Herb of the Week: Hyssop

Often confused with lavender in its natural state, this herb is not the same at all. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is an incredibly powerful herb partner for respiratory issues. And, yes, it's very pretty, too.

This wonderfully purple herb helps clear mucus and help relieve coughing as well as other cold/flu/asthma symptoms. Not only does it help expectorate the pesky phlegm from one's lungs (expectorant), it also helps relieve the spasms associated with the nagging cough that doesn't produce anything and is just annoying (antispasmotic). It also helps soothe the throat (since there was so much coughing). I'm surprised to not see this herb posted about more often as it's pretty powerful. It's also helpful for relieving gas and bloating, to stimulate digestive enzymes (including bile production). It's antiviral and anti-inflammatory (has been shown to help fight against the herpes virus). Used topically, this herb can help with bruising, minor skin irritations, and can help prevent skin infections. By-the-way, it also tastes pretty good, lol. You've got to love an herb that looks beautiful, tastes good, and can help keep us healthy in so many ways!

It's magical properties are pretty much what one would expect from such a healing herb and that is it's very useful in protection, purification, spiritual cleansing, and has been traditionally used in protection against hexes and curses (and in curse/hex breaking rituals). Sprinkle some in the corners of your rooms to help purify/cleanse your spaces or use it to help cleanse new tools. Hyssop is closely associated with Jupiter and the moon. Need some protection against negative thinking? Consider carrying some hyssop on your person.

Have you used Hyssop in tea or syrup? How about in your magical practice?