Hyssop
Hyssop

Background

Hyssop is a flowering plant. It grows in southern Europe and the Middle East. The parts that grow above ground are used to make medicine.

Hyssop is used for digestive and intestinal problems, infection of the airways, poor circulation, skin problems, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, hyssop oil and extract are used as a flavoring.

In manufacturing, hyssop oil is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.
When taken by mouth: Hyssop is LIKELY SAFE for most people in the amounts commonly found in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when used in larger amounts. But some animal studies suggest that hyssop oil may cause serious adverse effects at low doses.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hyssop is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: It is LIKELY UNSAFE to use hyssop during pregnancy because it might cause the uterus to contract or start menstruation. These effects could lead to a miscarriage.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hyssop is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
  • Liver and gallbladder problems.
  • Intestinal problems.
  • Common cold.
  • Sore throat.
  • Asthma.
  • Infection of the airways.
  • Infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs).
  • Gas.
  • Colic.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Poor circulation.
  • Skin conditions (bruises, rashes, burns, frostbite), when applied to the skin.
  • HIV/AIDS.
  • Menstrual cramps.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of hyssop for these uses.

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of hyssop depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for hyssop. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if Hyssop interacts with any medicines. Before taking Hyssop, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 07/12/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 09/10/2020 22:54:53. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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