Hyssopus officinalis Lamiaceae family
Another herb I planted close to the New Jersey tea covered earlier this month, hyssop is a member of the highly medicinal mint family, Lamiaceae. While not completely invasive as many of its mint relatives, it nevertheless does spread quite well. Consider confining it to a container.
Before going any further, it’s critical to distinguish between true hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) and agastache, or horsemint. Unfortunately, hyssop is used as a catch all for several distinct herbs.
A medicinal herb not currently valued much by many herbalists, hyssop was long considered a cure-all for respiratory illnesses.a b c It is often used in the same way and for the same conditions as sage.c Hyssop is particularly efficient at removing phlegm from the lungs. a b However, it may irritate mucous membranes, so it is best administered after the illness has peaked.a
HARVEST
Harvest hyssop in the early summer when the tops are in flower.a The leaves lose some of their flavor from summer heat.
EFFECTIVE AGAINST
HIVf
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
- Anti-inflammatoryd
- Decoctionc
- Antiseptic b
- Antiviral b
- Astringentc d
- Carminative b c
- Decongestant b
- Emmenagogue b c
- Expectorant a b c d
- Sedative a b
- Stimulantc
- Stomachicc
- Tonicc d
PREPARATIONS
Use only the flowering tops or essential oil.a
Decoction, 1 teaspoon in 1 cup water. Drink 8-16 ounces per day. c
Infusion, 4-8 ounces, 3x per day. b Steep 1 teaspoon dry herb in ½ cup water. Drink 4-12 ounces per day, one sip at a time. For respiratory issues, sweeten with honey if desired. c
Poultice: Cover the fresh herb with boiling water for 15 minutes. Place in clean cloth on affected tissue.c
Tincture: dried leaf, 1:5 in 60% alcohol, 1-3 ml, 2-4x per day b
USAGE
- Gastrointestinal
- Bloatinga b
- Colica b
- Gasa b
- Teac
- Indigestiona b
- Teac
- Respiratory
- Asthmaa b e f
- Syrup
- Mild to moderate with productive cough and higher BMIe
- 5 ml, 2x per day, containing 6g of Hyssopus officinalis extract
- Bronchitisa b d
- Coldd
- Teac
- Cougha b d
- Teac
- Pleurisya
- Sore throat
- Gargle
- Decoctionc
- Tuberculosis
- Teac
- Hepatic
- Jaundice
- Teac
- Skin
- Abrasionsb
- Bruisesd
- Crushed leavesc
- Decoction used as a washc
- Burns
- Decoction used as a washc
- Cutsb d
- Infection
- Crushed leavesc
- Insect bitesb
- Urogenital
- Edema
- Teac
Cautions. The essential oil is considered toxic and can induce epileptic seizures.a b d Avoid in pregnancy.b Not for long-term use.c
a. a Andrew Chevallier, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, 2023, 227.
b. b Thomas Easley, et al., Modern Herbal Dispensatory, 2016, 251-52.
c. c John Lust, The Herb Book, 2009, 231-32.
d. d Deni Bown, Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses, 1995, 295.
e. e Daneshfard B, et al., Effect of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) Syrup on Mild to Moderate Asthma: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. Tanaffos. 2024 Feb;23(2): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11825080/ (accessed 14 September 2026).
f. f Bedoya LM, et al., Screening of selected plant extracts for in vitro inhibitory activity on human immunodeficiency virus. Phytother Res. 2002 Sep;16(6), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12237813/ (accessed 14 September 2026).
g. g Baniamerian R, et al., Herbal Treatment of COPD and Asthma According to Persian Medicine: a Review of Current Evidence. Tanaffos. 2023 Feb;22(2), https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11016916/#ref-list1 (accessed 14 September 2026).
