Hyssop
Species name: Hyssop essential oil is extracted from Hyssopus officinalis, of the Labiatae family.
Also known as: Hyssop is also known by the name, Azob.
Hyssop oil has a sweet smell with warm undertones. It varies in color from clear to light yellow /green.
The essential oil if hyssop is extracted via steam distillation, from the leaves and purple-blue flowers.
The name Hyssopus has been found in the writings of Hippocrates, and comes from the Hebrew, “ezob” which means “holy herb.”
It was recognized in Biblical times and even mentioned in the Bible for its cleansing effects on plagues, various chest ailments, and in disinfecting lesions and lodging of lepers.
Hyssop herbs were also used in purifying rituals in sacred places such as religious shrines and temples, and were strewn about, especially in sleeping quarters to repel lice.
In the tenth century Benedictine monks in Europe, used hyssop as a flavoring for various types of liquor.
Home Remedies using Hyssop Essential Oil:
Benefits of Hyssop Essential Oil:
Hyssop essential oil is one of the most expensive essential oils, but is effective for a wide range of uses.
Hyssop essential oil is beneficial for menstrual problems and pains, as a diuretic, and as a tonic for the respiratory system, it has diuretic and expectorant types of properties which facilitate breaking up mucus and ease bronchial spasms.
It is good for the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. It also aids in the healing of contusions, cuts, and open skin conditions. It also helps bruises fade more rapidly.
Hyssop essential oil is used for a great many conditions. Among them are properties to reduce swelling and water retention, cleaning wounds, killing germs, aiding digestion, preventing spasms that cause vomiting and diarrhea cleaning skin and hair of excessive oiliness, reducing blood pressure, and is very effective when used as a tonic during recuperative periods when it is important to gain strength and relieve anxiety.
It also exhibits positive results when dealing with viral and respiratory afflictions and infections. It helps soothe infected tonsils, bronchia, and otitis media.
Hyssop essential oil helps infants with colic, and those who suffer from poor digestion and excessive flatulence.
It is helpful in promoting good circulation, which makes it especially important to those with diabetes related disorders, and helps those with hypotension. It can be used to raise low blood pressure.
During periods of water retention due to menstrual cycles, hyssop essential oil is particularly helpful to balance this. Hyssop also helps with cramps and bloating during the menstrual cycle.
It is just generally a powerful healing herb and as such, it is valued for many ills, especially disorders related to the dermal tissue, digestion, the respiratory tract, infection, edema, and conditions involving the genital and urinary tract.
- In vapor therapy, hyssop oil can be beneficial in oil diffusers, or inhaled in steam baths to help alleviate anxiety and nervousness, mental burn out, the common cold, cough suppressant, expectorant, and relives bronchial asthmatic symptoms, and infection.
- When blended into a massage oil with other essential oils or carrier oils, or when a few drops are added to a warm bath, hyssop oil can relieve anxiousness, tension, mental and physical tiredness, both respiratory and viral infections, female problems, infant colic, excess gas, poor digestion, and heals skin conditions.
- A few drops added to cream or lotion, this essential oil helps skin heal, reduces scarring and helps speed the healing of bruises, making them fade more quickly.
Side Effects of Hyssop Essential Oil:
Hyssop oil is not irritating or sensitizing, but should therefore be used in moderation and avoided by pregnant women and epileptics due to the pinocamphone content in the hyssop oil.
