Hyssop, also called holy herb, is a small shrub in the mint family that produces flower stalks with lavender-colored blossoms. The above-ground parts of the plant are what are used for medicine, not the roots. Traditionally, it's been used for a wide variety of ailments, but so far, we don't have enough evidence to prove that it's safe and effective for any of them. Traditional uses of hyssop include treatment for:*
- Digestive aid*
- Liver problems*
- Gallbladder disease*
- Gas*
- Intestinal pain*
- Colic*
- Coughs*
- Colds*
- Sore throat*
- Asthma*
- Urinary tract infections*
- Poor circulation*
- Menstrual cramps*
- To cause sweating (in baths)*
- Topically for burns, bruises, and frostbite*
You may have come across hyssop without knowing it. While it has a bitter taste, it's sometimes used as a flavoring in foods, and the oil is used as a fragrance in some body-care products and makeup.*
