Hyssopus officinalis
In ancient Greece, Hippocrates and Galen prescribed Hyssop for inflammations of the throat and lungs. In traditional medicine it has been used as a tonic, antiseptic, expectorant and as a cough reliever. Its circulatory tonic properties, immune system regulation, as well its use against digestive problems have also been thoroughly investigated.
A herb with multiple uses
In addition to its traditional use for relieving symptoms in the respiratory tract, hyssop has strong antioxidant activity due to phenolic agents. Because of its powerful antioxidant profile, hyssop may also protect red blood cells from oxidative damage.
Modern research has identified that antioxidant compounds in hyssop leaves inhibit the activity of the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, which breaks down sugar starch as well as the ability of the extract to regulate blood sugar by inhibiting the digestion of carbohydrates. Researchers concluded that hyssop as a supplement may be useful in managing elevated blood sugar levels and that it has also shown fungicidal action.