Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a beautiful plant, a perennial herb that is native to North America. It thrives in sunny locations and has long spikes of lavender-colored flowers that generally bloom June through September. It’s a member of the mint family.
There is a big patch in my garden. It has spread out a lot since I planted it two years ago because it grows in “clumps.” It is constantly buzzing with honeybees….
Anise hyssop is not only beautiful to look at (the cut flowers make any arrangement look better), but it is also edible. The flowers taste like very sweet licorice.
Anise Hyssop makes a delicious tea that is said to benefit digestion. Simple anise hyssop tea is made by letting 2 cups of boiled water steep with 2 tablespoons of bruised fresh leaves for about 5 minutes. Then, strain the tea and serve hot or cold.
Judith Benn Hurley suggests using the tea to poach peaches in her book The Good Herb: Recipes and Remedies from Nature. This is a great idea that I will definitely try.
The leaves can also be added to baked goods, including fruit tart and pie crusts. Add it to cookies, breads, or other baked goods that taste good with black licorice. Lemon pairs well with anise hyssop, so give this Lemony Anise Hyssop Tea Bread a try.
I recently discovered that anise hyssop leaves make a wonderful addition to salads. Yesterday, I combined some sauteed greens with cherry tomatoes, cooked fava beans, and naturally smoked mozzarella. I put some extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar on top, and then I sprinkled chopped anise hyssop on top of that. Yum!.
Hurley says that anise hyssop is also very useful as a medicine. For example, the Cheyenne and Chippewa used the flowers and leaves to treat colds and coughs. I’m going to dry the leaves in a month or two and then store them in honey so I can use them to treat sickness this winter. This might work well instead of my Garlic Honey Sore Throat Remedy, which I really liked.
Hyssop tea is a time-honored herbal infusion known for its comforting, minty taste and wide range of potential health benefits. Made from the leaves and flower tops of the hyssop plant, this aromatic tea has been used for centuries as a home remedy to soothe sore throats, improve digestion, boost immunity, and more
Whether you’re an experienced herb gardener looking to make tea from your homegrown hyssop or want to try hyssop tea bags from the store, preparing this soothing brew is simple. Read on to learn all about hyssop tea including how to make it, tips for blending your own signature recipes and the many ways it can promote wellness.
What is Hyssop?
Hyssop is a perennial herb that has been valued since ancient times for its medicinal, culinary, and ornamental uses. Botanically known as Hyssopus officinalis, hyssop is a member of the mint family and has small lance-shaped leaves with bright green or purple-tinged foliage depending on variety.
Native to parts of Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, hyssop grows 1-2 feet tall on upright woody stems. It produces spikes of tubular flowers in shades of blue, pink, white, or purple from mid-summer into fall. These long lasting blooms also make hyssop a beautiful addition to flower gardens and pollinator habitats.
In addition to brewing tea, hyssop has other uses as an herb. Its flowers impart a sweet, anise-like flavor to baked goods, salads, and beverages when fresh or dried. As an essential oil, hyssop is valued in aromatherapy and herbal medicine for its calming therapeutic properties.
Health Benefits of Hyssop Tea
For centuries, hyssop tea has been taken to treat upper respiratory congestion, improve lung health, and relieve digestive issues. Modern research shows that hyssop contains antioxidants like quercetin and caffeic acid that have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting activities.
Some of the main health benefits associated with drinking hyssop tea include
- Alleviating sore throat pain and coughing
- Helping clear congestion from colds, flu, and allergies
- Soothing irritated mucous membranes
- Relieving indigestion, gas, and bloating
- Acting as a mild sedative to ease anxiety
- Increasing circulation and heart health
- Providing antioxidants that fight cell damage
Of course, always check with your doctor before using herbal remedies like hyssop tea to treat any health condition. But a steaming cup can be a tasty, natural way to promote overall wellness.
How to Make Hyssop Tea
One of the joys of herbal tea is that you can use either fresh or dried herbs. Follow this easy recipe to make your own soothing hyssop tea:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tsp dried hyssop leaves/flowers or 4-6 fresh sprigs
- 8-12 oz fresh boiled water
- Sweetener like honey, lemon, or mint (optional)
Instructions:
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Bring water to a boil, then remove from heat. Let cool 1-2 minutes.
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Place hyssop in a teapot or infuser basket. Pour the hot water over.
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Allow to steep for 5-7 minutes for dried herb or 7-10 minutes for fresh.
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Strain tea into mugs. Add natural sweeteners if desired.
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Sip slowly while hot. Can be reheated as needed.
