste, like a combination of anise, licorice, and mint. Arranged in opposing fashion, the leaves are medium green, and shaped like spears with scalloped edges.

How is hyssop used for medicinal purposes?

Some people use hyssop as a gargle; in baths to cause sweating; and on the skin for treating skin irritations, burns, bruises, and frostbite. In foods, hyssop oil and extract are used as a flavoring. In manufacturing, hyssop oil is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.

What part of anise hyssop is used for tea?

Leaves
Anise hyssop has a long history of use. Leaves can be used as a seasoning, dried for use in tea, used fresh in salads, or made into jellies. As leaves maintain their scent well when dried, anise hyssop can also be used in potpourri.

Is hyssop used in cooking?

Both the flowers and leaves are edible, and if you can score fresh hyssop at a garden or farmers market, you can use them like other fresh delicate herbs in salads, pastas, and summer soups. The flowers can be used for garnishes.

Is hyssop good for lungs?

1. Helps Respiratory Conditions. Hyssop is antispasmodic, meaning it relieves spasms in the respiratory system and soothes coughs. (2) It’s also an expectorant — it loosens phlegm that has been deposited in the respiratory tracts.

What is hyssop called today?

hyssop, (Hyssopus officinalis), evergreen garden herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves and flowers.

What does the Bible say about hyssop?

In Psalm 51:7 he wrote “Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” The sixth reference is during Jesus’ crucifixion when Hyssop was dipped in vinegar and wiped across Jesus’ lips to ease the suffering.

Is hyssop good for urinary tract infection?

Fights infection
As a purported antimicrobial, hyssop oil may act as a natural antibiotic to fight certain infections. These may include upper respiratory infection, urinary tract infection, and infections of the skin.

Is hyssop good for diabetes?

Use. Toxic effects of hyssop essential oil limit therapeutic applications. Although no clinical evidence supports use, animal research indicates the potential for use of hyssop extract in diabetes and for its antimicrobial and CNS effects.

Should I cut back anise hyssop?

Pruning. Anise Hyssop is a fairly independent plant and won’t need much attention once it has established itself in your landscape. Occasional pruning can help encourage the plant to bloom and keep the plant looking its best. Pruning is best done in early spring, using a pair of clean pruning shears.

Is anise hyssop toxic to dogs?

Hyssop oil is toxic to dogs and other animals when ingested. It is used topically to prevent Lyme disease in dogs when applied to tick bites. Consuming the plant in large doses can cause respiratory tract irritation and seizures.

Where does anise hyssop grow?

Native to prairies, dry upland forested areas, plains and fields in the upper Midwest and Great Plains into Canada (from northern Colorado to Wisconsin and in Canada from Ontario west to British Columbia), this plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae) is hardy in zones 3 to 8. Anise hyssop has an upright form.

How do you harvest anise hyssop?

How to harvest: Snip leaves as needed, starting from the bottom of the plant. Use a snip or garden scissors. Gather leaves in the morning. To dry leaves for tea, cut whole stems about 4 to 5 inches from the base of the plant and strip the leaves away.

Does anise hyssop attract bees?

Anise Hyssop (Agastache Foeniculum)
Not only is anise hyssop rich in nectar, but it also blooms for weeks and keeps several species of bees busy feeding. The honey from bees that forage on anise hyssop is very sweet.

Does anise hyssop come back every year?

Anise Hyssop blooms in the second year. If you cut it back by 1/3 after bloom, the plant will bush out and bloom again. It easily self seeds.