HYSSOP
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                                    CULTIVATION:
     Hyssop  is a aromatic shrubby perennial with  erect branched stem, up to 2
     feet  in  height.  Flowers are blue, violet,  red  ,  pink, or white forms
     occasionally  occur.  Hyssop  needs  full  sun,  and  light, well drained,
     alkaline  soil. Divide roots in spring.  Take stem cuttings from spring to
     autumn.  Sow  seeds in spring. Hyssop  germinates  very quickly and should
     start  to  be  visible within a week  of  planting. Once the plant reaches
     about 18 inches, cut back the tops to stimulate leaf growth. Transplant or
     thin to 2 feet apart, or to 12 inches apart for hedges. Hyssop can also be
     grown indoors.

     Pick  flowers  and  young flowering tops  as  flowering begins, and gather
     leaves  anytime. To obtain the most aromatic fresh leaves, pick before the
     plant  flowers, when they have the greatest concentration of natural oils.
     Dry young leaves and flowering tops.


                                  CULINARY  USES:
     Hyssop  has a mixed fortune as a  culinary herb, due to its strong flavor.
     The  leaves have a bitter, spicy mint flavor. The delicate minty flavor of
     hyssop  makes the herb useful in many  culinary dishes A few leaves can be
     added  to  stew  and casseroles, and  it  is  particularly good with game,
     rabbit  or  lamb. Use only a small  amount,  it also helps in digestion of
     fatty fish and meat.

     Use  the  flowers and toss into a  salad.  Serve with cranberries in fruit
     salads.  The refreshing tang of hyssop makes it an ideal addition to fruit
     cups.  Dried hyssop flowers are sometimes used to decorate soups or brew a
     minty tea.


                                   MEDICAL  USES:
     Specifically  employed  in  bronchitis  and  the  common  cold, to improve
     appetite  and stimulate gastric secretion, and a tea of hyssop and sage is
     recommended  as  a gargle to soothe a  sore  throat. The herb also reduces
     perspiration,  and can be applied externally to cuts or bruises around the
     eyes

     Hyssop  inhibits  the  growth of the  herpes  simplex  virus, which causes
     genital  herpes and cold sores. Try the infusion in a compress if you have
     this  chronic recurring infection.To make a  compress use 1 ounce of dried
     herb  per pint of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes and let cool. Soak a
     clean  cloth  in the infusion and apply  to cold sore or genital herpes as
     needed.

     Hyssop  oil  contains  several  soothing  camphorlike  constituents  which
     loosens  phlegm so it can be coughed up more easily.Make a strong infusion
     by  adding  one cup of boiling water  to 2 teaspoons of bruised leaves and
     let  to stand for 10 minutes. Strain and add a little honey for sweetness.
     This  is  particularly beneficial to the lung  and  chest, and will ease a
     persistent ticklish cough.

                                      WARNING:
     Generally regarded as safe, for healthy nonpregnant, nonnursing adults.

                                    OTHER USES:
     Use  hyssop  to  make  a greenish dye  for  natural  wool fabrics. The oil
     distilled from the flowering tops is employed in the liqueur and perfumery
     industries.   Grow  hyssop  near  cabbages   to  lure  away  cabbage-white
     butterflies.Flowers and leaves can be add to potpourris.