Hyssop

Hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis, has a stunning, intensely blue flower in early summer. In my pic it's mixed with St John's wort (the yellow) and ribort/plantain. The photo doesn't do her justice. She is a shining beauty in my garden with the bees and bumbles visiting her and my eyes drawn to her. when I rub my hands on the leaves she brings to mind the herbs thyme and oregano.

In clinic, hyssop is for those who need upper respiratory support due to the anti-inflammatory, anticatarrhal and expectorant actions. This makes this herb useful when someone has a cold, cough, flu or feels congested. Aerial (above ground) parts are harvested when you see the flowers.

I love reading about the historical uses and thoughts about herbs, hyssop is no exception. This gorgeous herb was used by the Ancient Greeks where Hippocrates used it for pleurisy and Discorides for catarrh and asthma. In folk tradition it was considered to have magical properties, where it was used to drive out evil from the home.

Hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis