Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a member of the Lamiaceae family, native to North America, Canada, and United States. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and stems have been used for infusions, decoctions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its carminative, expectorant, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and mediterranean herbal traditions.

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Anise Hyssop
Scientific Name	Agastache foeniculum
Plant Family	Lamiaceae
Genus	Agastache
Species	foeniculum
Native Range	North America, Canada, United States
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Carminative, Expectorant, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Agastache foeniculum
Common Name: Anise Hyssop
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Blue Hyssop, Licorice Hyssop, Greek Hyssop
Plant Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Agastache

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Lamina is broadly ovate with a dull green upper surface and a lighter green lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Bilaterally symmetric flowers with two-lipped corolla, violet to blue-purple coloration, whorled arrangement, glandular hairs on floral surfaces, tubular throat with two lobes, staminodes present.
Stems: Culinary herbs with erect growth habit, opposite branching pattern, and hairy surface characteristics.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Powder
Culinary Use

Medicinal Actions

Carminative: In herbal texts, considered a warming carminative, for digestive process support.
Expectorant: As described in traditional systems, a mild expectorant, in respiratory system contexts.
Bitter: Traditionally described as a soothing bitter, in appetite-focused contexts.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a moderate tonic, for long-term use contexts.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A collective term for aromatic compounds extracted from plant material.
Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Terpenoid: A chemical class commonly associated with volatile plant constituents.
Coumarin: A group of secondary metabolites present in seeds, roots, and leaves.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Culinary Use: This method integrates plant material into edible preparations.
Capsule: Powdered plant material is enclosed in a capsule for oral consumption.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.