4 benefits of hyssop and how to use it

In autumn, the hills and dry scrub in the eastern half of the Peninsula, above 800 meters above sea level, are covered in blue when a highly aromatic woody plant blooms: the hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis).

Of delicate fragrance, much appreciated in gardening, perfumery and aromatherapy, was well known to the ancient sages, who considered it almost a panacea. Dioscorides used to say that it has the power to lose weight and heat up, and he proposed a remedy, with figs, rue and honey, for narrow chests, old coughs, asthma and colds.

With medicinal purposes, the flowering tops are harvested. In addition to essential oil, with thujone, camphona and alpha pinene, it contains malic acid, phenolic acids, hesperidin, flavonoids and bitter principles such as marrubiin and tannins.

It stands out as an expectorant, mucolytic, antitussive and antiseptic, but it is also an aperitif, digestive, carminative, vermifuge, antispasmodic and venotonic.

The therapeutic effects of hyssop

Your ally against colds: It is used above all to relieve respiratory conditions, from simple colds to flu, pharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, respiratory allergies with rhinitis and mild asthmatic processes. It fluidizes the secretions, which helps to expectorate, softens the cough and eliminates sources of infection. relieve varicose veins: Combined with plants that reinforce its action, such as butcher’s broom or red vine, it is indicated to stimulate circulation and treat varicose veins and phlebitis. It is also incorporated into formulas with hawthorn and valerian to control blood pressure. better digestions: traditionally it has been used as a digestive balm against stomach ailments, heavy digestions, abdominal swelling, gas and flatulence, or to restore appetite after an episode of illness or weakness. In mountain towns it was customary to drink thick decoctions of this plant to help expel intestinal parasites. good skin friend: externally it is astringent, antiseptic and healing. It is used to disinfect wounds, on skin ulcers and minor burns, in washes, baths and cold compresses.

How to use

The most usual form is the infusion, simple or mixed with other plants, but there are others.

in infusion: It has a pleasant flavor, although somewhat intense, which does not please everyone. Prepare it with about 30 g per liter of water and drink up to 3 cups a day. A syrup for the respiratory tract: take a tablespoon three or four times a day (up to 60 g throughout the day). The liquid extract: dilute it in water or citrus juice and take up to 50 drops a day, divided into three doses. in capsules: the dose is 1 to 3 capsules of 50 mg per day. in external use: You can use the pure essential oil – which should only be used topically – by adding it to the bath or applying it with a light massage to relieve respiratory or digestive problems. You can also apply the infusion on wounds and burns in baths or scrubs or soak cold compresses with it. For muscular and rheumatic pain, use the oleate or the hyssop macerated in 90° alcohol.

Precautions

If it is taken very often, it is advisable to combine the hyssop with mucilaginous plants such as mallow or plantain to avoid gastric irritations.

Essential oil should be avoided by mouth: In high doses it can cause convulsions and epileptic seizures. Externally it can cause a reaction in allergic people, with dermatitis and itching.

use it in the kitchen

The hyssop is one of the plants that is included in the so-called Provencal herbssuch as sage or thyme. It has a camphoraceous, penetrating aroma, somewhat spicy and herbaceous, which goes well with pasta, soups and stews. You can also add it to some scrambled eggs or to your vegetables and steamed fish.

try to marinate it in oil or vinegar, when dressing salads and vegetables you will give them a different touch. You can also use it to make a herbal liqueur. It is advisable, in any case, to opt for the fresh plant, since once dry it loses part of its fragrance.

Grow it in the garden or the balcony of the house, it multiplies by cuttings, but also by seeds, and is very resistant to both drought and frost.

Infusion against allergies to breathe better

Ingredients

Hyssop Scots pine shoots Perpetua Marshmallow Licorice

Preparation

Mix all the plants in equal parts. Boil 1 heaping tablespoon of the mixture per cup of water for 3 minutes, cover, let sit another 10 minutes, and strain.

how to take it

You can take two or three cups a day, slightly hot, with stevia or with thyme or orange blossom honey.