Description
Hyssop is a small bush which belongs to the Labiatae family. The stem is erect, ligneous, caducous, pubescent, square and might grow up to 30-60 cm in height. Leaves are opposite on the stem, linear, lanceolate 2 cm long and 3 mm wide, green or grayish due to the hair and attach themselves to the stem by a small tail. In the upper leave axil some unpaired verticils are found. Verticils are of blue, tubular flowers spike-shaped with a strong camphor-like scent and pleasant taste. Fruits are tetra-achene. It belongs to the Labiatae family.
It is a plant that blooms in summer and is found in dry hills of the Mediterranean zone; it’s often found as a garden plant. It is cultivated, nowadays, for medicinal purposes, as it is rare and hard to find plant.
Part used
Leaves and flowering tops.
Indications
Internal use
- Respiratory disorders: bronchitis, common cold, flu, asthma, dry cough, rhinitis, sinusitis, etc.
- Digestive disorders: lack of appetite, hyposecretive dyspepsia, flatulence, etc.
- Arterial hypertension.
- Diabetes.
External use
Topically used: cleansing and disinfection of wounds, burns and skin ulcers.
Bibliography
Bézanger-Beauquesne, L; Pinkas, M; Torck, M. Les Plantes dans la Therapeutique Moderne. 2ª. Paris: Maloine, 1986, pp. 254-5.
Bruneton, J. Elementos de Fitoquímica y Farmacognosia. Zaragoza: Acribia, 1991, p. 243.
Fernández, M; Nieto, A. Plantas Medicinales. Pamplona: Ediciones Universidad de Navarra, 1982, p. 100.
Mulet, L. Flora tóxica de la Comunidad Valenciana. Castellón: Diputación Provincial, 1997, pp. 514-5.
Peris, JB; Stübing, G; Vanaclocha, B. Fitoterapia Aplicada. Valencia: M.I. Colegio Oficial de Farmacéuticos, 1995, p. 327.
Peris, JB; Stübing, G; Figuerola, R. Guía de las Plantas Medicinales de la Comunidad Valenciana. Valencia: Las Provincias, 1996, p. 191.
