Respiratory Conditions

Hyssop is an expectorant and antispasmodic herb, helping to suppress coughs and help clear the lungs of phlegm. Its expectorant qualities come from the active ingredient marubiin – which has been established to loosen phlegm, making it easier to cough up.

A 2019 double blind study of 46 children examined the influence of an herbal mixture including Hyssop (along with chamomile, marshmallow root, malva, liquorice, jujube date and maidenhair fern) on intermittent asthma. At the onset of cold symptoms, the children were either given the herbal blend for five days, or placebo. The herbal blend was found to reduce the onset of viral respiratory tract infection, reduced cough, and waking up in the middle of the night.¹

Its fresh, minty properties also make Hyssop and excellent herb for clearing the stuffy head that so often accompanies the common cold.

There is a popular recipe for Hyssop Oxymel which is a blend of Hyssop, Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar. This can be used as a home made cough syrup and cold/flu remedy.

Digestive Health

Hyssop is known to stimulate digestion by increasing the production of digestive enzymes, stomach acid and bile. A healthy digestive system is the key to optimum health. It is here that nutrients are assimilated or discarded, and the food that we eat converted into that all important energy to fuel the body through life.

By stimulating the production of the key compounds needed for healthy digestion, Hyssop also boosts nutrition uptake.

The antispasmodic properties of Hyssop are also effective at relieving digestive cramps and flatulence.

Anti-Parasitic

Classed as a “vermifuge”, Hyssop fights parasites such as tapeworms, hookworms, fleas and flukes. Cleansing parasites from the body is important as they feed off the host, disrupting nutrient absorption and can weaken the immune system.

Hyssop is often one of the key ingredients in a parasite cleanse and blends well with other anti-parasitic herbs.

Blood Sugar

Hyssop tea might offer blood sugar-lowering benefits, according to a test tube study published in the January 2004 issue of the journal "Phytochemistry". Researchers identified antioxidant compounds Hyssop leaves that inhibit activity of the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, which breaks starch into sugar.

Another study published in the October 2003 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition Science and Vitaminology" found that Hyssop extract administered before a high-carbohydrate meal prevented a spike in blood sugar by inhibiting carbohydrate digestion. Researchers concluded that Hyssop may be useful as a supplement for managing elevated blood sugar levels.²