| Latin
name:
Hyssopus officinalis .
 Description
:
Hyssop has been cultivated in gardens for about the last 600
years. It was brought to the New World by the colonists to use
in tea, in herbal tobacco, and as an antiseptic.
The Persians
used distilled hyssop water as a body lotion to give a fine
color to their skin.
Hippocrates
recommended hyssop for chest complaints and it is still prescribed
today.
Hyssop is
a semi-evergreen perennial that grows to about 32 inches. It
has either blue, white or pink blooms. And narrow lance-shaped
leaves.
Plant the
seeds in the spring. Also trim mature plants from the year or
years before. By summer deadheading is required to maintain
supply, trim after flowering to maintain shape
Hyssop
likes the sun. I had it planted in the full hot sun of
a southern summer and it did really well. Moles under
minded it this winter so my main plants are gone, but
it readily seeds itself so am waiting to see what happens.
This plant also lures butterflies and bees, and all parts
of it smell so good.
It
is said that is should be planted near cabbage to lure
away the whiteflies. Also plant near vines to increase
yield.
Hyssop
can be grown in a container. Put it where it will receive
plenty of sunshine. It also likes dry conditions. Remember
to cut back after flowering to maintain its shape.
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Warning:
Hyssop should not be used in cases of nervous irritability.
Strong doses, particularly those of distilled essential oil,
can cause muscular spasms. This oil should not be used in aromatherapy
for high-strung people, as it can cause elileptic symptoms.
Do not take Hyssop for a long period of time. And if you are
pregnant do not take at all. Hyssop has an interesting range
of uses which are largely attributable to the anti-spasmodic
action of the volatile oil. It is used in coughs, bronchitis
and chronic catarrh. Its diaphoretic properties explain its
use in the common cold. As a nervine it may be used in anxiety
states, hysteria and petit mal (a form of epilepsy).
An infusion
is used mainly for cough, asthma, and bronchitis. It is also
used for inflammation of the urinary tract. Eternally it can
be used for bruises and burns. It was once a country remedy
for rheumatism.
Actions:
anti-inflammatory , antispasmodic, antitussive, antiviral, capillary
protectant, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue,
hepatic, antioxidant, expectorant, peripheral vasodilator, pectoral,
sedative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary
Traditional
use: anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, bruise, burns, capillary fragility,
catarrh, circulatory disorders, common cold, cough, epilepsy,
fever, gout, dyspepsia, herpes simplex, hysteria, influenza,
intestinal worms, night sweats, ophthalmia, petit mal, quinsy,
rheumatism, rhinitis, sore throat, tonsillitis, toothache, upper
respiratory catarrh
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