#hyssopplant

Uses: Hyssop is sometimes touted as an ideal wintertime healer, recommended for coughs, colds, flu and even frostbite. Herbalists also use it to treat bruises, burns, arthritis, upset stomach, poor circulation, and infection with lice and HIV.

Research: Hyssop extracts killed bacteria -- including E. coli -- in lab studies. The oil was also effective against viruses, including HIV, in vitro, but these properties have yet to be demonstrated in humans.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity

A team of researchers in Romania published an article in a 2014 edition of the journal Molecules that explored the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of hyssop.6

Their work revealed high levels of polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) and good antioxidant activity. On top of that, extracts and oils from the plant showed moderate antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

However, these were results in a laboratory setting, not in the human body. We'll need further research to confirm the possible benefits of hyssop in these and most areas.

A paper from the same journal in 2009 had similar results, showing that hyssop essential oil had some antibacterial and antifungal properties. Later work has supported the theory.7