Hyssop
Other Names : Hyssopus officinalis, Curdukotu, hastipippili, hisopo, yanagi-hakka, Herbe de Joseph, Herbe Sacrée, Herbe Sainte, Hiope, Hisopo, Hissopo, Hyssopus officinalis, Hysope, Hysope Officinale, Jufa, Rabo De Gato, Ysop, Zoofa Khushk
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is an herb found in the mint family. The parts that grow above ground are used to make medicine.
Contents
Special Precautions of Hyssop
- Its high concentrations of thujone and chemicals that stimulate the central nervous system can provoke epileptic reactions when taken in high-enough doses.
- The essential oil contains pino-camphone. This ketone can cause convulsions and seizures when taken in high doses. It is therefore not advisable to take hyssop oil and other hyssop preparations internally in high doses or over a longer time than two weeks. As with all natural products allergies can develop. Since these can potentially be life-threatening, a doctor should be consulted immediately, if symptoms like skin rashes, swelling of skin or tongue, difficulty breathing, and/or tightness in the chest develop after the use of hyssop preparations.
- It is UNSAFE to use hyssop during pregnancy because it might cause the uterus to contract or start menstruation. These effects could lead to a miscarriage.
- Children: It’s UNSAFE to give hyssop to children. Convulsions were reported in a child who took 2-3 drops of hyssop oil over several days.
- Seizures: If you have a history of having seizures, don’t use hyssop. It might trigger seizures or make them worse.
- Tisserand and Young recommend a dermal maximum of 0.3%
The benefits of Hyssop are
Hyssop has been used for cleansing ritual and as medicine since biblical times. Nowadays it is known that the volatile oil and other ingredients that are contained in the leaves and green stems indeed have antibacterial, antiviral and other beneficial properties. Native to parts of Europe and Asia, it's long been used in herbal medicine. Available in dietary supplement form, hyssop is also consumed as a tea (typically as a remedy for common ailments like colds and sore throat).
- soothing, expectorant, and cough suppressant properties. The plant also includes the chemicals thujone and phenol, which give it antiseptic properties.
- in the formulation of eye drops and mouthwash.
- Sore Throat : used in the following recipe is a classic gargle, but other herbs such as Marjoram, Sage or Thyme can replace it.1 cup boiling water + 2 teaspoons fresh or dried leaves + ¼ ounce salt
- stimulates the gastrointestinal system.
- The infusion or decoction is being used to bring relief for the symptoms of lung and upper respiratory problems like the common cold, bronchitis, catarrh, and asthma, as it is antispasmodic, sweat-inducing and an expectorant (helps with the coughing up of mucus). It can also bring relief in these conditions by preparing a poultice that is placed directly on the chest or through applying of Hyssop-oil containing ointment
- Immunological Disorders : Contain a variety of healing agents such as caffeic acid, camphor-like constituents, essential oils, and other compounds that strengthen immunity and protect the body against foreign invaders.
- As a peripheral vasodilator, it is also diaphoretic (induces sweating) and has anti-inflammatory properties. The latter effect is used to naturally treat infections of the upper respiratory tract by inhaling vapors from hyssop decoctions.
- Its sweat-inducing properties may relief the symptoms in patients with fever.
- Poultices can help in the treatment of conjunctivitis and as a natural remedy for bruises, insect bites, and muscle pain.
- Hot decoction vapors are also used as a natural remedy for tinnitus. Prepared as an infusion, hyssop can be used as natural treatment for colic, abdominal cramps, as a stimulant, to eliminate flatulence and to help with upset stomach.
- Since hyssop works as a diuretic (increase the urine output) it can help flushing out excessive sodium from the body and therefore lower the blood pressure.
- Less known uses of the infusion or the decoction made from hyssop are the stimulation of menstruation and relief of premenstrual syndrome symptoms, and the treatment of helminthic infections (infections with round- and tapeworms).
- It can also have a calming effect on patients who suffer from anxiety and nervousness.
- Aids / HIV : Patients with AIDS symptoms, for instance, have experienced incredible success and recovery as a result of taking hyssop, as the herb cleanses the blood.
Used in Patent medicine
references
Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 308.
