Hyssop (Niu Xi Cao)

Botanical Name: Hyssop officinalis, H. angustifolius

Hyssop’s bitter minty leaves are used in cooking and herbal medicine. This herb is used to soothe sore throats, treat colds and flus, and ease asthma. It has been hung in homes to protect against the evil eye and witches. Hyssop has been used for thousands of years by many cultures as a purifier and cleanser. It is a blood-nourishing and immune-enhancing herb.

Watch a short video about hyssop, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™.

Remember to check with your doctor before trying new medicines or herbal remedies, especially if you are taking other medication where drug interactions are possible.

Below is an overview of hyssop, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of hyssop.

Parts Most Frequently Used: Above-ground Parts (especially leaves and flowers), Essential Oil

Flavors/Temps: Slightly Bitter, Slightly Pungent, Dry, Neutral, Warming

Caution: Considered safe. Only the essential oil is considered toxic if taken internally; it can cause convulsions and is not safe for children to use.

Key Constituents: Leaves and Flowers – Phenol, Cineole, Flavonoids, Apigenin, Myrtenyl acetate, Camphor, Germacrene, Spathulenol, Terpenes, Vitamin C. Essential Oil – Thujone, Pinocamphone.

History/Folklore: Hyssop is best known for its ability to treat respiratory ailments, such as colds, flus, bronchitis, sore throats, and asthma.

Hyssop has been used since classical times as a medicine. Used in baths, it can help cause sweating. Externally it is used to treat burns, bruises, and frostbite.

The flavonoids found in hyssop essential oil contain high levels of antioxidants. Research conducted at Cornell/NCI indicates hyssop may have importance in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients.

The camphor-like compounds found in hyssop help to loosen phlegm, and hyssop’s constituent marrubium is known to be a powerful expectorant. This combination, in addition to the herb’s antiviral and antibacterial properties, make it excellent for treating respiratory ailments that include congestion as a symptom.

The name hyssop is a direct adaptation of the Greek word hyssopos, meaning ‘holy herb’. It is referenced in the Bible as an herb used for purification; the early Egyptians also used it for religious purification. It was eaten with bread to cleanse the bread. Psalm 51:7 praises this effect of the herb: “Purge me with hyssop, and I will be clean.” The Hebrew name for hyssop also means “holy herb.” The ancients used it to cure head lice.

Hung in homes to protect against the evil eye and witches, hyssop has also been planted on graves as a protection for the dead from the living. Hyssop was used by the Romans to protect against plagues.

Hyssop is a symbol of cleanliness and sacrifice.

Native to southern Europe and Eurasia, hyssop was brought to North America with early European settlers. Over the years it escaped gardens and is now naturalized in waste places along roads throughout North America from Quebec to North Carolina.

As it is a favorite of bees, beekeepers would rub the scent of the flower on their hives to attract the pollinators. Hyssop also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Hyssop oil is used as a food and beverage flavoring. It is used also in cosmetics and soaps for its fragrance.