The herbal name Hyssop is derived from the Greek word Hyssopos, and the Hebrew word Azob, meaning ‘holy herb’. It is no wonder that the use of this herb is depicted in the Bible and numerous other spiritual scripts. In the Bible, lepers are cleansed and treated with this divine herb. It is also described in preparing the burial site of Jesus. In ancient folklore, hyssop is used to provide protection from the evil eye while being a notoriously strong guard against witches. Every bit of this herb is useful. The flowers can be used for coughs, and the entire flowering plant is beneficial for fevers, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis and common colds. While hyssop is kicking your flu in the pants, it is also easing digestion, flatulence, and colic. Topically, the flowering plant of hyssop is great for cuts and bruises. It disperses bruises and reduces scarring. Aromatically, this herb enhances alertness and clarity, all the while warding off witches.
While hyssop’s appearance in ancient literature may be quite dated, its effective healing properties are not. The cleansing, restoring, and calming features of this sacred herb have proven true and consistent throughout time.
MATERIA MEDICA: HYSSOP
Latin Name: Hyssopus officinalis
Family: Laminaceae (Mint Family)
Part used: Budding aerial parts
Energetics: Warm, Dry, Spicy, Aromatic
Actions: Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Choloagogue, Expectorant, Vulnerary, Carminative, Diaphoretic,
Uses:
- Colds
- Flus
- Low-grade continuous fevers
- Wet, congested lungs
- Bronchitis
- Low appetite
- Coughs
- Sore throats
- Indigestion
Preparation and Dosage
Tea – 1-2 tsp. of herb steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes, two-three cups per day until symptoms subside
Tincture – 2-4 mL, 3x per day.
Safety considerations:
Avoid this herb if you have:
- If you have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to hyssop or plants in the Lamiaceae family, avoid utilizing this herb.
- On occasion, hyssop can cause gastrointestinal discomfort which may lead to vomiting.
- Individuals with diabetes should consult their doctor before consuming hyssop because it may lower blood sugar levels.
- Finally, patients with seizure disorder should avoid hyssop as it contains a known convulsant that may exacerbate the situation