Hyssop – Biblical herb great for black eyes
Hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis, has certainly been in use a very long time, and was once seen as a virtual cure-all, although it’s not used so much nowadays. However, it’s still a popular home remedy, used mainly for chest and stomach complaints. It’s not closely related to Anise Hyssop.
Hyssop is a hardy shrub, reaching a height of up to 60cm (2′) and can spread over an area of 90cm (3′), so give it plenty of room to expand. It can be grown from seed sown in Spring or Autumn, or by means of cuttings in the Summer months. It has the benefit of attracting beneficial creatures, such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies, while deterring pests. It’s also a natural antiseptic.
Hyssop should not be used by pregnant women or epileptics.
Make a standard infusion by pouring 570ml (2.5 US cups, 1 UK pint) of boiling water over 30g of chopped dried leaves and stem, or 3 handfuls of fresh. Leave to stand for at least ten minutes (up to 4 hours), then strain and store in a dark cool place for use. This infusion can be used internally to treat bronchitis and as a stomach tonic at a dose of 75ml (1/3 US cup, 5 tablespoonfuls) two or three times a day.
Externally, the infusion can be used as a lotion for inflamed skin and bruises. It’s said to be particularly beneficial for black eyes (bruising around the eye). A poultice made from chopped fresh leaves mixed with a little hot water can be used to treat wounds.
As I’ve said before, herbs used for medicinal purposes should not be subjected to “conventional” gardening methods involving chemicals, so as not to interfere with their properties, but should be grown organically. To find out more about growing organic hyssop visit the Gardenzone.
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