Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicitySources
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Sources
Hyssop(Hyssopus officinalis) is an herb purported to treat various ailments, including ulcers, herpes, and cancer. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support hyssop’s safety or effectiveness for these or any other medical uses.
Hyssop is native to southern Europe and central Asia, but can also be found growing in gardens throughout North America. While it’s thought to be safe at normal doses, it can cause severe side effects like seizures if too much is consumed.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Uses of Hyssop
In Middle Eastern cuisine, hyssop is often used to flavor meat and vegetable dishes. It has a minty, slightly bitter taste that is reminiscent of licorice. The oil is also used as a fragrance in some body-care products and cosmetics.
Hyssop is said to have a variety of health benefits. While supplements are rarely studied extensively, we do have some scientific literature on hyssop’s potential benefits. Research on hyssop is in the early stages but much of it is promising, which could encourage researchers to continue studying it.
Anti-Cancer Properties
A 2014 review found evidence that herbs in the Lamiaceae family, including hyssop, may be able to destroy cancer cells.
A study published in 2017 concluded that hyssop oils and extracts have the potential to kill cervical cancer cells.However, the study was performed in a lab and not on human subjects.
While these results are promising, they must be replicated in human studies before we’ll know whether it’s a safe and effective treatment.
Ulcer Treatment
Many traditional uses of hyssop involve indigestion, and one lab study uncovered a possible reason for that. Researchers found that hyssop acts against two chemicals in the body that are involved in developinggastric ulcersand peptic ulcers:ureaseanda-chymotrypsin.
These findings helped researchers conclude that hyssop may be an effective ulcer treatment. However, this has not yet been proven in a human trial. Until then, we cannot say that hyssop is beneficial for treating ulcers.
Antioxidant Activity
Hyssop is thought to have antioxidant properties that may provide many benefits. Antioxidants are powerful components that can fight off harmful substances and free radicals in your body.
A team of researchers in Romania published an article that explored the antioxidant activity of hyssop.The article revealed high levels ofpolyphenols, a type of antioxidant, to be found in hyssop oils and extracts. These polyphenols were shown to have moderate levels of antioxidant activity within hyssop.
However, these results were found in a laboratory setting. Further research and human studies are needed to confirm that the possible antioxidant effects of hyssop will work in humans.
Antiviral Properties
Few viruses are as well-known to the general public, or as common, asherpes simplex 1 and 2. Hyssop may have some use in preventing the spread of these and other viruses.
A 2018 review of the literature on Lamiaceae plants against the retrovirusHIVshowed promising preliminary results from in vitro (laboratory test tube) studies. Researchers said the plants, including hyssop, appear to target structures that allow the virus to infect cells. Hyssop may also destroy key enzymes that HIV relies on for its life cycle.
Despite these positive results, researchers agree that human trials are needed to strengthen these claims.
Hyssop should not be substituted for HIV medication. Before adding plant medicines and supplements to any regime, please check with your healthcare provider to avoid interactions
Other Possible Uses
Hyssop has been used for centuries in a variety of ways. Other traditional uses of hyssop include treatment of:
It’s always best to talk with your healthcare provider before starting hyssop or any other supplement. They can walk you through the potential benefits of the supplement and help you decide if it is right for you.
Side Effects of Hyssop
Even natural treatments can have unwanted side effects, and hyssop is no exception. The herb is believed to be relatively safe at levels commonly consumed.
However, at high doses, hyssop can be dangerous. And some people should avoid hyssop entirely.
Common Side Effects
Some side effects associated with taking hyssop are more common than others. Common side effects include:
These side effects are typically reported as mild. If you notice these or other side effects, stop using it and ask your healthcare provider if you should continue taking hyssop.
Severe Side Effects
Severe side effects are also possible while taking hyssop including:
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience severe side effects when taking hyssop.
Medication, food, and supplement interactions have not been reported for hyssop. However, it is possible that interactions exist but have not been properly reported. However, some populations should take precautions and avoid using hyssop, including:
Only use hyssop supplements and oils as directed to avoid side effects or other adverse reactions. Always speak with a healthcare provider to learn how to safely use a new supplement.
There isn’t enough information to determine whether hyssop is safe to use while breastfeeding, so it is best to avoid it if you are nursing. Children shouldn’t use hyssop due to the increased risk of seizure.
Dosage: How Much Hyssop Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
No standard, safe dosage has been determined for hyssop. The right dose for you may depend on your age, health, and other conditions.
Most studies done on hyssop have been performed on animal models or in lab settings. Without adequate human testing, it is not safe to recommend a standard dose for hyssop.
Keep in mind that you increase your risk of side effects when you take more hyssop than recommended. Therefore, it’s important to use hyssop only as directed.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Hyssop?
Hyssop has the potential to become toxic if taken incorrectly. Taking too much hyssop can result in severe side effects, including seizures.
