Uses for Hyssop

Hyssop has a strong camphor-like odor with a faint minty smell. It is a member of the mint family that flowers from June to August. Blue or violet bell-shaped flowers grow atop square stems.

Internal Medicinal

• Tea made from the flowers is a mild expectorant that can aid in bringing up mucus when suffering from colds, flu or bronchitis.

External Medicinal

• Fresh-ground leaves put on bruises and wounds promote healing. This herb has germ-killing properties because of its volatile oils.

Culinary

• Sprinkle hyssop leaves and flowers in green salad to give it added flavor. Chicken soups, fruit soups, fruit salads, lamb stews and poultry stuffings can also be flavored with hyssop.

Cosmetic

• Mix hyssop, thyme, mint and rosemary in a bowl of steaming water. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl for a facial steam. This is a cleansing and soothing skin treatment.

Honey

• Hyssop plants attract honeybees to a garden. Hyssop will mildly flavor honey when planted near beehives.