Anise Hyssop, scientifically known as Agastache foeniculum, which is technically neither anise or hyssop, is a perennial herb that not only adds a delightfully bright and light licorice flavor to our tea but also provides significant benefits to both pollinators and people. Plus, it is a plant that is a towering flowering beauty in the garden. The fragrance of this columnar deer-resistant plant will bring a smile to your face and attract beneficial pollinators to garden, while deterring other flying pests.
A Haven for Pollinators
Anise Hyssop is a veritable feast for pollinators. The University of Minnesota's [Extension program](https://extension.umn.edu/planting-pollinators/anise-hyssop) states that the plant's long bloom period and rich nectar attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By planting Anise Hyssop, we can support these pollinators, all crucial for biodiversity and our food supply.
The University of Wisconsin's Master Gardener Program also promotes Anise Hyssop as a top choice for a pollinator-friendly garden. Its vibrant purple flowers are a beacon for pollinators, providing an essential food source and helping to sustain their populations. (https://wimastergardener.org/article/anise-hyssop-agastache-foeniculum/)
Health Benefits for People
But the Anise Hyssop isn't just beneficial for pollinators. It's also packed full of beautiful health benefits for us humans, too. According to the University of Michigan's Health Library (https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2107008), Anise Hyssop has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its potential to alleviate respiratory issues and digestive problems. When blended together with other lung-healthy plants like Purple Tulsi and Calendula, it becomes a powerhouse to protect against respiratory illnesses and even protection when the fires raise the AQI. Native people groups in the United States have documented over 1,000 medicinal uses of the plant. The Iroquois are said to have even burned the plant for its fragrant mood-lifting properties.
Additionally, the University of Wisconsin's Master Gardener Program mentions that the leaves and flowers of Anise Hyssop can be used in teas, offering a sweet, licorice-like flavor. This makes it a delightful addition to any tea blend, including our very own Tumalo Tea. (https://wimastergardener.org/article/anise-hyssop-agastache-foeniculum/)
Sustainability Keeps Growing
This year, we planted over a hundred of the Native North American Agastache plants due to their incredible drought tolerance and their ability to survive and thrive through the sometimes brutally cold high desert winters of Central Oregon. Which makes growing better a lot easier.
At Tumalo Tea, we believe in crafting blends that not only offer health benefits but also contribute to supporting pollinators and restoring a healthier ecosystem. And that is exactly what we are committed to – creating beautifully beneficial blends to create a happier and healthier community. Including Anise Hyssop in our tea is a testament to our commitment towards promoting biodiversity and offering healthy products. And that is what we are busy doing right now – creating new blends for you and your family to enjoy.
So next time you sip on a blend from Tumalo Tea, you're not just enjoying a cup of tea - you're supporting pollinators and your health while indulging in a cup full of goodness.
Steep Love.