Hyssop herb was named from azob (a holy herb), because it was used for cleaning sacred places.
It contains a particular ‘Volatile Oil’ that possesses a highly aromatic camphor-like smell which gives hyssop a unique healing property making it stimulative sudorific and carminative.
The ancient USE of this plant was an insecticide, and pediculicide (lice eradicator). Extracts of Hyssop have also been used as a fragrance in soaps and perfumes, and to flavour liqueurs, sauces, puddings, and candies. It has a number of references in the Bible: ‘Purge me with Hyssop, and I shall be clean.’
Hyssop has been used in recent times to treat –Cold, -Sore throats, Hoarseness and as an expectorant. It is also believed to be used to -stimulate appetite, treat urinary tract inflammation and Asthma. Although an extract of the leaves has been suggested for the treatment of wounds, there does not appear to be strong evidence for its effectiveness as an antibacterial. Hyssop can also be used externally to treat burns and bruises. Hyssop is a nervine, and can be used to calm anxiety. The herbs bitter principle, marrubin, also contributes to its use as a digestive stimulant.
- Hyssop alleviates the risk of teeth loosening
- Acts as an antidote to insect bites
- It is emenogauge in nature thereby alleviating the problem of scanty menses, excess menstrual bleeding and menstrual cramps.
- Stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and eases digestion
- It treats Insomnia
- It cures Haemorrhage
- It fights cold, cough and even asthma.
- Its laxative properties helps in treating Colic
- Helps in fighting parasites and intestinal worms.
Preparation Methods & Dosage:
Traditionally used in teas, also found as a capsule or extract. Always brew hyssop tea in a closed vessel and keep the bottle of hyssop tincture tightly closed to prevent the essential oil from evaporating. The essential oil may be diluted and used in external applications, or in a diffuser.
DOSAGE:
For an infusion 1 tsp. dried herbs should be steeped in 1/2 cup water. Over the course of the day 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups should be taken, a mouthful at a time.
NB: 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.