Hyssop, or scientifically known as hyssopus officinalis, is a perennial and herbaceous plant that hails mainly from the Mediterranean region. Its use dates back to biblical times, where it was actually considered a holy plant used for purification purposes. The Christians believe hyssop to be a sacred and pure herb, used for baptism and reconciliation. Not only that, the Romans used hyssop because it was believed hyssop can protect them against the various plagues that were spreading during that time.

The essential oil of this herbaceous plant is obtained through steam distillation of the leaves and flowers of the herb. Its use still remains relevant today, in modern times as it serves to treat a variety of ailments and complaints, ranging from respiratory issues to digestion issues. Read on to find out more about what hyssop essential oil can do for your health, and you just might be tempted to purchase a bottle for yourself to add to your essential oils collection!

Health Benefits of Hyssop Essential Oil:

1. Promotes Blood Circulation

Hyssop oil can help to regulate blood circulation and increase blood flow to the various parts of the body, including the heart, muscles and arteries. As such, this makes your body relaxed as blood circulates properly, without any obstruction, thus reducing blood pressure levels in the process.

Because the oil can stimulate regular and proper blood circulation, it is an excellent home remedy to cure various ailments related to gout, rheumatism, arthritis and swelling. For example, you can cure osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis with hyssop oil. It increases circulation and thus, helps to alleviate the swelling and inflammation as well as offers pain relief brought about by such conditions because it reduces the buildup of pressure.

It can also help to treat hemorrhoids, a condition by which there is an increase in pressure on the blood vessels located in the anus and rectum, that can result in much swelling, pain and even bleeding.

2. Promotes Proper Digestion

Hyssop oil can also help to promote proper digestion. It stimulates the proper secretion of digestive enzymes, acids and bile into the stomach and intestines, thus facilitating the regular breakdown of foods into simpler substances so that they can be readily absorbed into the bloodstream. Also, it stimulates the peristaltic motion of the intestines and stomach, further optimizing the breakdown and absorption of the foods into the bloodstream.

Also, being a carminative, hyssop oil helps to relieve excess gas from the stomach and intestines, thus relieving common stomach ailments such as indigestion, stomachaches, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. It also prevents the formation of gases in the first place. Additionally, its vermifuge properties help to prevent intestinal worms from forming, thus nutrients are readily absorbed into the bloodstream.

3. Augments Respiratory Health

Being an expectorant, hyssop oil helps to loosen excess mucus and phlegm that is lodged and deposited in the respiratory tracts. This therefore clears up such excess substances to promote a freer and unobstructed airflow within your nasal passageways. As such, hyssop oil can help to heal infections caused by the common cold and serves as an excellent home remedy for bronchitis.

Not only that, it is also an antispasmodic, meaning it is effective in providing comfort and relief from serious coughing fits which can be very uncomfortable and painful. As such, it is an effective natural treatment for coughs and lung inflammation.

4. Heals Infections

Hyssop oil also has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities which helps to kill bacteria from wounds, cuts and scrapes as well as prevent infections from forming. It effectively avoids wounds from being septic or by developing tetanus if we are hurt from an iron object. As such, the oil forms a great natural, home remedy for healing deep cuts, scars and insect bites due to its antibiotic properties present in the oil which cleans the wounds that you have incurred.

A 2008 study found in the US National Library of Medicine website sought to evaluate the efficacy of hyssop oil in inhibiting and treating the genital herpes virus, which causes a chronic and persistent infection as sexually transmitted disease. They found that plaque formation was significantly reduced by more than 90%, hence illustrating that the oil is a potent form of treatment for herpes as it kills off the virus and the bacteria.

5. Promotes Healthier Skin

Because of its antimicrobial properties, it can help to treat acne as it kills off bacteria lingering on the skin, thus inhibiting the growth and spread of pimples. Also, hyssop oil has cicatrisant properties, which means it can help to diminish and heal resulting acne scars, dark spots, pox scars, boils, stretch marks and wound scars. This is done through a process of cell regeneration and the formation of new tissues underneath your skin, therefore fading the scars away. This thus helps to promote a smoother complexion and maintains the youthful glow on your skin!

6. Provides Pain Relief

Its antispasmodic quality makes hyssop oil an effective home remedy for pain relief, brought about by aching and sore muscles or even stiff joints. This thus helps to alleviate pain, inflammation and swelling brought about by arthritis, rheumatism or even aching muscles after a strenuous workout because it soothes cramps, convulsions and reduces the intensity of spasmodic movements. It can also help to soothe spasms of the intestines.

In fact, if you have menstrual cramps, then hyssop oil is an effective home remedy agent because it helps to provide relief from the constant contraction of the uterine walls by relaxing and soothing the muscles. Furthermore, a 2002 study, published in Pubmed found that hyssop essential oil effectively prevented contractions in guinea pigs’ and rabbits’ intestines.

7. Promotes Detoxification

With its diuretic properties, hyssop oil can increase the frequency and quantity of urination as it stimulates the removal of excess salts, water, fats, urea and uric acid. This hence gets rid of toxic substances. With its febrifuge properties, it helps to fight the accumulation of toxins that results in a fever by removing them through increased sweating as well. Ultimately, it is a tonic that helps to boost your various bodily systems and improves your immune system, making your body healthier and more resistant to diseases since it stimulates the detoxification process within you.

How to Use Hyssop Essential Oil?

Now that you have read about the wonderful benefits of hyssop oil, here are the most common ways to use it in your households and daily life to reap the full benefits of this amazing oil.

• You can diffuse about 3-5 drops of hyssop oil in a diffuser, vaporizer or distiller to be used as an aromatherapy treatment for clogged respiratory tracts. Alternatively, for respiratory congestion problems, you can also add 2 drops of the oil into your vapor rub and rub it onto your chest.

• To heal wounds, cuts and scrapes, you can mix about 2-3 drops of hyssop oil with equal amounts of carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil) and apply topically to the affected areas. To reduce fever, you can massage 2 drops of hyssop oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil onto your feet.

• You can also add about 3-5 drops of the oil into your warm, bathing water to induce sweating for fever and for comfort from pain.

Safety Precautions:

• Always dilute hyssop oil with a carrier oil first before application onto the skin. Do a skin patch test prior to application to ensure no sensitive, allergic or irritant reactions crop up.

• Pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised to avoid hyssop oil due to its properties of inducing menstruation.

• Do not give hyssop oil to children as it can cause convulsions.

• If you have a history of seizures, do not use hyssop as it can trigger them or worsen them.

• Do not exceed 30 drops of hyssop oil per day as it increases the risks of convulsions since the oil is known to stimulate the nerves.

• Ultimately, it is always wise to consult your doctor first before using essential oils as a form of alternative treatment.

References:

Koch C, et al., “Inhibitory effect of essential oils against herpes simplex virus type 2”, International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology (2008); 15(1-2)

Lu M, et al., “Muscle relaxing activity of Hyssopus officinalis essential oil on isolated intestinal preparations”, Pubmed (2002); 68(3)