Hyssop is a plant with a long history of medicinal use, hyssop essential oil is claimed to have purifying powers in the Bible. It also has different species and chemical types, and we believe it is more reasonable to classify it according to its main chemical components.
The history of hyssop
Hyssop has been an important medicinal plant in Central and Southern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa for centuries.
The English name “Hyssop” is derived from the Hebrew word esop or azop, which means “sacred herb”.
The ancient Hebrews considered hyssop to be a sacred herb, and it was often used to purify sacred altars and temples. To this day, the herb is still used in the Passover liturgy.
The spiritual use of hyssop dates back thousands of years, with the Old Testament referring to its spiritual “purifying” properties.
Differentiate hyssop plants
Can you tell the difference between hyssop and lavender when you look at the picture below?
Indeed, from the color of the flowers to the fragrance they are so similar that many people get confused.
Hyssop is a genus of plants in the family Labiatae, evergreen perennial herbs, and lavender, thyme, rosemary, mint is a close relative, the plant is about 30 ~ 60 cm tall, hairy branches, leaves are thin and short, mostly seen in blue-purple flowers, but also will open white or pink flowers.
It is suitable for growing in the Mediterranean climate.
Its strong fragrance is highly appreciated by bees and butterflies
The true hyssop mentioned above has a high content of monoterpene ketones in its essential oil, with pinocamphone alone at 60%.
Pinocamphone is thought to be neurotoxic and may induce seizures, shortness of breath, etc.
Although pinocamphone also has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and other healing properties, it is generally recognized as a dangerous essential oil by the aromatherapy community and is no longer recommended for use, except for some special uses.
Nowadays, it is the high medicinal value, mild and low ketone content of Hyssopus officinalis var. decumbens, a variant of true hyssop, that is commonly used.
There are also two different chemical types of hyssop: Hyssop CT 1,8-cineole and Hyssop CT linalool, which are the two main types of essential oils we often refer to when we say “hyssop”.
You’d better find out the main chemical composition of the essential oil you have on hand to identify which one it is.
What is hyssop essential oil?
There are two variants and three chemical types of hyssop commonly used in the extraction of essential oils, which will be described in detail below.
Today, the most notable properties of hyssop essential oil are its support for the respiratory system, such as relieving coughs, nasal congestion, expectorant, preventing colds, respiratory infections, and relieving sore throats.
In the digestive system, it is also helpful for liver and gallbladder disorders, intestinal problems, and loss of appetite, and more importantly, it helps in the maintenance of overall health, having the effect of promoting blood circulation throughout the body, detoxifying the body, and boosting metabolism.
What are the chemical types of hyssop essential oil?
There is considerable variation in the chemical composition of essential oils extracted from plants of the same genus and species.
This is due to factors such as geography, climate change, harvest season, and possibly genetic variation.
It is usually distinguished from the English or Latin name, which is indicated by “XXX CT chemical composition name”.
Top 8 benefits of hyssop essential oil
Relief of respiratory diseases
Hyssop essential oil is most commonly used to address respiratory problems.
This has much to do with the richness of 1,8-cineole, which is a very important component of the essential oil.
It also plays a major role in the leaves of myrtle plants such as Eucalyptus and Melaleuca alternifolia and camphoraceous plants such as Eucalyptus camphora and laurel leaves.
It is not a coincidence that all of these oils are common oils for the respiratory system without exception.
1,8-Eucalyptus has many beneficial properties, the most significant for the respiratory system being its anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral, and expectorant effects.
In particular, the powerful ability to promote expulsion, dissipate mucus, and astringent excess secretions can help release phlegm deposited in the respiratory tract, and the antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve coughs.
Hyssop is one of the natural remedy options worth trying when preventing seasonal respiratory infections such as colds and flu, or when experiencing more stubborn bronchitis problems.
Hyssop can also be used to relieve sore throats and is a great tool for those who use their voices all day, such as teachers, singers, and lecturers.
The best way to soothe the throat and respiratory system is to drink hyssop tea or apply a few drops of hyssop essential oil to the throat and chest cavity.
Fight against wounds and infections
Due to the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties of hyssop, it is an excellent choice for wound care.
You can use 1 to 2 drops of the hyssop oil in a bowl of cold water for wound cleansing. You can also use this method for contusions by mixing the oil thoroughly with water, soaking a towel in it, and placing the towel on the affected area.
Hyssop essential oil also helps improve deep wounds, scars, and bug bites, and can even be used as one of the important home remedies for regulating acne.
