The use of essential oils has recently gained popularity, despite the fact that these oils have been used in healing practices for centuries. Hyssop oil has been used for thousands of years as a powerful antiseptic agent. In fact, hyssop oil is referenced in the Bible. The Romans even used hyssop as a disinfectant during the plague! That’s got to count for something, right?
What Is Hyssop Oil?
Hyssop oil is made from the flowers and leaves of the Hyssopus officinalis plant. Although it technically belongs to the mint family, hyssop looks very similar to lavender. Hyssop has a floral and minty scent that is regularly used by aromatherapy specialists. More recently, it has been deemed one of the strongest and most potent antiviral essential oils in existence, primarily because it contains nearly every single chemical compound that is found in all essential oils.
In present day, many people use hyssop to remedy a variety of health conditions, including issues with the liver or gallbladder, intestinal problems, and various respiratory conditions. In fact, it is one of the best natural remedies for asthma. Hyssop oil contains beneficial flavonoids that provide antioxidant activity. The Advanced Pharmeceutical Bulletin indicated that there are 20 different compounds (including myrtenylacetate, camphor, spathulenol, and others) in hyssop that comprise 99.9% of the oil’s makeup. See how these compounds provide antioxidant activity and how they benefit the human body.
Fights Parasites
Parasites, including tapeworms, fleas, flukes, and hookworms, are organisms that feed off the nutrients of other organisms. Parasites live and feed on the host, disrupting nutrient absorption and increasing the risk of developing diseases or overall weakness. If you have an intestinal parasite, it is possible for it to disrupt gut health and immune function. Hyssop is beneficial for people with parasites because it is a vermifuge, meaning it is an agent that destroys or expels parasites. If you are engaging in a parasite cleanse, considering adding hyssop oil to your regimen.
Boosts Circulation
Proper circulation assists with overall heart, muscle, and arterial function. Hyssop oil works to improve circulation because it contains anti-rheumatic properties. The ability to increase circulation is great news for people with rheumatism, gout, arthritis, and overall swelling, all of which suffer from lack of blood circulation. Both hyssop oil and hyssop tea can help improve blood flow, which can alleviate pressure in clogged arteries.
Beneficial For Respiratory Conditions
Hyssop oil has antispasmodic properties, which work to relieve spasms in the respiratory system. It is also known as an expectorant, meaning it helps to loosen phlegm that can become lodged in the respiratory tracts or airways. Coughing is the body’s natural way to expel phlegm, harmful microbes, or other irritants. Now that you know about hyssop, though, you may be able to minimize coughing. The antispasmodic and expectorant properties mean that hyssop can be very beneficial for respiratory infections, including the common cold and even bronchitis.
Improves Digestion
Acting as a stimulant, hyssop oil works to increase the production of bile, acid, and digestive enzyme secretion, all of which are necessary to break down food as it enters the stomach. While everyone naturally produces these gastric juices, it is often beneficial to facilitate the process to help decompose complex carbohydrates, proteins, and nutrients. Use hyssop oil to improve digestion, or to help relieve indigestion, gas, or bloating.
Supports Immune Response
As we previously mentioned, hyssop oil works to improve circulation and digestion. Let’s not forget that it can also kill parasites and harmful bacteria. This trifecta of abilities contributes to healthier and proper immune function. One study, which was conducted at the Department of Medicine, North Shore University Hospital in New York, found that hyssop extracts contain unidentified tannins, caffeic acid, and possible unidentified molecular weight compounds that may possess strong anti-HIV activity. Since HIV is incredibly harmful to the immune system, these findings may lead to further studies on hyssop oil as a potential treatment for HIV or AIDS patients.
How To Use Hyssop
The most readily available form of hyssop is the essential oil. If using this oil or hyssop extract, you can use it in the following ways. As always, only purchase high quality essential oils for best results.
- Add 3-5 drops of hyssop oil to bath water to help lower body temperature and stimulate sweating.
- Add 2-3 drops of hyssop oil to a diffuser and inhale the vapor to help clear the respiratory system.
- If you want to use it as a fragrance, add hyssop oil to homemade soaps, body washers, or lotions. The amount you use will depend on how much you are making.
- Combine 2-3 drops of hyssop oil with equal parts carrier oil (like jojoba oil) and apply it to the skin to reduce irritations, burns, or bruising.
- For internal use, add 1-2 drops of hyssop oil to water and mix it with a smoothie.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