Hyssop extracts contain oils that are classified as volatile. One of these,pinocamphone, has been found to be neurotoxic in certain settings.
Be aware of how much hyssop you take each time you use it. You may have taken too much hyssop if you experience side effects.
Sources of Hyssop and What To Look For
Hyssop is not naturally found in foods, but you can cook with it as an herb. You can also find hyssop in a variety of supplement forms.
Food Sources of Hyssop
Dried hyssop leaves can be used as a garnish or cooked into dishes. It is described as having a minty yet floral flavor.
Some people choose to sprinkle dried or fresh hyssop leaves over meals, like salads, soups, and roasts. Others prefer to cook or steam hyssop to make the flavor more palatable.
If you are eating hyssop for its antioxidant benefits, many other fresh food options can provide the same polyphenols. A food-first approach is always recommended when it comes to getting the nutrients your body needs.
Hyssop Supplements
Hyssop supplements are sold in a variety of forms. You can purchase hyssop supplements as capsules, soft gels, essential oils, liquid extracts, and dried leaves.
The liquid forms of hyssop (oil and extract) have been associated with an increased risk of seizures more often than the other supplement forms available.
Summary
Hyssop is an herb from the Lamiaceae family that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
It may be beneficial for some to use due to its potential antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties. However, no strong human trials have been performed on these and other claims surrounding hyssop uses. Therefore, take precautions and talk with your healthcare provider before starting hyssop.
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9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zielinska S, Matkowski A.Phytochemistry and bioactivity of aromatic and medicinal plants from the genus Agastache (Lamiaceae).Phytochemistry Reviews. 2014;13:391-416. doi:10.1007%2Fs11101-014-9349-1Mićović T, Topalović D, Živković L, et al.Antioxidant, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic activity of essential oils and methanol extracts of hyssopus officinalis l. Subsp. Aristatus (Godr.) nyman(Lamiaceae). Plants. 2021;10(4):711. doi:10.3390/plants10040711Paun G, Litescu SC, Neagu E, et al.Evaluation of Geranium spp., Helleborus spp. and Hyssopus spp. polyphenolic extracts inhibitory activity against urease and a-chymotrypsin.Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry. 2014 Feb;29(1):28-34. doi: 10.3109/14756366.2012.749399Vlase L, Benedec D, Hanganu D, et al.Evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and phenolic profile for Hyssopus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum and Teucrium chamaedrys.Molecules. 2014 Apr 28;19(5):5490-507. doi:10.3390/molecules19055490Moradi MT, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Karimi A.A review study on the effect of Iranian herbal medicines againstin vitroreplication of herpes simplex virus. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016 Sep-Oct;6(5):506-515. PMID: 27761420Bekut M, Brkic S, Kladar N, et al.Potential of selected Lamiaceae plants in anti(retro)viral therapy.Pharmacological Research. 2018 Jul;133:301-314. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2017.12.016National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hyssop. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.Dosoky NS, Setzer WN.Maternal reproductive toxicity of some essential oils and their constituents. IJMS. 2021;22(5):2380. doi: 10.3390/ijms22052380Sharifi-Rad J, Quispe C, Kumar M, et al.HyssopusEssential Oil: An Update of Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Safety Profile. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022;2022:1-10. doi: 10.1155/2022/8442734.Additional ReadingNile SH, Nile AS, Keum YS.Total phenolics, antioxidant, antitumor, and enzyme inhibitory activity of Indian medicinal and aromatic plants extracted with different extraction methods. 3 Biotech. 2017 May;7(1):76. doi:10.1007/s13205-017-0706-9
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zielinska S, Matkowski A.Phytochemistry and bioactivity of aromatic and medicinal plants from the genus Agastache (Lamiaceae).Phytochemistry Reviews. 2014;13:391-416. doi:10.1007%2Fs11101-014-9349-1Mićović T, Topalović D, Živković L, et al.Antioxidant, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic activity of essential oils and methanol extracts of hyssopus officinalis l. Subsp. Aristatus (Godr.) nyman(Lamiaceae). Plants. 2021;10(4):711. doi:10.3390/plants10040711Paun G, Litescu SC, Neagu E, et al.Evaluation of Geranium spp., Helleborus spp. and Hyssopus spp. polyphenolic extracts inhibitory activity against urease and a-chymotrypsin.Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry. 2014 Feb;29(1):28-34. doi: 10.3109/14756366.2012.749399Vlase L, Benedec D, Hanganu D, et al.Evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and phenolic profile for Hyssopus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum and Teucrium chamaedrys.Molecules. 2014 Apr 28;19(5):5490-507. doi:10.3390/molecules19055490Moradi MT, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Karimi A.A review study on the effect of Iranian herbal medicines againstin vitroreplication of herpes simplex virus. