HYSSOP
Hyssopus officinalis
FEATURES: Native to southern Europe, sparsely naturalized in the United States. The common hyssop
(Hyssopus officinalis), of the mint family, is a perennial shrubby plant with square stems, woody at the
base, with rodlike branches reaching 2 feet in height. The leaves stand in pairs without petioles. They
have an agreeable aromatic odor; hot, spicy, and somewhat bitter taste. The flowers are bluish purple,
growing chiefly on one side of short verticillate spikes, flowering in July.
Hyssop is spoken of in the Bible (Psalms 51:7) in connection with cleansing and purifying the body.
There seems to be some controversy as to the particular plant. The Hebrew name ezeb has been translated
“hyssop,” and this is said to have grown out of the walls. It is quite possible the name is applied to
several plants of similar properties.
MEDICINAL PARTS: Tops, leaves.
SOLVENTS: Water, alcohol.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Stimulant, aromatic, carminative, tonic, expectorant.
USES: Generally used in quinsy and other sore throats as a gargle, with sage. Valuable in asthma, colds,
grippe and all chest affections, and shortness of breath. Excellent as a blood regulator, both increasing the
circulation of the blood and reducing blood pressure. Is a fine tonic for the mucous tissue of both
respiratory and gastrointestinal tract in all weakened conditions. Serviceable in combination with
hygienic herbs for scrofula, gravel, various stomach complaints, jaundice, dropsy, spleen malfunction.
Has been used in herbal preparations for epilepsy.
Culpeper says: “Mixed with honey will kill worms of the belly.” The hot vapors of the decoction will
ease inflammation and singing noise of the ear if a funnel relays the vapors of simmering hyssop to this
area.
DOSE: 1 ounce to 1 pint infusion is given in wineglassful doses throughout the day according to age.
EXTERNALLY: The fresh leaves are valuable to relieve the pain and discoloration of bruises. Healing to
fresh wounds and old ulcers.
RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE: Take the first letter, h, from hyssop and it will be a Russian name, yssop. It is not