Hyssop as an Herb

(Hyssopus officinalis)

Hyssop is a name of Greek origin. The Hyssopos of Dioscorides was named from azob (a holy herb), because it was used for cleaning sacred places. It is alluded to in the Scriptures: 'Purge me with Hyssop, and I shall be clean.'

Hyssop is cultivated for the use of its flower-tops, which are steeped in water to make an infusion, which is sometimes employed as an expectorant.

The healing virtues of the Hyssop plant are due to a particular volatile oil, which is stimulative, carminative and sudorific. Hyssop is often used in treating lung ailments.

Medicinal Uses for Hyssop

Hyssop is usually given as a warm infusion, taken frequently and mixed with Horehound. Hyssop Tea is also a helpful beverage, well adapted to improve the tone of a feeble stomach, being brewed with the green tops of the herb, which are sometimes boiled in soup to be given for asthma.

In America, an infusion of the leaves is used externally for the relief of muscular rheumatism, and also for bruises and discolored contusions, and the green herb, bruised and applied, will heal cuts promptly. The infusion has an agreeable flavor. A tea made with the fresh green tops, and drunk several times daily, is one of the old fashioned country remedies for rheumatism that is still used today. Hyssop baths have also been recommended as part of the cure, but the quantity used would need to be considerable.

The tea is used to soothe sore throats, both by drinking the tea and by gargling with it. An infusion made with 2 ounces hyssop to 1 pint water is used for the gargle. It has also been used to inhibit the growth of the herpes simplex virus.

The essential oil, diluted and applied to the scalp, kills lice and cures itchy scalp caused by eczema and dandruff.

Household Use

Hyssop is also said to repel moths, fleas, cabbage moths and white flies when used in moth repellent and flea repellent sachets.

Culinary

Leaves and flowers are used for teas, salads, lamb stew and poultry stuffing. Also used in soups.

The plant is easily grown and has been long been cultivated in the corners of country gardens for the making of tea and candy for use in coughs and colds.

The leaves are used in the manufacture of horehound teas and wines.

Cautions

Do not use if pregnant or suffering from epilepsy.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.