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016 Sep-Oct;6(5):506-515. PMID: 27761420Bekut M, Brkic S, Kladar N, et al.Potential of selected Lamiaceae plants in anti(retro)viral therapy.Pharmacological Research. 2018 Jul;133:301-314. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2017.12.016National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hyssop. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.Dosoky NS, Setzer WN.Maternal reproductive toxicity of some essential oils and their constituents. IJMS. 2021;22(5):2380. doi: 10.3390/ijms22052380Sharifi-Rad J, Quispe C, Kumar M, et al.HyssopusEssential Oil: An Update of Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Safety Profile. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022;2022:1-10. doi: 10.1155/2022/8442734.Additional ReadingNile SH, Nile AS, Keum YS.Total phenolics, antioxidant, antitumor, and enzyme inhibitory activity of Indian medicinal and aromatic plants extracted with different extraction methods. 3 Biotech. 2017 May;7(1):76. doi:10.1007/s13205-017-0706-9
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Zielinska S, Matkowski A.Phytochemistry and bioactivity of aromatic and medicinal plants from the genus Agastache (Lamiaceae).Phytochemistry Reviews. 2014;13:391-416. doi:10.1007%2Fs11101-014-9349-1Mićović T, Topalović D, Živković L, et al.Antioxidant, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic activity of essential oils and methanol extracts of hyssopus officinalis l. Subsp. Aristatus (Godr.) nyman(Lamiaceae). Plants. 2021;10(4):711. doi:10.3390/plants10040711Paun G, Litescu SC, Neagu E, et al.Evaluation of Geranium spp., Helleborus spp. and Hyssopus spp. polyphenolic extracts inhibitory activity against urease and a-chymotrypsin.Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry. 2014 Feb;29(1):28-34. doi: 10.3109/14756366.2012.749399Vlase L, Benedec D, Hanganu D, et al.Evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and phenolic profile for Hyssopus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum and Teucrium chamaedrys.Molecules. 2014 Apr 28;19(5):5490-507. doi:10.3390/molecules19055490Moradi MT, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Karimi A.A review study on the effect of Iranian herbal medicines againstin vitroreplication of herpes simplex virus. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016 Sep-Oct;6(5):506-515. PMID: 27761420Bekut M, Brkic S, Kladar N, et al.Potential of selected Lamiaceae plants in anti(retro)viral therapy.Pharmacological Research. 2018 Jul;133:301-314. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2017.12.016National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hyssop. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.Dosoky NS, Setzer WN.Maternal reproductive toxicity of some essential oils and their constituents. IJMS. 2021;22(5):2380. doi: 10.3390/ijms22052380Sharifi-Rad J, Quispe C, Kumar M, et al.HyssopusEssential Oil: An Update of Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Safety Profile. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022;2022:1-10. doi: 10.1155/2022/8442734.
Zielinska S, Matkowski A.Phytochemistry and bioactivity of aromatic and medicinal plants from the genus Agastache (Lamiaceae).Phytochemistry Reviews. 2014;13:391-416. doi:10.1007%2Fs11101-014-9349-1
Mićović T, Topalović D, Živković L, et al.Antioxidant, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic activity of essential oils and methanol extracts of hyssopus officinalis l. Subsp. Aristatus (Godr.) nyman(Lamiaceae). Plants. 2021;10(4):711. doi:10.3390/plants10040711
Paun G, Litescu SC, Neagu E, et al.Evaluation of Geranium spp., Helleborus spp. and Hyssopus spp. polyphenolic extracts inhibitory activity against urease and a-chymotrypsin.Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry. 2014 Feb;29(1):28-34. doi: 10.3109/14756366.2012.749399
Vlase L, Benedec D, Hanganu D, et al.Evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and phenolic profile for Hyssopus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum and Teucrium chamaedrys.Molecules. 2014 Apr 28;19(5):5490-507. doi:10.3390/molecules19055490
Moradi MT, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Karimi A.A review study on the effect of Iranian herbal medicines againstin vitroreplication of herpes simplex virus. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016 Sep-Oct;6(5):506-515. PMID: 27761420
Bekut M, Brkic S, Kladar N, et al.Potential of selected Lamiaceae plants in anti(retro)viral therapy.Pharmacological Research. 2018 Jul;133:301-314. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2017.12.016
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hyssop. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.
Dosoky NS, Setzer WN.Maternal reproductive toxicity of some essential oils and their constituents. IJMS. 2021;22(5):2380. doi: 10.3390/ijms22052380
Sharifi-Rad J, Quispe C, Kumar M, et al.HyssopusEssential Oil: An Update of Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Safety Profile. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022;2022:1-10. doi: 10.1155/2022/8442734.
Nile SH, Nile AS, Keum YS.Total phenolics, antioxidant, antitumor, and enzyme inhibitory activity of Indian medicinal and aromatic plants extracted with different extraction methods. 3 Biotech. 2017 May;7(1):76. doi:10.1007/s13205-017-0706-9
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