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Information about the herb Hyssop
Hyssopus
officinalis, also known as Hyssop is part of the Labiatae plant family. Hyssop is a native
of Southern Europe and Asia.
Botanical Name: Hyssopus officinalis
Plant Family: Labiatae, which includes the mint family.
History: Hyssop is a name of Greek origin. The Hyssopsus of the time of Discorides was named from azob, a holy herb.
Tradition: Hyssop has been used since Biblical times ('Purge me with Hyssop, and I shall be clean'):
- in purification baths and rituals
- strewn in homes during the Middle Ages to purify them from plagues
- to cleanse persons and objects
Contains:
- highly aromatic essential oil
- volatile oil
Action:
- antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous and fluid from the body]
- carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- pectoral [remedy for pulmonary or other lung and chest diseases]
- purgative [an agent that produces a vigorous emptying of the bowels, more drastic than a laxative or aperient]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
- sudorific [an agent that promotes or increases perspiration]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
- vermifuge [an agent to expel parasitic worms, especially of the intestines]
Medicinal Parts Used: Herb, flowering tops (blue, red and white flowers)
Hyssop is used for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- eases nervous tension and anxiety
- hysteria
- petit mal (mild epilepsy)
- soothing influence on the nervous system
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- chronic catarrh of the digestive system
- flatulence (gas/wind)
- poor digestion
- improves the tone of a weak stomach
- mucous congestion in the intestines
Female Conditions
- breast problems
Inflammatory Conditions
- relieves inflammations
- rheumatism
Liver Conditions
- jaundice
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- asthma
- bronchitis
- chronic catarrh of the respiratory system
- coughs due to colds
- head colds
- influenza
- lung ailments
- nose and throat infections
- pulmonary complaints
- sinusitis
- soothes sore throats
Used as a gargle for:
- chronic catarrh
- sore throat, with Sage
Viral Conditions
- inhibits the growth of the herpes simplex virus
Other
- chronic catarrh (often combined with Horehound)
- promotes perspiration at the start of fevers
- scrofula
Hyssop Oil has been used:
- to kill internal worms
Externally Hyssop has been used:
- for bruises and discolored contusions
- for burns
- for cuts
- for skin irritations
- for swellings
- for the relief of muscular rheumatism
- to aid in healing of wounds
- to bathe tired and aching eyes (very dilute)
Hyssop Oil is used externally for:
- head itch
- head lice
Other Uses: Hyssop is used as:
- an excellent honey
- an important constituent of Chartreuse liqueurs
- an ingredient in perfume
Caution:
- Should not be used continuously over an extended period
Global Herbal Supplies has Hyssop available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
