Hyssop

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

Is a shrub in the Lamiaceae or mint family native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region surrounding the Caspian Sea. In Central Europe it came in the X century with Benedictine monks. A plant called hyssop has been in use since classical antiquity. Its name is a direct adaptation from the Greek - hyssopos. There is little evidence that the plant mentioned in Bible was actually "H. officinalis." In the Middle Ages, hyssop leaves used for soups and paste. It is still used today for salads, soups, sauces and meat dishes. Extracts of plant have been used as a fragrance in soaps and perfumes, and to flavor liqueurs, sauces, puddings, and candies.

The plant has been used in herbal medicine for the treatment of sore throats, colds, hoarseness, and as an expectorant. Some herbalists also believe that hyssop has beneficial effects for asthma, urinary tract inflammation, and appetite stimulation. Its effectiveness in relieving gas and colic also are listed under its medicinal uses.

Herbs are used in infusion, the preparation of which requires two teaspoons of chopped herbs in a glass of boiling water. Leave the infusion for an hour, strain and drink half a glass three times a day. The infusion will help with chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, increased sweating in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and women with menopause. It can also have a calming effect on patients who suffer from anxiety and nervousness.

For external use, compresses are used that accelerate the absorption of subcutaneous bruising, and baths with the addition of infusion are recommended for eczema. Hyssop is a good anti-stress agent.