SHORTCUTS: Ideal Environment, How to Plant, How to Water, Companion Planting, How to Propagate, How to Harvest, Parts Used, Preparations, Uses, Key Constituents, Key Actions, Research.
Hyssopus officinalis
LAMIACEAE
Hyssop is a shrub that is about 50cm high with dark green leaves 2 to 2.5 cm long. During the summer, hyssop produces pink, blue, or, more rarely white fragrant flowers.
Ideal Environment
Hyssop can grow in a range of soils with a more alkaline, sandy, well draining soil preferred. Plants will thrive in full sun and they are draught tolerant.
How to Plant
Sow seeds and cover lightly with soil. Germination takes place in about 14 to 21 days. Space plants about 30 to 60cm apart or plant in containers.
How to Water
Water regularly when there is no rain. You can allow the soil to dry out in-between watering. Hyssop tolerates dry conditions so be careful not to over water.
Companion Planting
Hyssop is often used for honey bees, and it also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It is said to be good companion for the cabbage family of plants and grapes.
Here are the Companion Plants by group: Herbs, Flowers, Trees, Vegetables, Berries, Fruit and Mushrooms
How to Propagate
Hyssop can be propagated by root division in the spring or fall, cuttings and seeds.
How to Harvest
Harvest Hyssop when the plant is in full bloom, ideally during the spring and / or late summer. The leaves and flowers are harvested and may be dried.
Parts Used
The flowering tips and the leaves are used. They can be used fresh or dried.
Preparations
Hyssop is usually taken as an infusion, about 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of water. You can also make a tincture, dosage is about 2 to 5ml. May also be used externally as an anti-fungal and to assist healing.
Uses
Hyssop is said to relieve coughing and reduces inflammation associated with respiratory infections. Hyssop is also an aromatic relaxing herb with tonic and antiseptic properties (3).
Key Constituents
Volatile oil (pinocamphone, alpha & beta-pinene, linalool, cineole, limonene), Terpenoids (marrubiin, olanolic acid, ursolic acid), Flavonoids (glycosides of hesperidin & diosmetin), hyssopin glycoside, tannins, resin (3).
Key Actions
Stimulant, Antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, sedative (3).
Research
A 2011 review on Hyssopus officinalis found that Hyssop has moderate antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against bacteria together with antifungal and insecticidal antiviral properties in vitro. Animal model studies indicate myorelaxant, antiplatelet and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities (25).
USEFUL LINKS: About the Growing Guides, The Medicine Garden, Companion Plants, Basic Preparations and Plant Constituents. Disclaimer. References.