Thanks to to our new hoop house set up my anise hyssop is already up and huge. I can’t wait to use the leaves in recipes as there is an over abundance. Always thinking ahead, I saved some of its precious dried flowers from last summer for later use. I finally found something worthy of their use. Earl Grey tea is a daily ritual for me. I don’t know what it is about bergamot that I find soothing and settling. It is common to find Lady Grey which has the added addition of lavender and other floral notes.
Lady Grey Granola
2 cups of rolled oats
1/4 cup of sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup of walnut oil
1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
1 tsp of dried or fresh lavender flowers
1 tsp of hyssop flowers
1/2 tsp of Earl Grey Tea
2 TBSP of hemp seeds
Preheat your over to 350
Mix all of the above ingredients in a very large bowl until well combined.
Bake 5-10 minutes until browned. You do not want the granola to catch and burn so watch it carefully.
Break it up with a spoon as soon as you remove it from the oven. Let it cool and continue to break it up with your hands. Store in a container with a tight lid.
Agastache is in the mint family. It is one of the few cultivated medicinal herbs that is native to North America. This perennial grows up to three feet in height. It has brilliant green leaves that are oval/spade shaped with pointed tips. These are oppositely arranged on a square stem and have a fuzzy underside. Anise hyssop has very small purple/blue flowers densely arranged on a spike, typically at the end of each stalk. It prefers to grow in moist habitats with full sun. When rubbed with the fingers the plant has a pleasant anise/spicy scent. This subtle flavor makes it fun to use in all kinds of recipes from sorbet to lamb.
Anise hyssop has a warming stimulating action that clears heat. It supports the the lungs, digestive system and spleen. Historically it has been used for bloating, nausea, gas, indigestion, vomiting and diarrhea. It can be added in a respiratory formula for flu, fever, colds, asthma, bronchitis and sore throat. The aerial parts can be used in a poultice to be applied externally for migraine, heatstroke, sore, fungal infections, bruises, bug bites, and burns.
Parts used:Flowers and Leaves
Energetics:pungent, sweet, warm, dry
Element:air
Contraindications: None, can be used regularly as a “tonic”or in culinary dishes. Anise hyssop has the same medicinal uses as Hyssopus officinalis but different essential oils and constituents. Hyssopus is much stronger and should not be taken in large doses or in the long term as medicine.
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