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Hyssopus officinalis (Labiatae)
HYSSOP
Herbalists give the whole herb
for bronchitis, nasal catarrh, coughs, and colds. Giant hyssop is used in
Chinese medicine for vomiting, wounds, diarrhoea, and angina.
An ancient insecticide, hyssop was strewn on floors and shelves to repel insects, and has
been used to kill head lice and internal worms, as well as for its more traditional
role of easing colds and coughs. Native to Europe and western Asia, it prefers alkaline
soil in a sunny position. It is a highly aromatic perennial with thin pointed leaves
covered in fine hairs and small blue flowers in late summer.
PARTS USED
Whole herb.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Volatile oil containing pinene,
pinocamphone, camphor, thujone, and linalool; terpenoids, including marrubiin, oleanolic,
and ursolic acids; flavonoids; tannins.
ACTIONS
Induces sweating; expectorant; relieves wind and colic; affects the lungs; sedative.
MEDICINAL USE
Given for bronchitis, chronic nasal catarrh, coughs, and colds. In Chinese medicine,
giant hyssop is used for wounds, vomiting, diarrhoea, and angina.
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, tincture.
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