Other names for hyssop

hyssop

Synopsis of hyssop

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a perennial herb native to southern Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, traditionally used for its aromatic, expectorant, antimicrobial, and digestive properties. A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), hyssop has narrow, fragrant leaves and small blue-purple flowers. It contains a variety of active constituents, including volatile oils (particularly pinocamphone, isopinocamphone, and cineole), flavonoids, tannins, and bitter principles, which contribute to its long-standing role in respiratory and digestive support.

Hyssop is primarily used to relieve respiratory congestion, loosen phlegm, and soothe coughs, making it useful in conditions such as bronchitis, colds, asthma, and sinusitis. It acts as a stimulating expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the lungs while also exhibiting mild antiviral and antiseptic activity. Additionally, hyssop supports digestion by relieving gas, bloating, and cramping, and may also calm nervous tension or anxiety, particularly when linked to digestive discomfort.

It is typically consumed as a tea, tincture, or essential oil, though internal use of the oil is not recommended without professional guidance due to the presence of potentially neurotoxic compounds like pinocamphone in large doses.

Historical Use
Hyssop has a rich history in Biblical and ancient Mediterranean traditions, where it was considered a cleansing and purifying herb—both physically and spiritually. In the Bible, it was mentioned in rituals for purification, including the cleansing of lepers and during the Passover. The name "hyssop" is derived from the Greek hyssōpos and Hebrew ezov, reflecting its spiritual and ceremonial importance.

In Hippocratic and Galenic medicine, hyssop was used as a warming, drying herb to dispel phlegm, support digestion, and relieve cold-related ailments. In European folk medicine, it was brewed as a tea or syrup for coughs, chest infections, and colds, and applied externally to treat bruises and wounds.

Medieval herbalists also used hyssop to stimulate circulation, relieve melancholy, and strengthen the lungs. It was a common ingredient in herbal liqueurs and tonics, prized for both its medicinal and aromatic properties.

Today, hyssop continues to be valued in respiratory and digestive herbal formulas, particularly in traditional Western herbalism, and remains a symbol of cleansing and respiratory relief. It offers a warming, stimulating effect especially well-suited for clearing cold, damp conditions from the lungs and gut.

Hyssop is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Cold Sores (Scientific)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Cough (damp) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Headache (sinus) (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Traditional)
Laryngitis (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Sinus Infection (Traditional)
Sore Throat (Traditional)
Sweat Baths (herbs for) (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

hyssop is used to support these body systems

Blood (Traditional)
Bronchials (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)

Products containing hyssop

Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas TCM