Hedge Hyssop: Uncover the Potential Health Benefits

The hedge hyssop plant was widely used in the Middle and Modern Ages because it was supposed to have multiple medicinal virtues yet to be proven. It is still helpful as a substitute for the foxglove plant, though under medical control. Thus, its French name petite digitale.

Healing Properties and Warning

The whole plant contains cardiotonic glycosides and has heart-stimulating, diuretic, and purgative properties.

It is used only in cases of intolerance to foxglove’s active components. Hedge hyssop has the advantage that, unlike foxglove, its cardiotonic glycosides do not accumulate in the body.

WARNING! We advise you to respect the indicated doses because it is a potentially toxic plant. Doses higher than those shown may provoke vomiting, intestinal colic, and bleeding. In massive intoxication, even heart failure can occur.

Hedge Hyssop Scientific Facts

1. Other names: Gratiole.
2. French: Petite digitale.
3. Spanish: Graciola.
4. Environment: Marshes and humid soils in Europe and North America.
5. Description: This is a vigorous plant of the Scrofulariaceae family, growing from 15 to 30 cm high. It has a hollow stem, round at the base and quadrangular at the top. The leaves are finely toothed and oppositely disposed. The flowers are light pink or whitish. The plant has an unpleasant smell.
6. Parts of the plant used medicinally: The dried plant in flower.

How to use Hedge Hyssop

1. Infusion: With a maximum dose of two grams of ground dry plant per intake, up to a maximum daily amount of 10g.
2. Fluid extract: The recommended dose is 20 drops, one to three times daily.

DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.

REFERENCES

1. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 223. Print.
2. WebMD – Hedge-Hyssop: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-161/hedge-hyssop
3. RxList – Hedge-hyssop https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/hedge-hyssop.htm
4. Drugs.com – Hyssop https://www.drugs.com/npc/hyssop.html

Last update on 2025-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API