hedge hyssop: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the diandria clas of plants. The corolla is irregular; there are two barren stamens; the capsule is bilocular; the calyx has seven leaves, with the two exterior ones patulous. There are four species; the most remarkable of which is the officinalis, or common hedge-hyssop. This grows naturally on the Alps and other mountainous parts of Europe. It hath a thick, fleshy, fibrous, creeping root, which propagates very much, when planted in a proper soil and situation. From this arise several upright square stalks, garnished with narrow Gratiola, narrow spear-shaped leaves, placed opposite. The flowers are produced on the side of the stalks at each joint; they are shaped like those of the fox glove, but are small, and of a pale yellowish colour.—This herb has an emetic and purgative virtue; to answer which intentions, it was formerly used by the common people in England, but was never much prescribed by the physicians, and at last fell totally into disuse. Of late, however, it has been the subject of a dissertation by Dr James Kostrzewski of Warsaw, in Poland; who gives some remarkable accounts of its effects in mania and obstinate venereal cases. It was given in powder, or in extract, to the quantity of half a drachm of the first, and a whole drachm of the second, at each dose. From the cases related in his dissertation, the author draws the following conclusions: 1. The gratiola may be given with safety both to male and female patients. 2. In all disorders proceeding from a superabundance of serum in the fluids, it appears to be a most effectual remedy. 3. In consequence of this, it is had recourse to with very great advantage in melancholy and mania arising from that state of the system. 4. It powerfully promotes purging, vomiting, sweat, and urine; and is therefore much superior to any of the usual evacuating medicines, most of which prove only active in promoting one of these discharges at once. 5. The most obstinate cases of gonorrhea, fluor albus, and venereal ulcers, are cured by the powder.—In some instances it has induced salivation; but whether or not it can always be made to produce that effect, is not as yet altogether certain. 6. The powder of gratiola prepared from the extract, and exhibited with sugar, does not induce vomiting; and, on the contrary, the powder of the root always promotes that evacuation.