HYSSOP, the "Biblical antiseptic," is a bushy, evergreen plant introduced into the warmer parts of the United States from southern Europe. Once widely cultivated for medicinal uses, it is now grown mostly as an ornamental shrub. If you want bees in your garden, then plant this pretty and hardy perennial. Hyssop also has the reputation for enhancing the flavor of grapes and increasing the yield of cabbages planted nearby.

The Book of Psalms (51:9) says, "Purge me with Hyssop, and I shall be clean." But the Biblical cleanser does more than clean. It may work as an antiseptic for infections and for fighting various other health conditions. Jewish priests used strong-smelling Hyssop 2500 years ago to clean the Temple in Jerusalem and other places or worship. The Greeks adopted it, and the physician Dioscorides prescribed the herb in tea, plasters, and chest rubs. In 17th century Europe, Hyssop was a popular air freshener or "strewing herb." Colonists introduced Hyssop into North America and continued using it to treat chest congestions.

Contemporary herbalists recommend Hyssop compresses and poultices for bruises, burns, and wounds, and an infusion for treating coughs, colds, bronchitis, flatulence, indigestion, menstruation promotion, and even epileptic seizures. Hyssop has indeed been used as an effective, natural expectorant, digestive aid, sedative, and muscle relaxant. As an antiseptic, Hyssop inhibits the growth of the herpes simplex virus, which causes genital herpes and cold sores.

The volatile oils found in the leaves and flowers help loosen mucus and stimulate coughing, and decrease gas. Hyssop oil contains several soothing camphor-like constituents and one expectorant chemical (marrubiin), which loosens phlegm so it can be coughed-up more easily. Scientific sources agree that it is a "reasonably effective" treatment for coughs and respiratory irritation of colds and influenza.

Hyssop possesses the following properties: astringent, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, and tonic. Hyssop is used in essentially the same way as sage, with which it is sometimes combined to make a gargle for sore throat. The herb is available in the following forms: dried or fresh leaves, tea, tincture, essential oil, and capsules. It can be used in combination with white horehound and coltsfoot for coughs and bronchitis and with boneset, elder flower, and peppermint for cold symptoms. Although Hyssop is included in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's list of herbs generally regarded as safe, it should only be used by non-pregnant, non-nursing, and otherwise healthy adults. It may cause minor stomach discomfort or diarrhea.