Hedge Hyssop
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Hedge hyssop is a European perennial herb; grows to a height of about 1 foot. The branched, hollow, quadrangular stem grows from a thin, creeping rootstock and bears opposite, sessile, lanceolate, shallow-toothed leaves. The solitary, axillary flowers have a tubular corolla that is rose-colored or reddish with yellow streaks. Blooms June to August. Other varieties: related American species are annuals and have flowers whose corollas have yellow tubes and white lips.
Where Found
Found in low, wet places.
Medicinal Properties
Cardiac, diuretic, emetic, purgative, vermifuge
Uses
Historical herbalists utilized prepared extracts and tinctures of the plant in traditional medicine. It was historically administered for complaints such as gout, mild dropsy, and sciatica, and was also recommended by traditional practitioners for external skin conditions, including chronic eczema and persistent itching.
Warning
A potent medicine and should be used only in the form of prepared extracts and tinctures to minimize the danger of poisoning. Use only under medical supervision.
Bibliography
Culpeper’s Complete Herbal & English Physician: Updated With 117 Modern Herbs , by Nicholas Culpeper, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1990, (reprint of 1814) The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023