A plant record

Hedge Hyssop

Gratiola officinalis · Plantaginaceae

EnglishHedge Hyssop

FrançaisGratiole

BotanicalGratiola officinalis

FamilyPlantaginaceae

Hedge Hyssop — Gratiola officinalis, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

⚠ Documented, never use. Hedge hyssop is a violently drastic purge that has caused poisonings sometimes fatal — vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, failing kidneys, cramps, and in the worst cases cardio-respiratory collapse. (Its old "digitalis-like" cardiac attribution has not held up; the harm is to gut, kidney, and the body at large.) Its extracts blister skin and mucous membrane on contact. It is recorded here as a matter of history and warning only; there is no safe household preparation.

In three languages

Français — ⚠ Documenté, ne jamais utiliser. La gratiole est un purgatif drastique et violent qui a provoqué des intoxications parfois mortelles — vomissements, diarrhée hémorragique, insuffisance rénale, crampes et, dans les pires cas, arrêt cardio-respiratoire. (Son ancienne attribution « digitalique » n'a pas résisté ; la nocivité touche l'intestin, les reins et l'organisme entier.) Ses extraits brûlent la peau et les muqueuses au contact. Elle n'est consignée ici qu'à titre historique et d'avertissement ; il n'existe aucune préparation domestique sûre.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Sources & lineage

Toxicology / European materia medica; cardiotoxic glucoside (gratiotoxine), gratioside

Kept alongside

Ribwort plantainFoxgloveAlpine plantainSweet broom

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