Hyssop
Uses
Parts Used & Where Grown
Hyssop reportedly originated in the area around the Black Sea in central Asia and today is widely cultivated in other arid regions, partly because it thrives even in the most desolate soils. Hyssop’s fragrant flowers and leaves are used as medicine.
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For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
1 Star Asthma Refer to label instructions | Hyssop, which has a soothing effect on bronchioles, has traditionally been used for asthma. Traditionally, herbs that have a soothing action on bronchioles are also used for asthma. These include marshmallow, mullein, , and licorice. Elecampane has been used traditionally to treat coughs associated with asthma. |
1 Star Colic Refer to label instructions | Hyssop has mild sedative properties and may also be helpful in relieving colic, but research is lacking. has mild sedative properties and may also be helpful in relieving colic, but research is lacking. Though no definitive information on hyssop supplementation is available, 1 teaspoon of hyssop herb steeped in 1 cup of just-boiled water in a closed container for 15 to 20 minutes, then given in sips from a bottle over a period of 2 to 3 hours may help calm colic. |
1 Star Common Cold and Sore Throat Refer to label instructions | Hyssop may promote a healthy fever and the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Boneset is another immune stimulant and diaphoretic that helps fight off minor viral infections, such as the common cold. In addition, linden and may promote a healthy fever and the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Yarrow is another diaphoretic that has been used for relief of sore throats, though it has not yet been researched for this purpose. |
1 Star Cough Refer to label instructions | Hyssop has a long history of use for relieving coughs. The mucilage of slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include bloodroot, catnip, comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), horehound, elecampane, mullein, lobelia, , licorice, mallow, (Malvia sylvestris),red clover, ivy leaf, pennyroyal(Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium),onion, (Allium cepa), and plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
The most common uses of hyssop in traditional herbalism have been to relieve chest congestion and coughs, to soothe sore throats, and to act as a mild sedative.1 Some herbalists consider it stronger for relieving gas or intestinal cramping than for easing a cough.2 In addition to using hyssop for the above conditions, early 20th century Eclectic physicians (doctors who recommended herbs) in the United States used the herb topically to soothe burned skin.3
How It Works
How It Works
Due to the presence of volatile oil constituents in hyssop, it may provide relief for mild irritations of the upper respiratory tract that accompany the common cold. The expectorant action of hyssop’s volatile oil may partially explain its traditional use for coughs, asthma, and bronchitis.4 The volatile oils are also thought to contribute to hyssop’s carminative actions and use for mild cramping and discomfort in the digestive tract. The German Commission E has not approved hyssop for any medical indication.5 Test tube studies have found that certain fractions of hyssop (one being a polysaccharide designated as MAR-10) may inhibit the activity of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).6, 7 Yet, there have been no studies in humans to determine whether hyssop or any of its constituents are effective in treating HIV infection or AIDS.
How to Use It
Hyssop may be taken as a tea or tincture. The tea is prepared by infusing 2–3 teaspoons of herb in one cup (250 ml) of hot water for ten to fifteen minutes. Three cups can be drunk per day. Alternatively, 1–4 ml of tincture can be taken three times per day.8 If hyssop is being used to help soothe a sore throat, gargle with the tea or tincture before swallowing. The essential oil should never be used at a level higher than 1–2 drops per day internally, though more can be used topically on unbroken skin. One teaspoon (5 grams) of hyssop herb steeped in 1 cup (250 ml) hot water in a closed vessel for 15–20 minutes, then given in sips from a bottle over a period of 2–3 hours, may help calm colic.
Interactions
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Side Effects
Side Effects
Tea and tincture of hyssop are unlikely to cause adverse effects.9 Although, the volatile oil, particularly its constituent pinocamphone, has been reported to cause seizures in laboratory animals as well as in humans when taking more than 10 drops in a day or a child taking 2–3 drops over several days.10 For this reason, the volatile oil should be used with extreme caution and is not recommended for those with epilepsy or any other seizure disorder. The herb is not recommended during pregnancy.11
References
1. Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. New York: Bantam, 1991, 323-7.
2. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1985, 206.
3. Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. New York: Bantam, 1991, 323-7.
4. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C (eds). PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 2000, 414-5.
5. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 338-9.
6. Gollapudi S, Sharma HA, Aggarwal S, et al. Isolation of a previously unidentified polysaccharide (MAR-10) from Hyssop officinalis that exhibits strong activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1995;210:145-51.
7. Kreis W, Kaplan MH, Freeman J, et al. Inhibition of HIV replication by Hyssop officinalis extracts. Antiviral Res 1990;14:323-37.
8. Hoffmann D. The New Holistic Herbal. New York: Barnes & Noble, 1990, 207.
9. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 338-9.
10. Tisserand R, Balacs T. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1995, 67.
11. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A (eds). American Herbal Product Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 63.
Last Review: 04-28-2015
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