Promote circulation
The increased blood flow or circulation in the body benefits the heart, arteries, and muscles.
Hyssop essential oil improves and promotes blood circulation, which is one of the important properties of 1,8-eudesmane.
When the blood circulates properly, the heart rate decreases, then the heart muscle relaxes, blood pressure is steady and blood flows evenly throughout the body, affecting every organ.
By increasing blood circulation, hyssop oil can be used as a natural remedy solution for gout, rheumatism, arthritis, and can also act to balance blood pressure.
Many people are looking for natural treatments to improve arthritis, which can be crippling in the long term.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and causes inflammation and pain when the cartilage between the joints wears away.
By increasing circulation, hyssop essential oil or hyssop tea will suppress swelling and inflammation, causing blood to flow up faster and relieving the pressure caused by blocked arteries.
Relieves muscle soreness and joint pain
Almost everyone has experienced muscle aches and pains caused by cramps, sprains, or excessive exercise.
Hyssop has an antispasmodic effect, still, thanks to 1,8-eudesmol or synergistic effects with other ingredients, so as a home emergency, hyssop essential oil can help relieve the sudden onset of these problems.
It even helps to relieve the pain of arthritis.
Supports a healthy immune system
Essential oils rich in 1,8-eucalyptus are generally known for their immunostimulating properties.
Not surprisingly, it actually promotes blood circulation, while having excellent purifying and expelling properties, as well as anti-infective and anti-inflammatory these, promote a properly working immune system.
It can be assumed that hyssop essential oil helps us maintain our overall physiological health.
But it is important to note that hyssop ether extract is not exactly the same as hyssop essential oil, there are significant differences in composition.
Helps digestion
The digestive benefits of hyssop are less mentioned and do not seem to be as well known as the digestive-aiding properties of its close relative, peppermint essential oil.
However, some sources suggest that hyssop essential oil can stimulate the production of bile, digestive enzymes, and stomach acid.
These are necessary to break down food as it enters the stomach, and our digestive juices contain enzymes that speed up chemical reactions in the body and break down food for nutrients.
In addition, the circulation-boosting and antispasmodic properties themselves benefit the digestive system, as it helps to relieve stomach cramps and indirectly improve flatulence and indigestion.
Neurological and Psychological Healing
The aroma of hyssop essential oil is described as powerful, fresh, cool, and woody, with a medium sharp aroma like lavender and eucalyptus, with spicy, warm undertones.
“Hyssop essential oil is a true tonic for the brain” – Aromatherapy Empiricism, which comes from its nerve tonic properties. Because it excites the sympathetic nerves, sniffing or applying the oil during the day can lift the spirits and keep you in good working order.
It is also used to restore health to those who have been ill for a long time, eliminating feelings of weakness and fatigue and speeding up healing.
When you try to focus on work or study for a long time, or when you feel tired or anxious, you can use an aromatherapy diffuser at home or in the office, or if it is inconvenient, you can put 1~2 drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and put it into a closed plastic bag and open it to your mouth to sniff when needed.
Skincare
Hyssop essential oil can boost the skin’s metabolism.
Adding a few drops to your moisturizer can help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections.
Studies have shown that hyssop essential oil has antibacterial activity, which means it can stop bacteria from multiplying. It can be used as a natural home remedy for acne.
Considerations for using hyssop essential oil
Compared to true hyssop, upland hyssop or 1,8 eucalyptin-type hyssop and linalool-type hyssop are low enough in monoterpene ketones that for most people, hyssop is considered safe.
However, it is still not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding for safety reasons, nor is it recommended for infants and children or for people with epilepsy.
It is also very important to control the dose used; it is pointless to talk about toxicity aside from the dose and to observe the ideal dosage per session as well as the maximum daily safety.
Conclusion
There are several varieties of hyssop essential oil, the commonly used one being Hyssopus officinalis var. decumbens, from the genus Divinia in the family Labiatae.
There are three chemical types of hyssop essential oil: 1,8 eucalyptin hyssop, linalool hyssop, and pine camphorone hyssop. The commonly used and safe types are 1,8 eucalyptin hyssop and linalool hyssop.
The eight main uses of hyssop essential oil are.
- Ease respiratory diseases
- Fighting wounds and infections
- Increase circulation
- Muscle soreness and joint pain
- Support a healthy immune system
- Aids digestion
- Nervous system and psychological healing
- Application to the skin
Use 100% pure, organic, and physical therapy grade hyssop essential oil.
Hyssop essential oil is not recommended for people with a history of epilepsy, infants or children, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.