Botanical Name Hyssopus officinalis
Plant Part Leaves & Flowers
Extraction Method Steam Distillation
Origin Bulgaria
Description This shrub decorates the Mediterranean area. It is about 60 cm (2 feet) high and very attractive to bees. It has a woody, hairy stem, small lance-shaped green leaves and purple-blue flowers.
Color Pale yellow green
Common Uses Hyssop is known to help ease sore throats caused by sinus issues. Some authorities believe it can relieve bronchial spasms and thus might be helpful for asthma attacks.
Strength of Aroma Hyssop has a sweetly medicinal scent that many find appealing.
Blends well with eucalyptus, ravensara, niouli, cajeput, myrtle
Aromatic Scent The therapeutic properties of Hyssop oil are as an anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cicatrizant, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, sedative, stimulant, tonic and as a vulnerary.
History Already well known in ancient times, Hyssop was referred to in the Bible for its cleansing effect in connection with plague, leprosy and chest ailments. Hyssop was used for purifying sacred places and as a strewing herb in the Middle Ages to ward off lice.
Cautions Hyssop oil is non-irritant, non-sensitizing but does contain pinocamphone and should therefore be used in moderation an avoided during pregnancy, by people suffering from epilepsy.