Hyssop refers to a tall growing, flowery semi-evergreen and herbaceous shrub that is native in both central and southern Europe. Historically, this kind of herb was used by lepers for cleansing prior to being allowed to be visited by relatives who did not suffer from leprosy.
Even back in the day, everybody was aware of the cleansing capabilities of hyssop herbs.
In more recent times, studies have revealed that its leaves are capable of growing the same mould that makes it possible to produce penicillin, which makes it useful as an antibiotic.
The History of Hyssop Herbs and References
The name itself is generally traced back, nearly unchanged, to the Hebrew and the Greek, the former translating to "Ezov" and the latter translating to "Hyssopos".
It was recorded in the Book of Exodus that, on the night of Passover, hyssop would be used to apply the blood of those sacrificed onto doorposts.
Its purgative properties were also given a mention with in the Book of Psalms. Just before his death, Jesus of Nazareth on the cross was offered a sponge soaked in either vinegar or sour wine, with the sponge stuck onto a hyssop branch. Both Mark and Matthew made mentions to this occurrence, though references to the plant were only made in the general sense, which is typically translated into "stick" or "reed."
Growing and Typical Medical Usage
Typically, hyssop seeds are sown in the springtime and are planted with about 40 – 50 cm in between each seedling. Alternatively, it is possible to propagate them using root division or from cuttings either in autumn or in spring. This herb is grown on well drained soil underneath a full sun, and it always benefits from clipping on occasion. Hyssop does not live for very long, unlike other plants. Hyssop is legal within the United States.
The hyssop herb is generally used to treat the symptoms of cardiovascular disorders. Because it is both a sedative and a stimulant, one of its uses may be to regulate a person's blood pressure, whether it is too high or too low. Hyssop leaves can also be infused in order to suppress coughs, improve digestion and even relieve congestion in the intestines.
Different Medical Uses
Throughout time, hyssop has been prescribed by doctors for a wealth of different medical conditions. Other than as a sedative and a stimulant, hyssop has traditionally been used as an expectorant, an antispasmodic, an emmenagogue (which stimulates menustruation), a carminative (which aids digestion), a peripheral vasodilator, an anticatarrhal, an anti-inflammatory, a tonic and a sweat inducer.
However, hyssop is primarily used to treat chronic catarrh, bronchitis and coughs, as well as for the tonic effects it produces when used to treat the urinary, digestive, bronchial and nervous systems. Additionally, to treat tinnitus and inflammation, doctors regularly use hot hyssop decoction vapors.
Usages Other Than Medical
Outside of medical benefits, hyssop has been known to benefit the garden; for instance, it has been shown to be a good companion when trying to grow cabbage because it lures away the troubling Cabbage White butterfly. When planted along the rows of grapevines, it also improves the yield thereof, especially when the soil is more difficult to work with than it should be. It is also possible to plant hyssop in wild gardens because it attracts butterflies, hoverflies and bees, encouraging pollination without having to undergo unnatural methods.
To preserve hyssop leaves, one may consider drying the leaves, and they generally should be dried quickly and outside of sunlight. When harvesting, it should be a dry day while they have the highest concentration of their active ingredients and have reached the ultimate peak of their maturity. All of these procedures are necessary to ensure that no oxidation occurs of any of the chemicals and that all of the aromatic ingredients are preserved.
Drying hyssop leaves requires a good circulation of air, such as a sunny room or an airing cupboard with the door still wide open. Six days are required to completely dry the leaves, which is the maximum they can withstand before losing their flavor and experiencing discoloration. For storage, they should be kept in dry, clean, airtight, labeled containers, where they will be good for up to a year and a half.
Typical Healing Uses
As previously mentioned, hyssop is quite often used for medical relief and medical purposes. It can be used in a number of different ways:
Internal Usage
The flowery part can be used to suppress coughs and the plant as a whole can be used to treat bronchitis, closed congested chest, fevers, upper respiratory tract infections and colds; it is especially beneficial to use in children in this way. However, excessive usage should be avoided because hyssop is a convulsant, meaning it may cause seizures.
Additionally, internal use of hyssop can lead to benefits with regards to digestion and to easing both colic and flatulence.
External Usage
The flowery part comes in handy again when cuts and bruises occur.
To relieve chest complaints and bronchial infections, one may employ the usage of its essential oil. Alternatively, exhaustion may be treated by adding its essential oil, which can be made using a special method described in the section below, to bathwater.
Aromatherapy and Use of Essential Oils
Using its essential oil tones the digestive system and allows a physical wound to heal without it scarring in place.
Using its oils will create a sense of clarity and alertness, effectively easing any emotional pain, all while retaining a unique affinity to the respiratory system, as well as effectively raising low blood pressure.
It has several different properties attached to its being, including astringent, antiseptic, digestive, cicatrisant, antispasmodic, febrifuge, expectorant, emmenagogue, carminative, hypertensive, sudorific, nervine, vermifuge, in addition to vulnerary.
Preparing Hyssop Essential Oils
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