Hyssop

Hyssopus officinalis has a flower that is the most divine shade of blue and a magnet for pollinators. It has a very herby scent when I brush against it, it smells a bit like oregano or thyme. It’s native to the Mediterranean and is fine in a hot dry Canterbury summer and dries back over winter. Mine has thrived being planted in amongst my raspberries. The leaves, flowers and essential oil are used medicinally.

With the scent it has, it’s a giveaway as to what it’s main therapeutic uses are. It’s something to reach for when you need immune support when you’re feeling blocked up or you need lung support and for poor circulation. It also has an affinity for the nervous system in the case of high anxiety or epilepsy.

It was historically used for restoring the nerves ~ ‘uplifting’, for worms; externally for wounds, inflammations, bruises, toothache, with the oil used for lice and itchy scalp.

Yes, it’s something I will be keeping to add to my herbal teas over winter, but as just a plant to have in the garden ~ it’s a keeper.

It is considered unsafe during pregnancy.

Hyssop tucked away with my raspberries. A photo doesn’t do the colour justice.