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Hyssopus officinalis
CautionEchter_Ysop · (Hyssopus officinalis)
Mint family (Lamiaceae)
Description
Hyssopus officinalis or hyssop is a shrub in the Lamiaceae or mint family native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region surrounding the Caspian Sea. Due to its purported properties as an antiseptic, cough reliever, and expectorant, it has been used in traditional herbal medicine.
CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy
Do not use during pregnancy — may induce uterine contractions and promote miscarriage.
Critical drug interactions with:
Antikonvulsiva / Antiepileptika
- TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use
Infusion from flowering hyssop herb is the traditional remedy for bronchitis, persistent cough, and mucus congestion of the airways. The diterpene lactone marrubiin is considered the primary agent responsible for the expectorant (mucus-loosening) action.
Preparation & dosage
Pour boiling water over 2–4 g dried flowering herb, steep 10 minutes, strain. 3 cups daily, maximum 4 weeks.
- Dry amount
- 2–4 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 4 weeks
- GargleAerial partsExternalFolk medicine
Concentrated cooled infusion used as a gargle for sore throat and oral mucosa inflammation. Astringent tannins and antimicrobial phenolic acids support the antiseptic action.
- TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use
Hyssop tea stimulates gastric secretion, acts carminatively (reducing flatulence), and relieves cramps of the upper digestive tract. Historically used in chronic gastritis, loss of appetite, and bloating.
Preparation & dosage
Pour boiling water over 2–3 g dried herb; drink warm before or after meals.
- Dry amount
- 2–3 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- SpiceLeafInternalFolk medicine
Fresh or dried hyssop leaves and flowers used as an aromatic culinary herb in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Component of the Middle Eastern spice blend za'atar; also used in Chartreuse and absinthe. Intense minty flavour with a slight bitterness.
- CompressAerial partsExternalFolk medicine
Warm compresses with concentrated hyssop infusion applied for rheumatism, bruises, and poorly healing wounds. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of the essential oil and flavonoids support topical application.
- InhalationAerial partsExternalFolk medicine
Steam inhalation with hyssop herb infusion for upper respiratory tract catarrh. 1,8-Cineole in the essential oil has mucosal soothing and bronchodilatory properties.
Distribution in Europe
🤝 Permaculture Partners
In your garden, this plant acts as:
✨ Best symbiotic partners
- 🌿 Cucurbita pepo Classic companion-planting partner.
- 🌿 Fragaria vesca Classic companion-planting partner.
Source: Helga und Margarete Langerhorst, Mein gesunder Naturgarten (eigene Kuration)