Hyssop, Cut & Sifted (Hyssopus officinalis) – Dried Herb

Hyssop is an hardy, bushy, perennial that grows about two to three feet tall with dark green, pointed aromatic leaves. The pretty flowers maybe pink, white or blue that bloom in whorls of 6-8 flowers on long dense terminal spikes in mid to late summer. Hyssop prefers well-draining soil but once established is a hard, drought-tolerant plant that can survive and propagate in even poorer soils. It is an evergreen in the mint family native to southern Europe and like most mint Hyssop tend to be highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

Hyssop’s history dates to early years of the Greek, Roman Emperor and the plant has a long history of folklore in ancient Europe and was often hung in homes for protection. It is mentioned in Psalm 51:7 in which it is written “purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean” thought to be related to the spread of leprosy at the time. Hyssop has been used for millennia as a holy herb, consecrated for cleaning holy places. It was first brought to England in 1596 by Gerard and then came to North America with the early European colonists in 1631. In the United States the Cherokee were an indigenous tribe that used an infusion of the plant at the first sign of fever and made a syrup of Hyssop to clear congestion from coughs and colds. Also, to allay symptoms of asthma and other chronic diseases of the lung.

Properties:

The taste and energetics of Hyssop are acrid, bitter, pungent, stimulating, relaxing and drying. Hyssop has an affinity towards the lungs, kidneys, bladder, skin, digestive system, nervous system, liver and gallbladder. As a tea to support the lungs combine Hyssop with Licorice Root, Eucalyptus Leaf, Ginger Root, Plantain Leaf, Mullein Leaf or Elecampane Root.

How to use:

1 teaspoon of Hyssop to one cup of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to two cups a day.

Cautions & contraindications:

Hyssop oil is a known convulsant and should not be given to children or to people with seizure disorders. In healthy adults, Hyssop may elevate seizure risk, especially at high doses. Do not take this herb during pregnancy as it may cause miscarriage.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your health care provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.