Hyssop, a flowery plant that does lots for health

With hint of agastache in its appearance, hyssop is a garden favorite thanks to its fragrant blue flower panicles. And there’s much more! The benefits of this medicinal plant helps treat a number of ENT disorders, digestive problems, and anxiety.

Let’s focus on this easy-to-grow plant and its many benefits.

Medicinal hyssop

Just like lavender, hyssop is a low-growing perennial shrub. It grows naturally in dry environments, specifically in the Mediterranean region. Its bearing is structured by tall, upright stems that are sparsely adorned with thin delicate leaves, akin to those of aromatic herbs.

Somewhat similar to mint, leafage is semi-evergreen, meaning it survives light frosts but dies off when it freezes for days on end.

A charming feature is the intense violet-blue blooming that appears from July to September. Some varieties have pink, red or even white flowers.

Growing hyssop in the garden

Planting hyssop:

Hyssop favors rich, well-drained substrates in full sun. It also can make do with part sun, but full sun will really let it thrive and help increase its hardiness in Winter. You can choose to either plant it directly in the ground or in pots. Pots and containers must be large enough to have a nice layer of drainage materials at the bottom. The planting of this bush should take place in Fall. Sowing, on the other hand, should be done in Spring under a cold frame. Here are the steps for planting directly in the ground:

1. Dig a hole about twice as large as the clump you’re going to plant.
2. Break the soil up and mix some sand in if it’s a bit on the heavy, clayish side.
3. Toss in a couple handful of compost.
4. Place the plant in the hole so that the root crown matches ground level.
5. Backfill, press down and water.

Caring for hyssop:

Don’t plant anything in a two-foot circle around your hyssop (50 to 60 cm). Water lightly, and only during the growing phase or when it hasn’t rained for a long time. Normally, though, you won’t need to water, since even irregular rainfall will satisfy the plant!

• Every year, come Spring, add fresh compost to replenish nutrients and make sure your specimen thrives.
• Every four years, remember to split and shrink the clump. This will reduce spread and a nice, tight clump is generally considered nicer.
• Pruning is performed in Fall after the blooming. Remove softer easy-to-bend stems by cutting them back to the woody portion of the stems.

These soft, young stems are the parts of the plant to use for their therapeutic benefits.

Hardiness – Hyssop tolerates 5°F (-15°C), so regions that are any colder will have to grow them in pots to overwinter it indoors.

Health benefits

Hyssop displays tonic, antiseptic, expectorant, digestive, antifungal and anti-asthma properties and activity. It’s uses include treating rhinitis, bronchitis, otitis and sinusitis, and it also helps regulate the digestive flow. It even has the capacity to lower fever. Generally, diseases that call for its use are the flu and pulmonary ailments.

It is also recommended to better deal with stress, recover from extreme fatigue, and lighten up your mood when depressive thoughts take hold. Hyssop used topically will help wounds to heal, and spreading some around joints will reduce pain due to rheumatism.

How to use Hyssopus officinalis

Infusion:

To treat ENT disorders and early flu symptoms, one should prepare an infusion from the tips of flowers. Fresh ones can be used, but it also works with dried ones. Steep 10 g of hyssop in 1 quart or liter boiling water. Swallow a few gulps of this brew several times a day for a week.

For a relaxing bath experience:

A few drops of this plant’s appeasing essential oil in the bathwater will favor relaxation. This will certainly help soothe anxiety and stress, and will stave off depression.

Gargling:

Place 10g of leaves and flowers in 2 pints (50 cl) water. Bring to a boil then let steep for 15 minutes. Use this solution to gargle. Doing so will relieve infection on soft tissues around the pharynx and throat.

Poultice:

To clear your skin from traces of bruising after bumping yourself somewhere, you’ll need to use the leaves. Chop them to a paste, pile the paste on the bruise, and cover with a cloth or bandage. Tie the bandage in place for 1 to 2 hours.

Essential oil:

Whether it’s taken through a scent vaporizer, inhaled, or rubbed onto the skin, hyssop essential oil will help deal with ENT and emotional troubles.

Precautions and contraindications

Follow the doses written on the box and labels, and check with your Doctor or Pharmacist. Hyssop is not recommended for hyperactive persons and pregnant or breast-feeding women. Indeed, when it isn’t properly dosed, it may trigger convulsions and have abortive effects.