Hyssop, known botanically as Hyssopus officinalis, is a member of the Labiatae, or mint, family. It is a bushy and aromatic perennial herb that can grow up to 2 feet high. The flowers range form purple to blue and pink, and form in whorls, blooming from the months of June through October. It is found mostly in dry soils, and is used in folk medicine for sore throats and to treat coughs, asthma and bronchitis.
Expectorant and Anti-Spasmodic
According to the book "The New Holistic Herbal," hyssop has expectorant properties, which means it helps expel phlegm from the bronchial tract. Since it is also anti-spasmodic, which means that it reduces tension or spasms, especially in the bronchial tubes, it helps treat severe cough conditions as well as chronic catarrh, or inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Use hyssop to treat coughs and chest congestions by preparing an infusion. Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 tsp. of dry hyssop leaves and let them steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain out the plant material and drink three times per day.
Carminative
Hyssop has carminative properties, meaning it can relieve stomachaches and gas, according to "The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal."
This property of hyssop makes it useful when treating colic, and it is a good ally to laxative herbs, helping to reduce cramping during bowel movements.
Take hyssop tincture, which is an alcohol based extract of the leaves, 30 to 90 drops three times per day, diluted in filtered water, before each meal or after tea made with laxative herbs such as senna leaves.
Nervine
The nervine properties in hyssop treat and nourish the nervous system. "The New Holistic Herbal" recommends using hyssop to treat anxiety, hysteria and a form of epilepsy called petit mal. Due to this nervine property, hyssop oil should be avoided during pregnancy and by individuals who have a history of seizures, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Vermifuge
According to Botanical.com, hyssop has strong vermifugal properties, which means that it can kill and eliminate parasites in the gut.
References
- "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs"; Steven Foster and James A. Duke; 2000
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., MNIMH; 1988
- "The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1996
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aromatherapy
Member Comments