Hyssop is legendary in the alternative medicine world. The herbal plant has been used in medicine since the time of the Ancient Greeks. It’s been used for everything from an antiseptic and household cleaner to an expectorant and a weight loss tea. Here, we’ll cut through the noise and show you everything you need to know about hyssop tea, from its flavor profile to its health benefits and side effects.
Hyssop tea is a medicinal herbal tea made from the leaves and flowers of the hyssop plant. It has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions most notably respiratory issues like colds, coughs and sore throats.
With its minty, slightly bitter taste and numerous potential health benefits, hyssop tea is a soothing and refreshing beverage to enjoy daily. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about making your own delicious and rejuvenating cups of hyssop tea at home.
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is an aromatic perennial herb in the mint family that is native to Southern Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. It has lightly serrated, lance-shaped leaves and small, spiky purple or blue flowers that bloom in the summer.
All parts of the hyssop plant are edible, but the leaves and flower tops are most commonly used to make herbal teas and tinctures. Hyssop has an intense minty flavor thanks to its high concentration of volatile oils, such as pinocamphone, isopinocamphone and limonene.
In folk medicine, hyssop has been valued for centuries for its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and carminative properties Modern research has confirmed many of hyssop’s traditional uses, indicating benefits for respiratory ailments, digestive issues and even anxiety.
Benefits of Drinking Hyssop Tea
Consuming hyssop tea on a regular basis may provide the following health benefits:
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Relieves coughs and sore throats – Hyssop is a natural expectorant, meaning it helps loosen mucus secretions and makes coughs more productive. The menthol in hyssop also soothes sore throat pain and irritation.
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Eases congestion and respiratory infections – In addition to relieving coughs, hyssop’s antimicrobial properties may help fight the bacteria or viruses causing sinus infections, colds and bronchitis. The vapors from the tea may also help decongest nasal passages.
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Aids digestion – Hyssop tea stimulates the production of bile and gastric juices to improve digestion. It helps relieve gas, bloating, cramps and indigestion.
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Calms anxiety – Some compounds in hyssop tea may bind to GABA receptors in the brain, inducing a mild sedative effect that relieves nervous tension and anxiety.
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Supports the immune system – Antioxidants in hyssop combat cellular damage caused by free radicals. This helps boost immune function to ward off illness.
How to Make Hyssop Tea with Fresh or Dried Herbs
One of the great advantages of hyssop is that you can use either fresh or dried leaves and flowers to make a tasty, therapeutic cup of tea. Here is a step-by-step guide to brewing hyssop tea using each method:
Fresh Hyssop Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6-8 stems of fresh hyssop (leaves and flowers)
- 2 cups water
Instructions:
- Gently rinse the fresh hyssop to remove any dirt or debris.
- Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat.
- Add the fresh hyssop to a teapot or french press. Pour the freshly boiled water over the herbs.
- Allow to steep for 5-7 minutes, then press down on the leaves before pouring the tea into mugs to serve.
Dried Hyssop Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tsp dried hyssop leaves/flowers
- 8 oz hot water
Instructions:
- Place dried hyssop into a teapot or infuser.
- Bring water to a boil, then pour over the dried herbs.
- Allow to steep for 7-10 minutes to fully extract the beneficial oils and compounds.
- Strain tea into mugs before drinking to remove any loose leaves.
Tips for Brewing Perfect Hyssop Tea:
- Use 1 tsp dried or 2 tsp fresh hyssop per 8 oz cup of water. Adjust amounts to taste.
- Steep longer for more potent, medicinal tea. Steep briefly for milder flavor.
- Sweeten with honey or lemon if desired. Avoid milk, which binds to the beneficial plant compounds.
- Store dried hyssop in an airtight container away from light. Use within 1 year for best flavor.
