Hyssop the "Holy Herb"

I recently got some hyssop seeds and will try my hand at growing some. Here's some interesting info on this herb that is referred to as the "holy herb".

The Hyssop plant has small, green, lanced shapes leaves and long stalks with blue flowers in whirls of 6 to 15 blooms.

The small bushy plant has fragrant leaves and the flowers attract bees and butterflies. It is native to southern Europe and grows in gardens in cooler climates around the world. Hyssop leaves add a mint-like flavor to a salad, but must be use in small quantities.

Hyssop is mentioned in the Bible, in the New Testament as a herb that has purification properties. The word Hyssop means “Holy Herb” in Greek and is used to cleanse and purify humans and to consecrate sacred places. It is written in (Levicitus 14:49-56): Yet it is so gentle it will pamper the most delicate skin.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* bronchitis

* upper respiratory tract infections

* coughs

* colds, especially in children

* fevers

* asthma

* nasal congestion

* aiding digestion

* flatulence

* colic

* circulatory problems

* regulates blood pressure

* epilepsy

* gout

* weight problems

* anxiety

Use as a gargle for:

* sore throat

Apply externally for:

* healing wounds

* dispersing bruises

* muscular rheumatism


PREPARATIONS:

The Hyssop plant is available as dried or fresh herb, extract, and as tincture.

It can be used as an infusion, poultice, and tea.


Parts used: Flowers, leaves, shoots


Collection: Flowers and leaves are picked as soon as buds open.


Constituents: Volatile oil, essential oil, flavoniods, tannins,


Actions: Anti-spasmodic, anti-catarrhal, antiseptic, analgesic expectorant, digestive aid, nervine, sedative, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulating

Combinations: Hyssop herb can be combined with White horehound and Coltsfoot in the treatment of coughs and bronchitis.

Hyssop can be combined with Boneset, Elder Flower, and Peppermint for treatment of the common cold.

Hyssop can be combined with Sage for a gargle for a sore throat.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* Hyssop herb should not be used during pregnancy.



Read more: http://www.natural-herbal-remedies.net/hyssop-plant.html#ixzz1kuxPPThY

I would like to grow some. I know it was used in many ancient Hebrew recipes.

This is a very interesting post about Hyssop. I missed it earlier. Let us know how you make out growing it Sonshine.

LOL I have the seeds, just haven't gotten around to planting them yet. I have to do some research to find out the details on growing it. When I get some growing I'll try to save seeds from it which I'll be more than happy to share with anyone on CH that would be interested. This year time just got away from me, and now we're trying to get our spring garden in and our animal garden. Thankfully we almost got the vegetable garden all planted.

Caution is advised

The essential oils of hyssop can cause fatal convulsions in rats,[11][12][13] and may not be as safe as most people believe.[14]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyssop

However it seems that it could be grown in doors by most of us, and a few may be able to grow it in a garden (zone 7 or 8 being what looks like the threshold growing zone)

12acrehome wrote:.....it seems that it could be grown in doors by most of us, and a few may be able to grow it in a garden (zone 7 or 8 being what looks like the threshold growing zone)

Sonshine, you might plant a couple in a window sill for now and see what happens.

Keith, most medicinal herbs can cause health issues if not used properly, just as any medications can. That's one of the things I'm researching.

Miss Lillia, I will probably do that, because I really want to see if I can grow it. Although I don't do well with indoor plants for some reason, I do want to give the hyssop a try.

My wife just pointed out that we have anise Hyssop growing in front of the house. It smells wonderful, and blooms beautifully about June.