How Hyssop Cleanses the Colon

• Hyssop, whose name comes from the Greek meaning "holy herb," is a native of Europe and the Mediterranean. It is called the "holy herb" because of its cleansing properties. Records of its usage as a cleansing agent date back to the 17th century. A cathartic herb causes bowel movements. There are two kinds of cathartic herbs. Laxative cathartics are the milder form; purgative cathartics are stronger. Hyssop is a purgative cathartic herb. It also cleanses the colon by clearing intestinal mucus and can be used to alleviate gas.
  
  

Active Constituents in Hyssop

• Hyssop's volatile oil contains camphor, thujione, boryl acetate, isopinocamphone, linalool and a-terpinene. The volatile oil is believed to alleviate indigestion, soothe the colon and have a purgative action. Hyssop also contains a variety of flavonoids including hesperidin and diosmin, which aid in colon health.
  
  

How to Prepare Hyssop Infusion

• Hyssop's flowers contain medicinal properties and can be used to make infusions. Hyssop is most commonly used as a tea. The recommended dosage when making the tea is 1 or 2 tsp. in 1 cup of boiling water. The hyssop should be allowed to steep in the boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes and then strained. Commercial preparations are also available.