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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


HYSSOP
(Hyssopus officinalis)
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PROPAGATION: By seed, cuttings and division (take tip cuttings before flowering). Perennial.
NEEDS: Full to part sun. Light, well-drained soil. Cut back in spring to stimulate growth.
HARVEST: For medicinal purposes - cut stems just before flower opens. Harvest flowers as available.
FLOWERS: July.

NOTE: Penicillin mold can grow naturally on leaves.

USES

MEDICINAL:
A warm infusion has been taken by the mouthful for colds, fevers, coughs, sore throats, and chest colds (used as a cough syrup).
A tea (infusion) made from the green tops has been used for rheumatism and lung complaints.
Crushed leaves have been applied directly for bruises.
A cold infusion as a compress has been used for tired eyes.
An infusion of the stems has been used for black eye. For eye bruises a handful of fresh leaves are crushed in a cloth and dipped quickly into boiling water, then applied as hot as possible and repeated till swelling goes down.
An infusion made with 2 oz. hyssop to 1 pt. water has been used as a gargle.

CULINARY:
Leaves and flowers are used for teas, salads, lamb stew and poultry stuffing. Also used in soups.

COSMETIC:
In the herbal bath to soothe. In a steaming herbal facial. Used in perfumes.

CRAFT:
Oil of hyssop, or the dried flowers and leaves, used in potpourri and as a potpourri fixitive. Dried flowers used in arrangements. Used in moth repellent and flea repellent sachets.

INSECTS:
Said to repel moths, fleas, cabbage moths and white flies.

COMPANION:
Grapevine.

LANGUAGE:
Cleanliness.



©2001 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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