General Information
Hyssopus officinalis is a small herbaceous shrub native to the Mediterranean region but grown in gardens worldwide. This perennial plant reaches heights of 1 to 2 feet with slender serrated leaves. It grows well in gardens and boasts nice aromatic purple flowers. The plant hyssop has been mentioned as being in use by people as far back as biblical times in ancient purification rituals. The name comes from an old Hebrew word, azob or ezov. The identity of the biblical hyssop is uncertain but it is commonly thought to be the one we still use the name for today. The plant was thought to be holy, and lepers were often “purified” with hyssop. It’s strong, minty aroma also warded off fleas, which carried bubonic plague.
Traditional Uses
In ancient times, hyssop was thought to ward off evil spirits. Psalms 51:7 states “cleanse me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.” In biblical times, hyssop would be dipped in holy water or vinegar and waved over someone to purify them of sin and cleanse the soul. There is no written record of how long people have used hyssop medicinally, but today we know that hyssop does have antibacterial and antiviral properties. The medicinally active part of the plant is the above-ground portion, the stem, leaves, and flowers. The volatile oils have been important medicines in the past. Elixirs and ointments of hyssop have been used to bring relief to people suffering from lung and respiratory problems such as bronchitis, colds, and asthma, due to its expectorant (coughing out mucus) and antispasmodic properties. Breathing the vapors of hyssop essential oils also has anti-inflammatory and sweat-inducing properties, which help open up the lungs and can help treat infections of the upper respiratory tract. Claims have been made of treating tinnitus, or ringing ears, by applying a hot hyssop solution to the ears so the vapors can get into your ear canal. Other claims include treating colic, abdominal cramps, as a stimulant, to eliminate flatulence, and to help with an upset stomach. In aromatherapy, the plant can be used to ease anxiety and reduce stress.
note the similarity of the leaves to mint, a relative of hyssop
Chemical Constituents
The essential oils of hyssop contain a great variety of chemicals with potentially medicinal properties. Primarily terpenoid chemicals, such as trans-pinocamphone and β-pinene. these chemicals varied in concentration depending on which stage of the flowering process the plant was in, some being higher during the vegetative state and some being higher in full bloom.
Current research
Most research related to Hyssopus officinalis is related to its chemical makeup and its antibacterial benefits. Some studies even go on to show it works in chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma as an anti-inflammatory agent. More research into the various possible benefits of hyssop are necessary to get a better understanding of the wide reaching possibilities of this ancient herb.
Sources
Elguea-Culebras, G. O., Sánchez-Vioque, R., Berruga, M. I., Herraiz-Peñalver, D., González-Coloma, A., Andrés, M. F., & Santana-Méridas, O. (2017). Biocidal Potential and Chemical Composition of Industrial Essential Oils from Hyssopus officinalis, Lavandula × intermedia var. Super, and Santolina chamaecyparissus. Chemistry & Biodiversity,15(1). doi:10.1002/cbdv.201700313
M. Grieve. Hyssop. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/hyssop48.html
Hyssop – health benefits and side effects. https://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/hyssop-herb.html
Ma, X., Ma, X., Ma, Z., Wang, J., Sun, Z., Yu, W., . . . Ding, J. (2014). Effect of Hyssopus officinalis L. on inhibiting airway inflammation and immune regulation in a chronic asthmatic mouse model. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine,8(5), 1371-1374. doi:10.3892/etm.2014.1978
This page was created by Nico Lopez-Santamaria.
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