Healing With Hyssop
What is Hyssop, and How Does It Work?
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a lesser-known herbal remedy sold as a tea or essential oil. Its flowers look much like lavender, and its place in the mint family suggests aromatic, oil-rich leaves. Hyssop originates from Southern Europe and the Middle East, where it has been used as a medicine and food for centuries. So how can it be used for healing, and what is the evidence behind hyssop as a medicine?
The History of Hyssop Herb
Hyssop’s medicinal uses have a long history. Hippocrates prescribed hyssop for pleurisy, a condition where the tissue separating your lungs from your chest wall becomes inflamed. Dioscorides combined hyssop with rue, fig, and honey for chronic cough, asthma, respiratory congestion, and pleurisy.
Sore throat, cough, and digestive complaints are some other uses of hyssop that have appeared over the years. It has also been taken as an emmenagogue to trigger menstruation. Although modern research is needed to confirm this, we don’t recommend consuming hyssop if you are pregnant.
Hyssop has culinary uses, too. In Middle Eastern cuisine, it’s part of some za’atar preparations, which are blends of herbs and spices unique to each region (and sometimes to families or communities). In Europe, hyssop is an ingredient in green chartreuse alongside cinnamon, mace, thyme, lemon balm, and other herbs and spices.
What is Hyssop Good For?
Today, modern science is beginning to back up many of hyssop’s traditional uses. If you have asthma or any chronic condition, we advise you to always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before starting anything new, but the current evidence is promising.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Hyssop
Recent research shows that hyssop has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its anti-inflammatory components include beta-caryophyllene, the first phytochemical known to work on our endocannabinoid systems without being a cannabinoid itself! Relieving inflammation and oxidative stress helps the immune system and lungs to repair themselves.
Antiviral Benefits of Hyssop
Hyssop may have antiviral effects against some members of the herpes virus family, including herpes simplex 1. This is the virus that causes cold sores, which often reappears when your immunity is lowered by stress. Hyssop works best just before the virus enters cells, and lab studies show that hyssop can even inhibit strains resistant to prescription antivirals.
Hyssop Benefits for Relieving Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Chronic, inflammatory skin conditions can be triggered or worsened by certain microbes. Just like your digestive system, your skin hosts bacterial populations, but their counts are much lower. When the skin barrier is disrupted, this allows unfriendly species to grow more than they should.
Hyssop can inhibit S. aureus (golden staph), candida, and P. aeruginosa. It is most effective against candida, a common fungal infection that may contribute to chronic inflammation. Golden staph is most notorious for causing serious hospital-acquired infections, but it can also colonize acne and slow down skin healing. P. aeruginosa can cause green nail syndrome and infect burn wounds.
Hyssop Benefits for Asthma
Studies suggest that hyssop’s traditional use as an asthma remedy may be grounded in real-world efficacy. However, we recommend that you keep using emergency relievers, and only try hyssop as a preventive for everyday discomfort, e.g. congestion or impaired cardio performance.
One study using hyssop grown found that it lowers levels of inflammatory immune chemicals that cause airway constriction. In another study by the same authors, hyssop reduced excessive antibody production and counts of immune cells known to trigger asthmatic and allergic reactions. It was even more effective in mice than corticosteroids, but we need more research to confirm this effect in humans.
Hyssop Benefits for the Digestive Tract
Another traditional use of hyssop is for digestive complaints, such as the relief of cramping and gas. Now, lab studies show that it could protect the stomach lining against ulcer formation. In one research paper, an extract of hyssop leaves significantly reduced ulcer scores and improved quality of the mucus barrier that prevents stomach acid from causing ulcers. It also increased levels of antioxidant enzymes. Although our bodies produce their own antioxidants to prevent tissue damage, we need antioxidants from food and herbs to recharge and support them.
How to Use Hyssop as an Herbal Remedy
You can use hyssop as a strong tea, lozenge, or balm for skin conditions. To enjoy hyssop as a tea, we advise that you make it as strong as possible and cover it to prevent the essential oil components from escaping.
As for lozenges, you can repurpose this recipe for osha root lozenges, replacing the root powder with pulverized hyssop tea. Keep the pot covered as much as possible while you stir in the hyssop, as boiling can remove some of the essential oil.
For balms, start by preparing the hyssop with this cold infusion method. Some balm recipes will call for one cup of infusion to three tablespoons of beeswax, but you can adjust this to your needs. Use low heat to melt the beeswax before mixing in the oil infusion. If you want to add any additional essential oils such as lemon balm, this will be the last step before allowing it to set.
Who Should Not Take Hyssop?
Do not use hyssop if you are pregnant.
Hyssop’s traditional uses as an emmenagogue aren’t confirmed by modern research, but we advise against its use if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, especially if you have a history of miscarriage. It’s also unclear whether hyssop is safe during breastfeeding. Additionally, avoid hyssop – particularly the essential oil – if you have epilepsy as it can overexcite the brain. If you have a child with epilepsy, keep all hyssop preparations away from them.
