A woody-stemmed perennial, the hyssop plant is native to the Mediterranean Islands, but has spread to most other continents and can be seen in many flower gardens throughout Europe and North America. Aside from the beauty of the deeply colored flowers it produces, there are many medicinal properties to the plant as well.

Known for its respiratory system benefits, hyssop is an expectorant, which cleanses the bronchial airways. Hyssop can help cure the irritations and infections that occur when suffering from allergies, asthma and the common cold or flu.

There is a mold that grows on the leaves of the hyssop plant that initiates the growth of penicillin. It also acts as a stimulant and anti-inflammatory agent by shrinking the blood vessels, which helps staunch bleeding from wounds and increase the healing process.

In Hebrew, hyssop is named “ezeb”, which means “a holy herb”, and is also mentioned in the bible: Leviticus 14:1-7. Hyssop tea has made its mark in history as being a medicinal resource, and has been recorded as a powerful agent against illness and disease.

There are some important steps that must be followed when making the tea. There are precautions that must be taken for expectant mothers and those with high blood pressure. It is always advised to seek professional advice before introducing a new medicinal tea into the diet.