Start with 1 teaspoon dried or a small handful of fresh leaves per cup of water. Adjust to taste, as too much hyssop can become quite bitter.
Tips for Making Great Hyssop Tea:
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Use spring or summer leaves for best flavor. Harvest before flowers bloom.
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Rinse fresh hyssop to remove dirt then gently pat dry with paper towels.
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Crush dried leaves lightly to release oils before steeping.
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Try combining hyssop with mint, lemon balm, lavender, ginger or fennel.
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Avoid steeping more than 10 minutes as tea can become bitter.
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Sweeten with honey, especially for sore throats, or lemon juice.
Delicious Hyssop Tea Blends to Try
One benefit of homemade herbal tea is the creativity to invent your own signature blends! Here are some delightful hyssop tea recipes:
Throat Soother Tea: Combine hyssop, lemon slices, grated ginger, raw honey, and pinch of turmeric.
Tummy Tea: Mix hyssop, fennel seeds, peppermint, and chamomile for indigestion relief.
Cold & Flu Blend: Steep hyssop with boneset, elderflower, cinnamon, and lemon.
Calming Tea: Brew hyssop, passionflower, rose petals, and valerian root for mild sedation.
Moroccan Mint Tea: Blend hyssop, spearmint, green tea, and orange flower water. Sweeten with sugar.
Feel free to get creative and blend hyssop with your favorite relaxing or uplifting herbs for custom tea experiences!
Growing and Harvesting Hyssop
One of the simplest herbs to grow, hyssop thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Here are some tips for growing your own hyssop:
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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost. Transplant seedlings 18 inches apart.
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Or plant hyssop transplants after danger of frost has passed.
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Cut back stems by half after the first flush of flowers to encourage bushy regrowth.
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Water weekly if rainfall is less than 1 inch. Avoid wet leaves.
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Harvest leaves and flowers as needed once plants are established.
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Cut stems just above leaf sets to stimulate continuous regrowth all season long.
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Dry leaves out of direct sun, then store in glass jars to preserve aroma.
With proper care, even a small patio container or garden bed can produce enough hyssop for batches of fresh tea all season.
Final Thoughts on Hyssop Tea
From its fragrant aroma to its slightly bittersweet taste, hyssop makes a comforting, minty-flavored tea that helps soothe health woes and daily stresses. Drinking homemade hyssop tea is an easy way to access its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial benefits as a natural remedy.
It’s also fun to get creative blending hyssop with other healing herbs for custom tea experiences. Whether you grow your own or buy dried leaves, brewing a steaming cup of hyssop infusion is a relaxing ritual that can promote overall wellbeing.
More Anise Hyssop Recipe Ideas
How to make Hyssop Tea
FAQ
What part of hyssop is used for tea?
Can you drink hyssop tea everyday?
What part of hyssop is edible?
How do you make hyssop tea?
To make hyssop tea, bring 8-12 ounces of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of dried hyssop leaves to a tea infuser or teapot. Pour the water over the dried leaves. Allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes Add honey and a teaspoon of lemon juice for flavor..
What is hyssop tea?
Hyssop tea is a popular herbal tea that is made from the dried leaves and flowers of the hyssop plant. It has a unique flavor and is said to possess many health benefits. If you’re looking to make your own hyssop tea at home, there are a few things you should know. First, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right type of hyssop.
How much hyssop should I use for a cup of tea?
The amount of hyssop you use for a cup of tea is largely dependent on your personal preference. As a general rule of thumb, one teaspoon of dried hyssop leaves should be enough for a single cup of tea. However, if you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add up to two teaspoons of hyssop leaves.
Can You brew hyssop tea?
Brewing your own hyssop tea is an excellent way to enjoy the flavor, aroma, and health benefits of this herb. Hyssop tea is known for its sweet, minty flavor and its ability to soothe respiratory ailments, such as asthma and bronchitis. To make the most out of your hyssop tea, it is important to steep it for the right amount of time.
What herbs can you add to hyssop tea?
Peppermint: Peppermint is another great herb to add to hyssop tea. It has a cooling, minty flavor and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Adding a few fresh leaves of peppermint to your hyssop tea will give it a refreshing flavor and provide additional health benefits.
How do you choose a Hyssop plant for tea?
Common Hyssop is an herbaceous plant with attractive, small purple and white flowers. It is native to Europe and western Asia, but can be found in many other parts of the world. When choosing a hyssop plant for tea, look for a plant that has thick, shiny leaves and strong stems. A healthy plant will also have a pleasant herbal scent.