Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Hyssop - Herb of the Week


Hyssopus officinalis – Hyssop



Herb Name - Hyssop

Other names—Issopo and Ysop

Botanical Name - Hyssopuss Officinalis

Family -  Laminaceae

Parts Used -  Ariel parts

History - Native to the Mediterranean and central Asia.  Hyssop is derived from the Greek language, being known for its purgative properties being mentioned in the Book of Psalms and the Book of Exodus.

Description - Hyssop is a genus of 10 or 12 species which are known for their square stems. They are aromatic perennial plants with erect branched stems that are up to 60cms long with fine hairs that cover the tips. Leaves are narrow oblong and long and are 2-5cm long. They bear small blue flowers in summer. Other well-known species is the Anise hyssop, also known as giant blue hyssop.

Cultivation— Sow seeds in spring and plant out seedlings 40—50cms apart. Cuttings and root divisions can be taken in Spring or autumn. Replace plants every few years. Harvest at the peak of its maturity.
Active Constituents - Essential oils, pinene, camphene, camphor and terinene. Tannis, flavonoids (hyssopin), glycoside (diosmin) and bitter lactones (marrubiin, ursolic acid) and choline.

Actions
·         Anti-catarrhal
·         Anti-spasmodic
·         Expectorant
·         Laxative
·         Diaphoretic
·         Anti-viral
·         Relaxing nerve tonic
·         Sedative
·         Carminative

Indications - Hyssop is used as a favouring agent in eau de cologne and in chartreuse. It can also be used to colour Absinthe and sometimes in combination for making licorice.
In foods is has a slightly bitter, minty flavour and can be liberally added to soups, salads and meat dishes. It was traditionally used as a stewing herb. Cooking suggestions are glazed carrots, cheese and hyssop spread, meat balls, chicken and with cauliflower salad.  
The ability of Hyssop to aid the digestion of fatty meats opens doors for more potential uses of it.  

Its medicinal actions are predominantly as a lung herb. It has a sweet and bitter taste which makes in valuable in the treatment of runny noses, sore throats and lung afflictions.
Its anti-spasmodic action helps with congested feelings in the head and chest, to help reduce phlegm and aid unproductive coughs. It has been used a long time for asthma, bronchitis, coughs and chesty colds.
It will help to eliminate toxins in the gut and to promote cleansing through the skin in the perspiration.
It is also thought to clean and tone the kidneys and as an anti-viral it has shown to be effective on cold sores and herpes simplex virus.
Its bitter taste will help to tone the GIT, while soothing mucus membranes at the same time, as well as improving appetite and relieving flatulence.
As it works as a relaxing nerve tonic it is great for nervous exhaustion, overwork and depression.

Topically it has been used to kill lice, soothe inflamed joints and bruising.
The oil has been known to increase mental alertness.
Hyssop essential oil is great for stability, rheumatism and bruising. Its benefits are for warming, relaxing, healing, refreshing and cleansing.

Therapeutic Dosage -  2-4ml of a 1:1 3 times a day or 2-4ml of 1:5 three times a day.
1 tsp in a cup of boiling water and drink three times daily

Cautions -  The Essential oil has been shown to cause fatal convulsion in rates, humans may want to be cautious. Not recommended in pregnancy.

If you would like to purchase some hyssop, here is our link to our website 

Until then seeing you all in happiness and health 
Louise Plant 


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