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Hedge Hyssop

Scientific Names


• Gratiola officinalis L.
• Figwort family

Parts Usually Used

The entire plant
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Hedge hyssop is a European perennial herb; grows to a height of about 1 foot. The branched, hollow, quadrangular stem grows from a thin, creeping rootstock and bears opposite, sessile, lanceolate, shallow-toothed leaves. The solitary, axillary flowers have a tubular corolla that is rose-colored or reddish with yellow streaks. Blooms June to August. Other varieties: related American species are annuals and have flowers whose corollas have yellow tubes and white lips.
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Where Found

Found in low, wet places.
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Medicinal Properties

Cardiac, diuretic, emetic, purgative, vermifuge
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Uses

A potent medicine and should be used only in the form of prepared extracts and tinctures to minimize the danger of poisoning. Large doses of the plant produce numerous and dangerous effects. It can also be taken for gout, mild dropsy, sciatica, external ulcers, intestinal worms, chronic eczema, and persistent itching skin.
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Formulas or Dosages

Use only under medical supervision.
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Warning

A potent medicine and should be used only in the form of prepared extracts and tinctures to minimize the danger of poisoning.

Use only under medical supervision.
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Bibliography

Culpeper's Complete Herbal & English Physician, by Nicholas Culpeper, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1990, (reprint of 1814)

The Herb Book, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.

Webster's New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, New World Dictionaries: A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023, 1984

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