Hyssop

Common Name(s)

hyssop

Scientific Name(s)

Hyssopus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)

General Information

Hyssop is an evergreen perennial plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is thought to have been used as a cleansing agent or an insecticide thousands of years ago. The active ingredients of hyssop come from the aerial (above-ground) parts of the plant.

How is this product usually used?

The dried herb tops of hyssop are taken by mouth. The recommended dose for adults is 3 g to 16 g of dried herb top per day, with a maximum of 4 g in a single dose.

Your health care provider may have recommended using this product in other ways. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What is this product used for?

Hyssop has been traditionally used to:

• help loosen excess mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up (expectorant)
• help relieve intestinal gas
• aid in digestion

Hyssop is frequently used as a fragrance or a flavoring agent. It has also been used to treat sore throat, asthma, cough and cold, reduce kidney inflammation, and manage HIV infections. However, there is little reliable data on the use of hyssop by humans and additional studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of hyssop for any of its uses.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

Few side effects are linked to hyssop when it is taken in small doses. At high doses, vomiting and seizures have been reported.

Do not give hyssop to children under 18 years old due to a risk of seizures. Do not use hyssop if you are allergic to it or to any plants from the Lamiaceae family.

See your doctor before taking hyssop if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist or other health care provider. Tell your health care practitioner about any natural health products you may be taking.

Source(s)

1. Health Canada. Licensed Natural Health Products. Hyssop. https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=hyssop.hysope&lang=eng
2. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Hyssop.