Common Name: Hyssop is considerably popular and is widely known by its common name, hyssop. While there are several species of hyssop, such as giant hyssop, anise hyssop, and water hyssop, the most popular and best-known among all the different species is the herb hyssop. The official name for hyssop is Hyssopus Officinalis, and it is a member of the Lamiaceae family.
Occurrence: While the hyssop is native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia. It is widely grown and cultivated all around the world. It can be found in many gardens as a stand alone plant as well as alongside cabbage and grapevines. Hyssop is also widely prevalent in wild gardens because it attracts bees and butterflies.
Parts Used:The most widely used part of the hyssop plant is its flower-tops, which are used for their medicinal and decorative value. Apart from that, hyssop leaves, which are bitter and have a strong aroma, are also used for medicinal purposes as well as in the kitchen. Hyssop oil, which is obtained from crushing the aerial parts, is often used a flavoring agent. Hyssop essential oil has also been widely used for to relieve stress and anxiety.
Medicinal Uses: Hyssop has several medicinal uses and can be used to alleviate symptoms of various medical problems. The hyssop plant contains volatile oil, which is an effective stimulative, carminative, and diaphoretic. The infusion made from soaking flower-tops in water can be used as an effective expectorant in respiratory infections such as bronchitis. In fact, hyssop oil is also extremely useful as it facilitates expectoration in people suffering from varied respiratory disorders. Hyssop essential oil is extremely effective in relieving stress. In fact, massaging hyssop essential oil (along with carrier oil) into affected areas can help alleviate pain. In this sense, hyssop essential oil is useful in easing symptoms related to fever and circulatory problems. Owing to its carminative properties, hyssop can also be used in ailments related to the digestive tract, particularly indigestion, gas, bloating, and colic. The hyssop plant has also been employed as a sedative. Hyssop tea is a popular refreshing drink that has served as a relaxant.
Administered As: The hyssop plant has been widely applied for its medicinal uses. Working both as a stimulative and a sedative, the plant has been used to alleviate symptoms related to respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, and muscular disorders. Hyssop is available in many forms at health food stores and herbalists. Some of the common forms available are Maximum Living Hyssop Cleanse, which is a good source of fiber. Hyssop extract and hyssop seeds are also available in the market.