Agastache foeniculum
The flowering plant called anise hyssop is revered not only for its looks but for its medicinal potential as well. Although the benefits of this herb are still being discovered, it is believed to be a heart and stomach aid1. Its high anti-oxidative and antibacterial properties may be due to its main component: the sweet-spicy chemical called methyl chavicol2. Anise hyssop is one of many traditional plant remedies that promise the potential to reduce our need for antibiotics3. This is wonderful news, as the more antibiotics we use, the more prevalent antibiotic resistant bacteria become, which leads to the obsolescence of several important medications. As a member of the mint family, we are stoked to have anise hyssop growing on the farm for its natural pest repellant qualities and honeybee-attracting nectar4. FPF’s dried leaves and flowers of anise hyssop can be steeped in tea, alcohol, honey, or jelly for a hint of sage and licorice flavor.
1Hashemi, M., Ehsani, A., Hassani, A., Afshari, A., Aminzare, M., Sahranavard, T., & Azimzadeh, Z. (2017). Phytochemical, Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antioxidant Properties of Agastache foeniculum Essential Oil. Journal of Chemical Health Risks, 7(2), 95–104. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.unh.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=123116636&site=ehost-live
2Mallavarapu, G. R., Kulkarni, R. N., Baskaran, K., & Ramesh, S. (2004). The essential oil composition of anise hyssop grown in India. Flavour & Fragrance Journal, 19(4), 351–353. https://doi-org.unh.idm.oclc.org/10.1002/ffj.1316
3Pașca, C., Mărghitaș, L., Dezmirean, D., Bobiș, O., Bonta, V., Chirilă, F., . . . Fiț, N. (2017). Medicinal plants based products tested on pathogens isolated from mastitis milk. Molecules, 22(9), 1473. doi:http://dx.doi.org.unh.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/molecules22091473
4Ebadollahi, A. (2011). Chemical Constituents and Toxicity of Agastache foeniculum (PURSH) KUNTZE Essential Oil Against Two Stored-Product Insect Pests. Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research, 71(2), 212–217. https://doi-org.unh.idm.oclc.org/10.4067/S0718-58392011000200005
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