Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and Middle Eastern folk remedies, for alleviating respiratory conditions such as dry coughs. Historical texts, dating back to ancient Greece and medieval herbalists, mention hyssop as an expectorant and soothing agent for the throat and chest. The plant’s aromatic leaves and flowers have been used to prepare teas or syrups believed to help ease cough and clear mucus, especially in cases of non-productive (dry) cough. The primary constituents thought to be responsible for these effects include volatile oils (such as pinocamphone and isopinocamphone), flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds. While these constituents may have mild anti-inflammatory or antispasmodic properties, modern clinical evidence supporting hyssop’s efficacy in treating dry cough is lacking or limited to in vitro studies and animal models. There are few, if any, rigorous human trials. Thus, its use for dry cough remains primarily supported by tradition rather than robust scientific validation. Nevertheless, hyssop continues to be included in some herbal cough remedies due to its long-standing reputation and anecdotal reports of benefit. Caution is advised, as some constituents can be neurotoxic in large amounts, particularly in children and pregnant women.

More about hyssop
More about Cough (dry)

Other ingredients used for Cough (dry)

Other health conditions supported by hyssop

Products containing hyssop

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