Ancient texts, including the Bible, described the mcany benefits of hyssop or Hyssopus officinalis. Today, the herb still provides these same benefits and is in wide use. When steam-distilled, the plant produces a very potent essential oil. Below is additional information on hyssop oil.
What is hyssop oil?
The perennial plant hyssop is native to the Mediterranean region and was considered a holy plant in biblical times. During the time of the Romans, this herb was used against the plague, as a disinfectant and for treatment of minor infections. In some parts of the world, it had a spiritual function, and was believed to purify and "forgive sins."1 Christianity held hyssop in high regard — the herb was cited as a symbol of baptism and reconciliation.2 In other religions, it is associated with purification.
The plant grows up to 60 centimeters or 2 feet high, and has a "hairy" stem with small pointy leaves and blue, purple or white flowers.3 Today, hyssop is cultivated in various parts of France for its essential oils. It is deemed one of the strongest antiviral essential oils out there because it contains nearly every type of chemical compound found in essential oils. However, the oil is still mild and gentle.
Uses of hyssop oil
Hyssop oil is currently used in aromatherapy to help treat problems linked to the respiratory and digestive systems. It can also be used to potentially bring relief to arthritic pain, sores, bruises, toothaches and ear pain. It also contributes to the regulation of blood pressure and acts as a calming substance for anxiety and hysteria.4
Other uses of hyssop oil are:5
• Antispasmodic — Hyssop oil may help relieve spasms in the respiratory system, nervous system, muscles and intestines.
• Antiseptic — When applied on wounds, it can help them from becoming infected. The essential oil can also help wounds, cuts and bruises heal faster.
• Massage and bath oils — When used as either one, hyssop oil helps relieve pain and fatigue. It can also be used to address menstrual pain.
• Febrifuge — This herbal oil may help lower body temperature and fever.
• Cicatrisant — It is often used on skin problems, such as insect bites, rashes, boils and even (chicken) pox. It may even be used on scars to make them disappear quicker.
• Stimulant — Oil of hyssop may stimulate several systems in your body. For instance, it helps stimulate your digestive system to ensure better metabolism and nutrient absorption. It is also used to stimulate the nervous, endocrine, circulatory and excretory systems.
Composition of hyssop oil
Research shows that the chemical composition of hyssop oil varies depending on the growth stage of the plant it is derived from.6 However, its main components include monoterpenes (cis-pinochamphone, trans-pinocamphone and beta-pinene) and sequiterpenes (germacrene and elemol).
A study from Acta Scientiarum Polonorum7 discovered that hyssop oil extracted from the herb harvested during the vegetative stages had higher levels of trans-pinocamphone, but had lower concentrations of the same compound with plant growth. The amount of cis-pinocamphone increases during the plant growth. High levels of the phytochemical pinocamphone can make the plant oil toxic.8 The oil should therefore be used in moderation (at proper dosages) with the guidance of an aromatherapy professional.
Hyssop oil derived from the herb harvested during the vegetative stage has the highest amount of beta-pinene, while the monoterpene ketones are highest in oil produced from plants when it is collected from the growth stages of the herb. For aromatherapists, pinene and monoterpene function as decongestants and are often used to loosen mucus membranes of the respiratory system.9,10
Benefits of hyssop oil
Hyssop essential oil exhibits antibacterial and antifungal activity against certain trains of pathogenic organisms. One study11 found that the herbal oil showed strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.12
Oil of the hyssop plant also demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against herpesvirus strains.13 Apart from being an effective antimicrobial agent, hyssop essential oil may be used for the following health conditions:14
- Aging-related skin problems, such as sagging and wrinkles
- Muscle spasms and cramps, and acute abdominal pain
- Arthritis, rheumatism, gout and inflammation
- Loss of appetite, stomachaches, flatulence and indigestion
- Fevers
- Hypotension or low blood pressure
- Irregular menstrual cycles and menopause
- Respiratory problems, such as colds, cough and flu
How to make a hyssop oil infusion
To extract the oil from the hyssop shrub, the leaves and flowers must be steam-distilled. However, if you're interested in creating your own hyssop oil infusion at home, here's a guide from eHow.com.15
Infused Hyssop Oil
What You'll Need:
• Fresh hyssop
• Knife
• Ceramic or enamel stock pot with lid
• Clean brick or canning rack
• Ceramic bowl or heatproof glass
• Distilled water
• Ice cubes
• Jar
• Small glass bottle or vial
Procedure:
