Hyssop
Species Name: Hyssopus Officinalis.
Also known as: Ysop, Hedge Hyssop.
The leaves on the Hyssop plant have a bitter but minty acrid taste which is very strong. It can even make you feel a bit nauseous.
This herb has often been added to foods such as broths, meats and soups. It is sometimes used with salads but not very often.
What is Hyssop: This herb has a Greek origin and thousands of years ago it was used to clean areas that were considered sacred. Because of this it was referred to several times in scriptures.
It can grow up to two feet in height and is considered to be a rather bushy herb. It has flowers that seem to be twisted and bloom during the months June through October.
The Hyssop has three different varieties that produce different color flowers ranging from white, red and blue. It has linear leaves and a square stem. Hyssop is a native of Southern Europe and grows in meadows.
When used for medical purposes the flower tops need to be cut off during the month of August. The leaves are dried out to preserve them and should be harvested when they are fully mature and on a dry hot day.
Hyssop grows best when it is in rather dry soil, warm conditions and full sunlight. The soil can be damp but not soaking wet and the herb grows best when the seeds are planted in the spring.
Home remedies using hyssop:
Benefits of Hyssop:
The Hyssop herb is used to treat the HIV virus type 1. It contains volatile oil that is considered to be beneficial when used as an expectorant carminative.
It can help to relax blood vessels and be used as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is believed to promote sweating and is used to reduce symptoms of congestion.
Hyssop can be applied externally to reduce swelling and ease soreness of bruises. When drank as a tea it helps to relieve symptoms of rheumatism and the oil can help to treat depression, anxiety nervous exhaustion while increasing your alertness.
Uses of Hyssop:
- Expectorant
- Carminative
- Diaphoretic
- Stimulant
- Congestion
- Tea
- Oil
Side Effects of Hyssop:
The side effects of Hyssop can include breathing problems that causes you to have a tight feeling in you throat. Chest pain or tightness has been experienced by some people. Hives, itchy and swollen skin and other rashes have also been reported as side effects of Hyssop.
More serious side effects can include low blood sugar and vomiting. The oil can cause convulsions when used in large doses. Hyssop can react with some prescription and over the counter medicines and should be taken cautiously if used when taking other medications.
