WILD
FOODIES' HOME PAGE
PLANT PROFILE LIST
NAME: Purple Giant Hyssop
SPECIES / FAMILY: Agastache Scrophulariifolia / Lamiaceae or Labiatae
OTHER COMMON NAME(S):
CONDITIONS:
sun/shade
|
PARTS: |
EDIBLE |
TASTE |
RAW/COOK |
SEASON |
|
All |
|
|
|
|
|
Shoots |
|
sage/mint |
RAW/COOK |
Summer |
|
Leaves |
|
sage/mint |
RAW/COOK |
Summer |
|
Stalk/Stem |
|
|
|
|
|
Buds |
||||
|
Flowers |
|
sage/mint |
RAW |
Summer |
|
Fruits |
|
|
|
|
|
Pods |
|
|||
|
Seeds |
|
|
|
|
|
Nuts |
|
|
|
|
|
Roots |
|
|
|
|
|
Bark |
|
|
|
|
PORTION: small
COMMENT/CAUTION: A mint. Leaves and young shoot tips - raw or used as a flavouring in soups, salads etc. A strongly aromatic flavour, somewhat like a cross between sage and mint, it has fallen out of favour in recent years. It can be used fresh or dried. Flowers - raw. Added to salads. An essential oil from the plant is used as a food flavouring.(1) Many people use this plant for its aromatic effects. Its leaves are edible.(2)
CAUTION: This oil should not be used on people who are highly strung as it can cause epileptic symptoms. The essential oil should not be used internally except under professional supervision. The plant should not be used by pregnant women, however, since in large quantities it can induce a miscarriage.(1) Excessive mint exposure may cause an arthritic condition.
NUTRITION/MEDICINAL: The Meskwaki use an infusion of the root as a diuretic, and also use a compound of the plant heads medicinally. (2) The leaves and flowering tops are antiseptic, antitussive, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, pectoral, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vasodilator. The plant can be harvested when in full flower and dried for later use. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of flatulence, stomach-aches, upper respiratory tract infections, coughs in children etc. A poultice made from the fresh herb is used to heal wounds. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy.(1)
LOOK-A-LIKES: Annise Hyssop
POISONOUS LOOK-A-LIKES:
OTHER USES: Any mint is an insect and rodent repellent, just put some in a blender with water, sieve out fiber, use mint water to damp mop and dust. Also use to rinse woolen clothes to keep moths away.
SOURCE LINKS (may include nutritional and medicinal info, plus other uses):