Hyssop

Properities

Antiseptic, expectorant, diaphoretic, stimulant, pectoral, carminative. Aromatherapy, bronchitis, bruises/sprains, burns, cardiovascular, congestion, congestion, facial care, flu, herpes/cold sores, hypertension, ibs, insect repellent.

Due to its properties as an antiseptic, cough reliever, and expectorant, it is commonly used as for respiratory problems including coughs, the common cold, respiratory infections, sore throat, and asthma.

Herb hyssop has also been observed to stimulate the gastrointestinal system and so it is used for digestive and intestinal problems including liver and gallbladder conditions, intestinal pain, intestinal gas, colic, and loss of appetite.

Other uses include urinary tract infection (UTI), poor circulation, HIV/AIDS, and menstrual cramps.

It has been used in the formulation of eye drops .

Contraindications

The plant should not be used by pregnant women, however, since in large quantities it can induce a miscarriage
This oil should not be used on people who are highly strung as it can cause epileptic symptoms
Its high concentrations of thujone and chemicals that stimulate the central nervous system can provoke epileptic reactions when taken in high enough doses.

Food

The fresh herb is commonly used in cooking. Essence of hyssop, which can be obtained by steaming, is used in cooking to a lesser extent.

Herb hyssop leaves are used as an aromatic condiment. They have a lightly bitter taste due to its tannins and an intense minty aroma. Due to its intensity, it is used in moderation in salads, stews, marinades, soups, stuffings and sauces, as well as puddings and candies.

Fresh leaves can be added to soft cheeses, butters, sauces and dips.

The sweetly scented flowers are milder flavoured and can be used as a garnish. The make an interesting addition to salad greens.

Drink

The herb is also used to flavour liqueur, and is part of the official formulation of Chartreuse.

As a tea

Hyssop tea was used to treat many ailments including digestive and intestinal problems, throat infections, rheumatism and insomnia. It is mostly used for broths and decoctions.

In perfumery
Its particularly fine odour is much valued by perfumers – hyssop is one of the most important ingredients of ‘Eau de Cologne’.

Insect repellent

The ancient use of this plant was an insecticide, insect repellent, and pediculicide (lice eradicator).

As a strewing herb

for its insect repellent qualities and pleasant scent.

Hyssop and bees

The plant is commonly used by beekeepers to produce a rich and aromatic honey.

Potpourri

Hyssop is added to potpourri.

Its name is a direct adaptation from the Greek ὕσσωπος. The Hebrew word אזוב (esov or esob) and the Greek word ὕσσωπος probably share a common (unknown) origin.

Herbe de Joseph, Herbe Sacrée, Herbe Sainte, Hiope, Hisopo, Hissopo, Hyssopus officinalis, Hysope, Hysope Officinale, Jufa, Rabo De Gato, Ysop.

A plant called hyssop has been in use since classical antiquity. The name hyssop appears in some translations of the Bible, notably in verse 7 of Psalm 51: “Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean” (King James Bible). However, researchers have suggested that the Biblical accounts refer not to the plant currently known as hyssop but rather to one of a number of different herbs.

Hyssop was also used for purgation (religious purification) in Egypt, where, according to Chaeremon the Stoic, the priests used to eat it with bread in order to purify this type of food and make it suitable for their austere diet.

In Judaism and Christian ritual it served as a fan or brush for sprinkling the blood of sacrificial animals or holy water (which sometimes also contained hyssop). Since the inconspicuous plant grows on stony ground, it was also regarded as a symbol of humility. In medieval art, it was associated with Mary because of its frequent use as a medication.

Hippocrates, Galen, and Dioscorides all recommended hyssop, mentions of the plant appear in all the great herbals of the middle ages.

Hyssop is a perennial plant which is native to the Mediterranean region and has been imported and naturalized in the US and Canada. It grows along roadsides and is sometimes found as a garden herb. Hyssop is quite similar in appearance to other members of the mint family. Its volatile oil possesses a highly aromatic camphor-like smell.

Herbaceous plant of the genus Hyssopus native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region surrounding the Caspian Sea. Lamiaceae.

Hyssop is a brightly coloured shrub or subshrub that ranges from 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) in height. The stem is woody at the base, from which grow a number of straight branches. Its leaves are lanceolate, dark green in colour, and from 2 to 2.5 cm (0.79 to 0.98 in) long.

During the summer, the plant produces bunches of pink, blue, or, more rarely, white fragrant flowers. These give rise to small oblong achenes.

Cultivars include ‘Blue Flower’.

volatile oil, pinocamphone, isopinocamphone, pinenes, camphene, and terpinene), hyssopin, tannin, flavonoids, insolic acid, oleonolic acid, a bitter substance (marrubiin), resin, gum.