• The biblical antiseptic
• Haemorrhoids and varicose veins
• Coughs and cold sores
• Easy to grow, perennial, full sun

With its spikes of intense blue flowers and bushy, compact growth, Hyssop is an attractive herb worth growing for its looks alone, although it’s also an important medicinal herb. It likes a sunny position and light well-drained soil and will grow equally well in pots. The bush grows between 60 – 90cm high, making it’s a good border plant in a mixed flowerbed or as a low growing hedge. An infusion made with the leaves is useful for controlling bacterial plant disease.

As a medicinal herb Hyssop is particularly effective for treating bronchitis and respiratory infections, because of its expectorant action. Both the leaves and flowers can be used, either dried or in an infusion. The herb’s tonic action also encourages recovery. Combine with thyme for bronchial congestion, with peppermint and yarrow for the common cold and lemon balm for cold sores. It inhibits the growth of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores and an infusion is used as a compress when treating the cold sore.

The leaves’ peppery taste makes a good addition to thick soups, chunky pasta sauces and casseroles.

Find out more about using your hyssop