Hyssop

Hyssop

With thanks to Donna Harvey

Latin Name: Hyssopus officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae

Part used: Leaf & flowers
Energetics: Warming & Drying
Iris: Lymphatic
Interactions: None reported.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

  • Avoid during pregnancy.
  • Avoid in epilepsy and seizure disorders (it contains pinocamphone which, as a volatile oil, can sometimes cause epileptic seizures; therefore, the essential oil should only be used under professional supervision).

ACTIONS

  • Anthelmintic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antimicrobial
  • Antispasmodic
  • Astringent
  • Bronchodilator
  • Carminative
  • Cholagogue
  • Circulatory stimulant
  • Diaphoretic
  • Digestive
  • Diuretic
  • Emmenagogue
  • Expectorant
  • Hepatic
  • Nervine
  • Vasodilator
  • Vermifuge
  • Antiparasitic

Main Constituents

  • Terpenes
  • Flavonoid glycosides
  • Tannins
  • Gums
  • Silica
  • Bitters
  • Resin
  • Sulphur

Main Uses

Skin: Antiseptic – aids healing of cuts and abrasions, insect bites.
Respiratory System: Thins thick/congested phlegm and acts as an expectorant, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds, Flu, Fever.
Reproductive System: Menstrual cramps
Urinary System: Uterine stimulant.
Circulatory System: Jaundice
Lymphatic System: Spleen health
Digestive System: Stimulates digestion & appetite, Reduces gas, Bloating, Indigestion, Spasm & gentle laxative in children.
Mental and Emotional: Reduces anxiety, Tension, Exhaustion & stress support
Bacterial, Viral, Fungal: Antiviral, antibacterial.

More About Hyssop

Hyssop is an aromatic member of the mint family and its use has been recorded as far back as the 1st century CE. It was highly regarded as a ‘cure all’ and was used for treating conditions such as pleurisy, asthma, respiratory catarrh and chronic cough.
In herbal medicine, it is considered both calming and a tonic. It is an expectorant, best given after infection has peaked, and mucolytic (thinning phlegm). It is an emmenagogue (stimulates menstrual flow) and, as a carminative, soothes digestion.
Hyssop is native to Southern Europe and the Middle East, being particularly prevalent in Mediterranean countries, particularly the Balkans and Turkey. It can, however, be grown in the garden in sunny, dry spots.
Historically it has been used for the stimulation of the circulation, respiratory illnesses, coughs and sore throat, intestinal infections gastrointestinal upset, gallbladder support, poor appetite, urinary tract infections and dysmenorrhea.
Hyssop products are available as tinctures and teas.

Further Reading and Research:

  • Betheseda, MD (2018) LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury – Hyssop National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [online] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548391
  • Chevalier, A (2016) Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 3rd Edn. Dorling Kinersley. London.
  • Easley T Horne S (2016) The Modern Herbal Dispensary. North Atlantic Books. Berkeley.
  • McIntyre A (2019) The Complete Herbal Tutor. Aeon Books. London.
  • Bruton-Seal J Seal M (2014) The Herbalist’s Bible: John Parkinson’s Lost Classic Rediscovered. Merlin Unwin Books. Ludlow.
  • Vlase, L Benedec, D Hanganu D et al (2014) Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities and Phenolic Profile for Hyssopus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum and Teucrium chamaedrys Molecules 19:5490-5507; doi:10.3390/molecules1905549
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