Hyssopus officinalis
FAMILY: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
SYNONYM: Azob.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: An attractive perennial, almost evergreen subshrub up to 60 cms high with a woody stem, small, lance-shaped leaves and purplish-blue flowers.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to the Mediterranean region and temperate Asia; now grows wild throughout America, Russia and Europe. It is mainly cultivated in Hungary and France, and to a lesser degree in Albania and Yugoslavia.
OTHER SPECIES: There are four main subspecies of hyssop, but H. officinalis is the main oil producing variety. The species H. officinalis var. decumbens is less toxic than many other types, and well suited to aromatherapy use. To be distinguished from hedge hyssop (Gratiola officinalis) which is still used in herbal medicine but belongs to an entirely different family.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Although hyssop is mentioned in the Bible, it probably does not refer to this herb but to a form of wild marjoram or oregano, possibly Oreganum syriacum. Nevertheless H. officinalis has an ancient medical reputation and was used for purifying sacred places, and employed as a stewing herb. ‘The healing virtues of the plant are due to a particular volatile oil.’.
It is used principally for respiratory and digestive complaints, and externally for rheumatism, bruises, sores, earache and toothache. It is also used to regulate the blood pressure, as a general nerve tonic, and for states of anxiety or hysteria. It is current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for bronchitis and the common cold.
ACTIONS: Astringent, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, cephalic, cicatrisant, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hypertensive, nervine, sedative, sudorific, tonic (heart and circulation), vermifuge, vulnerary.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops.
CHARACTERISTICS: A colourless to pale yellowy-green liquid with a sweet, camphoraceous top note and warm spicy herbaceous undertone. It blends well with lavender, rosemary, myrtle, bay leaf, sage, clary sage, geranium and citrus oils.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Pinocamphone, isopinocamphone, estragole, borneol, geraniol, limonene, thujone, myrcene, caryophyllene, among others.
SAFETY DATA: Non-irritant, non-sensitizing; the oil is moderately toxic due to the pinocamphone content. It should be used only in moderation and avoided in pregnancy and by epileptics.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Skin Care: Bruises, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, inflammation, wounds.
Circulation Muscles And Joints: Low or high blood pressure, rheumatism.
Respiratory System: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, cough, sore throat, tonsillitis, whooping cough.
Digestive System: Colic, indigestion.
Genito-Urinary System: Amenorrhoea, leucorrhoea.
Immune System: Colds, ’flu.
Nervous System: Anxiety, fatigue, nervous tension and stress-related conditions.
OTHER USES: Employed as a fragrance component in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes, especially eau-de-cologne and oriental bases. Used as a flavour ingredient in many food products, mainly sauces and seasonings; also in alcoholic drinks, especially liqueurs such as chartreuse.
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