Hyssop Facts
Hyssop Facts
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| Interesting Hyssop Facts: |
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| Hyssop produces numerous thin, green, straight stalks that can reach 12 to 24 inches in height. |
| Hyssop has small, dark green, narrow, spear-shaped leaves that are arranged in the pairs along the stem. |
| Hyssop develops violet-blue, bluish or rarely white or pink, two-lipped flowers arranged in elongated one-sided whorled spikes that can be seen on the tips of the stalks. Flowers emit sweet scent and possess both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers). |
| Hyssop blooms during the summer. Flowers attract bees and butterflies which are responsible for the pollination of this plant. |
| Fruit of hyssop is oblong achene (type of dry fruit). |
| Hyssop propagates via seeds, cuttings and division. |
| Fresh leaves and flowers of hyssop have bitter, minty taste. They can be used in human diet, either in the form of broths or as an ingredient of salads, dishes made of meat, fish and vegetables. |
| Hyssop is one of 130 herbs that are used for flavoring of French Chartreuse liqueur. It is also used for the preparation of absinthe. |
| Hyssop is valuable source of pollen that is used for the manufacture of aromatic honey. |
| Hyssop was known as holly or sacred plant during the ancient times, when it was used as cure-for-all. Egyptian priests have consumed hyssop with bread to "purify" ingested food. |
| Tea made of leaves of hyssop is still used as herbal remedy today. Hyssop has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-septic properties. It can be used in treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes, poor digestion, irregular menstrual period, hypotension, anxiety, respiratory disorders and fever. Poultices made of leaves accelerate healing of insect bites, bruises, cuts and edema. |
| Hyssop oil (obtained from the leaves, flowers and stem) has astringent properties which mean that it can rejuvenate skin by preventing formation of wrinkles and sagging of the skin and muscles (typical signs of aging). It also effectively removes spots and scars on the skin. |
| Despite numerous beneficial effects, hyssop is not recommended for pregnant women and people diagnosed with epilepsy because it contains pinocamphone, substance that can induce over-stimulation of nervous system. |
| Thanks to its strong minty scent, hyssop oil is very popular and often used in the perfume industry. |
| Hyssop is perennial plant (life span: more than 2 years). |
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