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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