Hyssop Extract

Species Name: Hyssopus officinalis

Also Known As: Hyssop

Hyssop extract is an herb that is native to Southern Europe and the Middle East. It is well known as an antiseptic, expectorant and a cough reliever.

In addition, the plant is heavily used as an aromatic herb for culinary uses. It is also used as an essential oil.

It has bright colored shrubs and a woody stem. The branches of the plant grow straight from the base stem. The leaves are dark green. When in bloom, pink and blue flowers develop.

Home Remedies Using Hyssop Extract:

Benefits of Hyssop Extract:

Hyssop has been utilized since Greek times. It is mentioned as an herb in the Bible and in the Hebrew Tanakh. During that time, it was used for its healing and cleansing abilities.

Today, it is used in various ways. Beekeepers place hyssop plants by their bees because it produces a rich honey that is very fragrant. The extract is also used in colognes and liqueurs.

As an extract, hyssop is ideal as a soothing treatment for various conditions such as a cough. Using it during the day allows it to work as an expectorant, helping the individual cough up phlegm and remove it from the lungs. It also can work as a cough suppressant, reducing the frequency of coughing fits.

Within the plant’s leaves and stem are the chemicals phenol and thujone. These elements help to work as an antiseptic when the oils from them are placed on wounds or lesions on the skin.

Dabbing a small amount of this extract on scratches, cuts or other abrasions on the skin will help prevent infection and also reduces pain.

Another way in which it has been used is as a way to stimulate the gastrointestinal system. For those who have difficulties with digestion, it can help to stimulate the natural workings of the digestion system.

In addition, there is some information that states hyssop exhibits antiviral activity against HIV type 1, though at this time there is little scientific evidence to back up this claim.

Side Effects of Hyssop Extract:

It is necessary to monitor the amount of consumption of hyssop extract because too much concentrated thujone can promote epileptic reactions.

This is not common, but can occur when large doses of the herb are consumed. It can also cause allergic reactions in some people and should be tested on a small patch of skin before being applied extensively.