HYSSOP

Latin Name: Hyssopus officinalis

Alternate Names: Issopo

Family: LAMIACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antithelmintic, Antiviral, Astringent, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Respiratory Tonic, Sedative, Stimulant, Stomach Tonic.

Internal Uses: Anxiety, Asthma, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Colds, Congestion, Cough, Dyspepsia, Fever, Flatulence, Flu, Hysteria, Indigestion, Petit Mal, Sore Throat, Tuberculosis

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Syrup.

Hyssop's antispasmodic action makes it useful in treating many respiratory conditions, such as asthma, cough and bronchitis.

Topical Uses: Anxiety, Bruises, Congestion, Exhaustion, Herpes, Insect Bites, Rheumatism, Scars, Sore Throat, Sprains, Wounds

Topical Applications: Gargle for sore throat. Use poultice or compress for bruises, sprains, wounds, herpes, and insect bites. Use as bath for rheumatism, and a salve as a chest rub for congestion.

The essential oil is used to enhance mental alertness, relieve anxiety and exhaustion. The diluted essential oil is also used to treat herpes lesions and scars.

Culinary uses: Young shoots, leaves and flowers may be added to salads, soups, and fruit dishes. Use sparingly as the flavor is strong. Aids in the digestion of fatty meats, so it can be used to accompany game. Used in making Chartreuse and other liqueurs.

Energetics: Bitter, Pungent, Warm, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (pinene, camphene, camphor, terpinene), tannin, flavonoid (hyssopin), glycoside (diosmin), bitter lactones (marrubiin, ursolic acid).

Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy, as well as for those with epilepsy and high blood pressure.

Comments: The name Hyssop is derived from the Greek azob and Hebrew ezob, meaning 'holy herb', as it was once used in purifying places of worship. It was also used as a strewing herb to be walked upon and to deter the spread of infection. The flowers are much relished by bees and butterflies, especially since the plant has such a long flowering season. It was a popular strewing herb in 17th century Europe.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), May 07, 2002

Answers

Phil,, ever think about making copies of that CD,, I would LOVE to ahve one. Cant find anythign like it, online or offline

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), May 07, 2002.

Hey Phil,I'd like a copy to! Daryll

-- Daryll in NW FLA (twincrk@hotmail.com), May 07, 2002.

Yes, I've thought about copying the Herb CD, but I'm already somewhat concerned about copyrite laws since I'm putting the info on a public forum ... think that's about as far as I should push my luck :-)!

Thanks for asking though ... I'll see if I can find an address or contact info for you if you like.

-- Phil in KS (mac0328@planetkc.com), May 07, 2002.

Hey , Thanks Phil-never thought about the copyright laws. So,never mind. :>) Daryll

-- Daryll in NW FLA (twincrk@hotmail.com), May 07, 2002.

posting on here with the info, shouldnt violate coppyright laws,, since your not making anykind iof money on it, ,if this was a pay site,, that could be diffeant. But cpoopying the disc is a whole nother thing,, so the info on the disk will have to do I guess

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), May 08, 2002.