Even though it isn’t necessarily a safety concern, ensure that the hyssop you buy is labelled Hyssopus officinalis. Water hyssop is in fact Bacopa monnieri, an unrelated herbal remedy meant for brain health, not the lungs or skin. At Zhi Herbals, the hyssop that we offer is Hyssopus officinalis.
Overall, hyssop is much deserving of its rising star status in the world of herbal medicine. To try out its potential for clearing up your airways and skin, or for soothing an upset stomach, click here.
FAQ
Q: What are the negative effects of hyssop?
A: Excessive consumption of hyssop may lead to nausea. Avoid hyssop if you have an allergy to it or if you are pregnant.
Q: What is the ancient use of hyssop?
A: Ancient civilizations used hyssop for its medicinal properties, such as treating respiratory conditions and skin issues.
Q: What is the best way to take hyssop?
A: Hyssop can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or used as a cooking ingredient. Hyssop essential oil can be used externally.
Q: Is hyssop a holy herb?
A: Hyssop is considered a holy herb in some cultures for its spiritual, medicinal, and ritual uses. Hyssop is mentioned in the Bible.
Q: Is hyssop the same as sage?
A: No, hyssop and sage are two different herbs with distinct flavors, aromas, and traditional uses. Hyssop and sage can be combined to make an herbal tea.
Q: What does hyssop do to skin?
A: Hyssop essential oil is used topically to help soothe skin irritations, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin health.
Q: Does hyssop make you drowsy?
A: Hyssop is not known to cause drowsiness when consumed in moderate amounts. It does have a relaxing effect on the bronchial and gastrointestinal muscles.
Q: What does hyssop repel?
A: Hyssop essential oil can repel insects, particularly mosquitoes, due to its strong aroma.
Q: Is hyssop a natural antibiotic?
A: Hyssop is not commonly used as an antibiotic. It has antifungal, expectorant, and soothing properties that make it a helpful choice during times of illness.
Q: Does hyssop raise blood pressure?
A: Hyssop has not been found to raise blood pressure.
Q: Does hyssop raise blood sugar?
A: Hyssop is not known to raise blood sugar levels.
Q: What does hyssop attract?
A: Hyssop in your garden can help attract beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to gardens and landscapes.
Q: Is hyssop tea good for sleep?
A: Hyssop tea is not commonly used as a sleep aid. We recommend more traditional herbs such as valerian root or chamomile instead.
Q: Is hyssop good for liver?
A: Hyssop is not commonly thought of as a liver supporting herb. It can support overall health by reducing inflammation in the body.
Q: What is the best way to use hyssop?
A: The best way to use hyssop depends on individual needs, but common methods include brewing tea, using essential oils, or incorporating it into cooking.
Q: What is the spiritual use of hyssop?
A: Hyssop is often used in spiritual practices for purification, protection, and creating a sacred environment.
Q: Is hyssop safe to drink?
A: Hyssop is safe for most individuals. However, pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before using it.
Q: Is hyssop good for hair?
A: Hyssop tea is not commonly used for promoting hair health. We recommend commonly used herbs such as horsetail or alfalfa instead.
Q: Why is hyssop cleansing?
A: Hyssop is considered a cleansing herb due to its ability to expel mucus from the body. Some people also use hyssop for spiritual cleansing.
Q: Is hyssop tea good for lungs?
A: Hyssop tea can help support respiratory health by soothing coughs, clearing congestion, and promoting healthy lung function.
Q: Is hyssop tea anti-inflammatory?
A: Hyssop tea has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the body, alleviate pain, and support overall health.
Q: Is hyssop good for arthritis?
A: Hyssop has anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate symptoms of arthritis, such as joint pain and swelling, however, it is not an herb that is commonly used for this purpose.
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References
This blog post has been compiled from reliable sources to ensure the veracity of the mentioned details. Any reference to scientific studies, historical data, or culinary information has been thoroughly cross verified.
Fathiazad, F., Mazandarani, M., & Hamedeyazdan, S. (2011). Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of Hyssopus officinalis L. from Iran. Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 1(2), 63.
Schnitzler, P., Koch, C., & Reichling, J. (2007). Susceptibility of drug-resistant clinical herpes simplex virus type 1 strains to essential oils of ginger, thyme, hyssop, and sandalwood. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 51(5), 1859-1862.
Orchard, A., & van Vuuren, S. (2017). Commercial essential oils as potential antimicrobials to treat skin diseases. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017.
Tahir, M., Khushtar, M., Fahad, M., & Rahman, M. A. (2018). Phytochemistry and pharmacological profile of traditionally used medicinal plant Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.). Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 8(7), 132-140.
Tahir, M., Rahman, M. A., & Khushtar, M. (2022). Gastroprotective effect of Hyssopus officinalis L. leaves via reduction of oxidative stress in indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in experimental rats. Drug and Chemical Toxicology, 45(1), 291-300.