Leaves and young shoot tips - raw or used as a flavouring in soups, salads etc[4, 14, 183]. A strongly aromatic flavour, somewhat like a cross between sage and mint, it has fallen out of favour in recent years[4, 238]. It can be used fresh or dried[21]. Flowers - raw. Added to salads[183]. An essential oil from the plant is used as a food flavouring[183].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Hyssop has a long history of medicinal use and was so highly esteemed in the past that it was considered to be a virtual cure-all[254]. Currently an undervalued herb, it is often used as a household remedy, particularly as an expectorant and stomach tonic[4, 254]. It has a positive effect when used to treat bronchitis and respiratory infections, especially where there is excessive mucous production[254]. Hyssop can irritate the mucous membranes, so it is best given after an infection has peaked, when the herb's tonic action encourages a general recovery[254]. The plant should not be used by pregnant women, however, since in large quantities it can induce a miscarriage[7]. The leaves and flowering tops are antiseptic, antitussive, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, pectoral, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vasodilator[4, 7, 9, 21, 165, 238]. The plant can be harvested when in full flower and dried for later use[4]. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of flatulence, stomach-aches, upper respiratory tract infections, coughs in children etc[222, 238]. A poultice made from the fresh herb is used to heal wounds[4, 238]. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Stability'[210]. This oil should not be used on people who are highly strung as it can cause epileptic symptoms[7, 254]. The essential oil should not be used internally except under professional supervision[254].

Hyssop can be grown as a dwarf hedge, it responds well to trimming in the spring[14, 52, 182]. The growing plant attracts cabbage white butterflies away from brassicas[14, 18, 20]. Another report says that hyssop attracts cabbage white butterflies and should not be grown near cabbages[201]. An essential oil from the leaves is antiseptic and also used in perfumery and as a food flavouring[200, 201]. It has a particularly fine odour and is much valued by perfumers[4]. Average yields of the oil are about 0.6%[7]. Yields from the blue-flowered variety are 1 - 1.5% essential oil, the red-flowered variety yields about 0.8%, whilst the white-flowered form yields 0.5% essential oil[240]. The plant was formerly used as a strewing herb[4, 200] and is also used in pot-pourri[245]. A tea made from the leaves is useful for controlling bacterial plant diseases[201]. Plants can be grown for ground cover when spaced about 45cm apart each way[208].

Special Uses