-
Common Name
Hyssop
-
Botanical Name
Hyssopus officinalis
-
Part Used
Herb
-
Clinical Summary
-
Monograph
-
Alcohol
25%
-
Dose
20 to 80mL weekly
As time has passed hyssop’s popularity has waned but it has a long history of medicinal use. It is used to relieve excess mucous of the respiratory passages including bronchitis, common colds, chronic nasal catarrh, coughs (especially stubborn coughs), asthma (especially when exacerbated by mucous congestion), sore throat and hoarseness (as a gargle). It is also used in liver and gallbladder complaints and to help relieve flatulence.
-
Traditional Use
Hippocrates prescribed hyssop to treat pleurisy in the fourth century AD and Hildegard of Bingen, the twelfth century German abbess and herbalist, maintained that hyssop “cleanses the lungs.” Culpeper and Grieve both mention its usefulness as an expectorant for tough phlegm. Hyssop possesses a highly aromatic odour and its essential oil is much appreciated by perfumers.
-
Actions
Expectorant, anticatarrhal, carminative, stimulant, antispasmodic
-
Indications
• To help relieve excess mucous of the respiratory passages including bronchitis, common colds, chronic nasal catarrh, coughs (especially stubborn coughs), asthma (especially when exacerbated by mucous congestion), sore throat and hoarseness (as a gargle).
• A bitter digestive tonic and aid to help relieve flatulence and to help expel intestinal gas.
• Liver and gallbladder complaints. -
Energetics
Bitter, pungent, warming, dry
-
Use in Pregnancy
Not recommended. Traditionally used as an abortifacient.
-
Contraindications & Cautions
None known at therapeutic dose levels.
-
Drug Interactions
None known.
-
Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
-
Substitutes
White Horehound, Aniseed, Fennel, Angelica, Liquorice, Ribwort, Thyme, Cinnamon, Ivy Leaf