1. Gather a basketful of flowers and leaves from hyssop plants early in the morning.
2. Rinse and dry the hyssop flowers and leaves, then chop them. Crush these to slightly release their volatile oils.
3. Put a clean brick or canning rack at the bottom of your stock pot.
4. Place a heat-proof bowl on top of the brick or rack. This will then be the "receiver" of the condensed hyssop vapor.
5. Surround the bowl inside with the chopped hyssop. It should be halfway up the side of the bowl.
6. Pour enough hot distilled water over the chopped hyssop until it is immersed in water, but do not spill water into the bowl.
7. Turn the burner to high until the water boils, then lower to a simmer.
8. Invert the lid of the stockpot and use it to cover the pot. The upside down handle will act as a "drip mechanism" from which the condensed vapor can drip into the bowl.
9. Place several ice cubes on the outside of the inverted lid, along the center depression. As older ones melt, continue adding fresh cubes.
10. After three to four hours, turn off the heat and remove the interior bowl, which is filled with the condensed drops from the vaporized hyssop water. The product is the hyssop hydrosol, or herbal water.
11. Extract the essential oil by pouring the hydrosol into a jar and placing it in the freezer. The liquid portion of the herbal water will freeze, while the volatile oil will stay as it is.
12. Pour the essential oil into a small bottle or vial. Seal it and store in a dark, cool place.
How does hyssop oil work?
The essential oil of the hyssop plant can be used in several ways. It can be applied topically on your skin or inhaled through a diffuser or vaporizer. Below are some ways to enjoy the benefits of this essential oil:
• Help relieve fatigue, stress and even any type of body pain — Add two drops of hyssop oil to your bath water, preferably warm. Taking a bath in hyssop oil infused water may also contribute to a peaceful night's rest.
• Possibly address menstrual discomfort or menopausal symptoms — Mix three drops of hyssop oil with a carrier oil and use the mixture as a massage oil on your abdomen.
• Help reduce pain as massage oil — Similar to the previous suggestion, use three drops of this oil blended with a carrier oil and massage on painful muscles. Rubbing the mixture on your stomach may also relieve gastrointestinal discomfort caused by indigestion and gas.
• Aid in lowering fever — Massaging two drops of this herbal oil with 1 milliliter of coconut oil on the soles of your feet may help reduce fever.
• Help clear clogged respiratory tracts — When inhaled, hyssop oil can ease nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, colds and cough. Use two drops in steam inhalation. You may also apply two drops of hyssop oil mixed with vapor rub onto your chest to induce the oil's expectorant effect.
• Help heal and prevent scars — Add two drops of hyssop oil to your lotion or cream and apply topically.
Is Hyssop oil safe?
Using essential oils undiluted can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations. Prior to use, I recommend mixing this essential oil with a carrier oil like almond oil, coconut oil or olive oil. To determine if you have a sensitivity to hyssop oil, first apply a drop to an affected area and observe any adverse effects that may occur.
Side effects of hyssop oil
While many ancient civilizations found hyssop essential oil sacred, I believe it still possesses certain limitations. I advise hypertensive people to avoid using hyssop oil, as it can raise blood pressure.
Hyssop oil16 also has the potential to trigger convulsions and seizures when taken in small doses, repeatedly. As I mentioned before, the compound pinocamphone can make hyssop oil toxic and has been shown to cause seizures. It should not be used by epileptics. I also urge you to be extra careful in using hyssop oil, especially around children under 5 and infants, as it may cause fever and epilepsy. The oil can also cause skin sensitizations in children.
Pregnant and nursing women should avoid using it without their doctor's recommendation to avoid any complication. If you're interested in using this herbal oil, I encourage you to consult a natural holistic practitioner or an experienced aromatherapy expert first.