Hyssop us officinal is, hyssop is a herbaceous plant of the genus Hyssops native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region surrounding the Caspian Sea. Due to its properties as an antiseptic, cough reliever and expectorant, it is commonly used as an aromatic herb and medicinal plant.
Hyssop is a brightly colored shrub or sub shrub that ranges from 30 to 60 cm in height. The stem is woody at the base, from which grow a number of straight branches. Its leaves are lancing late, dark green in color and from 2 to 2.5 cm long. During the summer, the plant produces bunches of pink, blue, or, more rarely, white fragrant flowers.
Hyssop has been in use since Classical antiquity. Its name is a direct adaptation from the Greek. The Hebrew word and the Greek word probably share a common (unknown) origin. The name hyssop appears in some translations of the Bible, but 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, both flowers and leaves, has been highly valued since ancient times for its therapeutic properties, and was one of the bitter herbs mentioned in the Old Testament (used in the Passover ritual). Hippocrates, Galen and Discords favored it’s be chic and pectoral properties. In pagan religious ceremonies, hyssop was sprayed on worshippers to purify them. The Romans used it medicinally and culinary, the latter both for protection against plague and for its aphrodisiac effect in conjunction with ginger, thyme and pepper.
Benefit & Uses: The plant is commonly used by beekeepers to produce a rich and aromatic honey. Herb hyssop leaves are used as an aromatic condiment. The leaves have a lightly bitter taste due to its tannins and an intense minty aroma. Due to its intensity, it is used moderately in cooking. The herb is also used to flavor liqueur and is part of the official formulation of Chartreuse.
As a medicinal herb, hyssop has soothing, expectorant and cough suppressant properties. The plant also includes the chemicals thujone and phenol, which give it antiseptic properties. Its high concentrations of thujone and chemicals that stimulate the central nervous system can provoke epileptic reactions when taken in high-enough doses. The oil of hyssop can cause seizures and even low doses (2-3 drops) can cause convulsions in children.
It has been also used in the formulation of eye drops and mouthwash. Herb hyssop has also been observed to stimulate the gastrointestinal system.
Hyssop oil gives a feeling of alertness and helps with anxiety and fatigue and is therefore useful during convalescence as a tonic. It is also effective in cases of respiratory problems and viral infections, such as colds, coughs, sore throats, influenza, bronchitis, asthma, catarrh and tonsillitis.
It helps with colic, flatulence and indigestion, while it helps to regulate circulation and is helpful when used to raise low blood pressure.
During monthly periods, where water retention can be a problem, hyssop oil helps to balance this. In general, this oil benefits the menstrual cycle and helps with amenorrhea and leucorrhoea. It has good healing properties and helps with bruises as well.
Hyssop is one of the ingredients of some eau de colognes and it is also used in the making of absinthe and vermouth. It can be infused in the rinsing water for linen.
It is recommended for coughs, colds, 'flu, bronchitis, asthma and chronic catarrh. To alleviate the effects of these, pour 1 pint (600 ml) boiling water over 15 g (1 tbsp) of young green tops and flowers of fresh hyssop, infuse for 10 minutes, and take three cups per day between meals.
Hyssop can also be used externally, and one of the recurring recommendations is as a poultice of young bruised leaves on a bruise, cut or wound. Boil 50 g (2 oz) of the young leaves in 600 ml (1 pint) water, let it stand for 15 minutes, then apply with cotton wool on the affected part.