Delicious and Soothing Hyssop Tea Recipes to Try
One of the joys of herbal tea is experimenting with different ingredient combinations. Here are some tasty hyssop tea blends for you to try:
Throat Soother Tea – Hyssop, grated ginger, lemon juice, honey, pinch of cayenne pepper
Digestive Hyssop Tea – Hyssop, fennel seed, chamomile, lemon balm, spearmint
Cold and Flu Tea – Hyssop, elderberry, cinnamon sticks, sliced ginger, lemon slices, raw honey
Stress Relief Tea – Hyssop, lavender, passionflower, rose petals, valerian root
Respiratory Tea – Hyssop, mullein, eucalyptus leaves, peppermint leaves, marshmallow root
Moroccan Mint Tea – Hyssop, spearmint leaves, green tea, orange blossom water
Feel free to get creative and come up with your own signature hyssop tea recipes too. Hyssop pairs well with other minty herbs like peppermint, spearmint and lemon balm. Citrus flavours like lemon verbena or lemongrass also complement it nicely.
How to Grow and Harvest Hyssop for Tea
One of the easiest herbs to grow, hyssop thrives in a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Here are some tips for growing and harvesting your own hyssop:
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening off.
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Hyssop grows 1-3 feet tall and wide.
- Cut back flower stalks during the summer to encourage more leaf growth.
- Harvest hyssop leaves as needed once plants are established. Cut stems right above leaf nodes.
- Harvest flowers when fully opened for optimal flavor and aroma.
- Dry leaves out of direct sunlight, then crumble and store in airtight jars.
Having your own hyssop patch ensures you always have fresh herbs for tea. And drying extra hyssop means you can enjoy its benefits all year round.
Final Thoughts
Hyssop tea is a soothing, refreshing and healthy beverage with a unique mint-anise flavor. Rich in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds, it provides relief for respiratory congestion, coughs, sore throats, digestive troubles and more.
Making homemade hyssop tea is quick and easy whether you use fresh or dried herbs. We encourage you to try out some of the suggested hyssop tea recipes. And grow your own hyssop to enjoy convenient access to this medicinal herb. Sipping a steamy cup of hyssop tea is a tasty way to support your health every day.
Health Benefits of Hyssop Tea
The common cold and flu can cause a host of symptoms ranging from sore throat and stuffy nose to difficulty breathing and chest congestion. Drinking hyssop tea may help to ease those symptoms and help you feel normal again. Drinking tea can help to decrease stress and its anti-inflammatory properties help to lessen inflammation that can cause chest congestion and coughing. Drinking tea is also a great way to stay hydrated, an important component of any healing process (1).
Hyssop tea can be used in place of a salt-water gargle to help ease the pain of a sore throat. It may also work as a mild expectorant for respiratory infections, helping to loosen phlegm that causes throat irritation and difficulty breathing (2). Hyssop tea may also be beneficial for supporting overall immune system health and has been researched as a tool in the fight against HIV with promising results (3).
Drinking hyssop tea may help support overall women’s health and research shows it may be an effective treatment for urinary tract infections and easing the pain of menstrual cramps. Small studies have shown that hyssop has natural anti-inflammatory effects that may help to relax muscles (4). Drinking hyssop tea may help to decrease inflammation and ease menstrual cramps or other muscle cramps. Alternative healthcare practitioners have also been using hyssop as a treatment for UTI for decades, though modern medicine hasn’t confirmed those benefits.
Hyssop tea may offer mild benefits for heart health, mainly by decreasing inflammation and improving circulation, which helps to decrease the risk of heart attack, blood clots, and blood sugar related disorders. As circulation improves, and inflammation decreases, blood vessels become less restricted, helping to lower blood pressure and support overall heart health. Research is ongoing into the use of hyssop herb and hyssop essential oil in the treatment of heart conditions, though there are thus far no conclusive results.
