Hyssop
|
Botanical Name |
Hyssoppus officinalis |
|
Family |
Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
|
Other Names |
Azob, isopo, ysopo |
|
Habitat |
Dry rocks |
|
Description |
Semi-Evergreen bushy perennial. Up to 60cm/4ft, square stem, linear-lanceolate nearly sessile, 2cm long, 20mm broad, hairy near margin leaves, opposite Red, blue and white small flowers in whorls, short stalks calyx of 5 uneven teeth June – October |
|
Native to |
Southern Europe, Middle East |
|
Part Used |
Whole herb |
|
Cultivation |
Plant seeds in April, well drained soil sunny position, thin to 60cm apart |
|
Propagation |
Stem cuttings in spring |
|
Harvesting |
August |
|
Preserving |
Dry in sun |
|
Culinary Uses |
Salads, soups, meat, fruit pies, teas |
|
Actions |
Astringent, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, cephalic, cicatrisant, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hypertensive, nervine, pectoral, sedative, stimulant, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary |
|
Extraction |
Steam distillation of leaves and flower tops |
|
Constituents |
Estragole, borneol, geraniol, myrcene, caryophyllene Volatile oil –camphor, pinocamphone, pinocarvone, thujone, isopinocamphone, alpha pinene, beta pinene, linalool, bornyl acetate Flavonoids –diosmin, hesperidin Diterpenes –marrubiin Triterpenes –oleanolic acid, ursolic acid Caffeic acid derivatives –rosmarinic acid Polysaccharide –MAR 10 |
|
Combines with |
Boneset, citrus oils, clary sage, elder flower, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, sage |
|
Skin |
Bruises, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, wounds |
|
Circulatory, muscle joint |
Low or high blood pressure, rheumatism |
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Respiratory |
Coughs, catarrh, colds sore throats, asthma, bronchitis, tonsillitis, whooping cough |
|
Digestive |
Colic, indigestion |
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Genito-urinary |
Amenorrhoea, leucorrhoea |
|
Immune system |
Colds, flu |
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Nervous system |
Anxiety, fatigue, nervous tension, stress |
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Other Uses |
Cosmetics, perfumes, flavourings |
|
Other Notes |
Its name in Hebrew is ezob meaning holy herb and may have been referred to in the bible |
|
Caution |
Epileptics should not use this plant. Do not use if pregnant Use in moderation |