Benefits & Side Effects of Hyssop

Natural and herbal remedies claim to cure a wide variety of illnesses. There are herbs that people claim help ease aches and pains as well as herbs that claim to help people increase their sexual potency. One of these herbal remedies is hyssop. Understanding the benefits and potential side effects of hyssop can help you decide whether it's the right treatment for your ailment.

Plant Information

• Hyssop is known by the botanical name Hyssopus officinalis. It is also called curdukotu, hastipippili, hisopo and yanagi-hakka. It originated in the temperate areas of the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. It is often used as a decorative plant. It is related to many different medicinal and kitchen herbs, such as peppermint, basil, sage, lavender, thyme and catnip. It has purple-blue flowers that are strong in smell. The leaves and stems contain compounds like romarinic acid, caffeic acid, pinanones, beta-pinene, limonene, glycosides and many others. These compounds are found in the volatile oil of hyssop, which has been used since biblical times for cleansing and medicinal purposes. According to the E Vitamins website, the volatile oil in hyssop leaves and stems has shown antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Benefits

• Hyssop is used to treat many respiratory problems. Hyssop tea is most often used to help loosen phlegm in the throat. Clearing phlegm helps relieve congestion, coughs and hoarse throats and makes it easier to breathe during illness. Hyssop is also used to treat respiratory infections and bronchitis. Hyssop oil is antiviral, which helps destroy the toxin build up that is caused by viruses. Hyssop has also been shown to have a mild sedative effect, which can help you fall asleep easier. Many herbalists use it to help relieve gas or to relieve intestinal cramping. Hyssop induces sweating, which can help relieve fevers.

Side Effects

• Although the tea in hyssop is unlikely to cause side effects, concentrated doses of the volatile oil may cause side effects. The chemical pinocamphone, which is found in the volatile oil in hyssop, is particularly problematic. In laboratory animals, it has been shown to cause seizures. It has also been shown to cause seizures in humans. Adults have reported seizures after taking more than 10 drops in a day while children have reported seizures after two to three drops over a several day period. Hyssop has been reported to cause premature menstruation as well as induce miscarriage. Hyssop is also high in iodine. People who suffer from iodine-related disorders should not take hyssop. Make sure you talk to your doctor before taking hyssop or any herbal medication.