Hyssop oil

Hyssop plant name has a Greek origin, ‘the hyssopos of dioscorides’, translating to the meaning of ‘the holy herb’. It was formerly used by the Greeks to for cleaning of sacred grounds. It was commonly used during the bible times and still available throughout the globe. The hyssop plant is a native mint of Southern Europe, belonging to the mint family of the Lamiaceae. 

The hyssop is an evergreen herbaceous plant that grows up to 2 feet tall and a foot wide. It produces beautiful flowers of the purple color with a strong mint scent and a bitter taste. There are three varieties of the hyssop plant, named according to the color of the flowers, that is white, blue and red varieties. It can be propagated through the cuttings or through its seeds. They blossom well in a slightly dry soil with little attention.

The hyssop oil is obtained from the Hyssopus officinalis species of the hyssop plant. The extraction is achieved through the steam distillation process, where the leaves and the flowering buds are used. The hyssop oil has a color that ranges between pale yellow to almost colorless. It tastes sweet with a warm sweet aroma.

Uses

1.      Body uses

Ø  The oil is useful in tackling of respiratory problems such as colds, sore throats, coughs. It is also helpful in treatment of asthma, influenza and tonsillis. It achieves this purpose as it is expectorant, inducing secretion of sputum on the air passages.

Ø  It is helpful in relieving indigestion problems such as bloating and the colic conditions. It helps reduction of pains due to digestion the intestines.

Ø  This oil is helpful in regulation of the menstrual cycle where water retention pose danger.

Ø  The oil is used in aiding proper circulation of blood in the body.

Ø  It is used in treatment of the urinary tract infections.

Ø  It is also helpful treatment of the joint and muscle pains. For this effect, it can be employed in the relief of arthritis due to fibrous tissues in the body, known as rheumatoid arthritis.

2.      Skin uses

Ø  The oil when applied to external bruises and cuts facilitate faster healing of the wound.

Ø  It is used in relieving of skin inflammations caused by allergic reactions or any external agent on the skin.

Ø  The oil is also applied in vapor therapy to reduce anxiety.

Ø  The oil is also helpful in reducing general body stress and fatigue when applied on the skin during a body massage operation.

Ø  It is beneficial to those with stiff dry skin because when the oil is used for bathing, it rejuvenates the skin and induces sweating to prevent dryness.

Ø  The sweet aroma of the hyssop oil makes it to be used as a perfume.

Ø  It is used to calm pains related to the nervous system.

Precautions

The hyssop oil does not cause any form of irritation nor sensitivity issues after use, however, it should be moderately used according to the prescriptions of a health practioner if any. Expectant women or anyone epileptic should not use it.