Drinking hyssop tea may help you get the most out of your diet and exercise regimen when you’re trying to lose weight. First, hyssop tea is a great replacement for people who are looking to swap out calorie-heavy soft drinks and sugary juices. It also has more taste than water and fewer calories compared to flavorings used for most beverages. Small studies have shown that hyssop consumption may also be correlated with a loss of appetite (5). Drinking the herbal tea before a meal may help make you feel full faster so you consume fewer calories at each meal.
Hyssop tea triggers the production of bile, which signals the body to begin digestive processes. The bile contains enzymes and acids that work to break down food and convert it into either energy or waste products. In addition, hyssop may help to soothe intestinal problems by reducing inflammation.
Try Hyssop Tea Today
Brew up a cup of delicious hyssop tea today and enjoy the vibrant minty flavor and underlying licorice notes. The tea brews best using boiling water. Make sure to allow the hyssop leaves to steep for 5 to 8 minutes. For the best flavor, stick to loose leaf tea rather than tea bags. Tea bags are often made using the crushed-up leaves and dust of tea leaves, resulting in poorer flavor quality and fewer compounds such as flavonoids and tannins that are responsible for the plant’s health benefits. The tea can be made using fresh leaves from plants grown in your garden in North America or by using dried herbs from the grocery store, herbalists at the farmers market, or your favorite tea shop.
Hyssop is legendary in the alternative medicine world. The herbal plant has been used in medicine since the time of the Ancient Greeks. It’s been used for everything from an antiseptic and household cleaner to an expectorant and a weight loss tea. Here, we’ll cut through the noise and show you everything you need to know about hyssop tea, from its flavor profile to its health benefits and side effects.
How to make Hyssop Tea
FAQ
How do you make hyssop tea?
Anise Hyssop is a member of the mint family known to be relaxing and also may help relieve/relax an upset stomach. Bruise about 25 leaves a little and Boil 2 cups of water for tea. Allow it to steep and 8-10 minutes or so. Best served with a little honey and a sprinkle of lemon.
What part of hyssop is used for tea?
Anise hyssop has a long history of use. Leaves can be used as a seasoning, dried for use in tea, used fresh in salads, or made into jellies. As leaves maintain their scent well when dried, anise hyssop can also be used in potpourri.
Can you drink hyssop tea everyday?
It appears that the amount normally found in food is generally safe to consume, but large amounts of hyssop or hyssop extract may cause health problems. In general, it is likely safe for most adults to eat or drink one serving of hyssop tea or to consume the amount of hyssop found in seasonings.
What is hyssop tea?
Hyssop tea is a popular herbal tea that is made from the dried leaves and flowers of the hyssop plant. It has a unique flavor and is said to possess many health benefits. If you’re looking to make your own hyssop tea at home, there are a few things you should know. First, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right type of hyssop.
How much hyssop should I use for a cup of tea?
The amount of hyssop you use for a cup of tea is largely dependent on your personal preference. As a general rule of thumb, one teaspoon of dried hyssop leaves should be enough for a single cup of tea. However, if you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add up to two teaspoons of hyssop leaves.
How do you make anise hyssop tea?
To make a basic anise hyssop tea, steep 2-3 tablespoons of bruised fresh leaves in 2 cups of boiled water for 5 minutes or so, strain, and drink hot or iced. In The Good Herb: Recipes and Remedies from Nature, author Judith Benn Hurley suggests using the tea to poach peaches, a fantastic idea I am definitely going to try.
Can You brew hyssop tea?
Brewing your own hyssop tea is an excellent way to enjoy the flavor, aroma, and health benefits of this herb. Hyssop tea is known for its sweet, minty flavor and its ability to soothe respiratory ailments, such as asthma and bronchitis. To make the most out of your hyssop tea, it is important to steep it for the right amount of time.
What herbs can you add to hyssop tea?
Peppermint: Peppermint is another great herb to add to hyssop tea. It has a cooling, minty flavor and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Adding a few fresh leaves of peppermint to your hyssop tea will give it a refreshing flavor and provide additional health benefits.