Hyssop, translated from Arabic, sounds like "holy herb." It has been valued since ancient times for a host of useful properties. In addition, magical properties are attributed to her. People call it differently: blue St. John's wort, yusefka, hisop, bee grass. In total, there are about 300 species of this plant, but a limited number has a medicinal effect.
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What is hyssop: photo and description
Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssópus officinális) is a herbaceous perennial from the Lamiaceae family. It is a semi-shrub with a rod-like ligneous rhizome and upright faceted stems up to 70 cm high. It has small, elongated leaves of a deep green color. The stem and leaves have a slight white pubescence. In the leaf axils, spike-shaped inflorescences are located, which are purple, lilac, blue and pink in color. After flowering, in their place, brown fruits-four-seedlings are formed, like nuts.
Hyssop officinalis is less poisonous than tall varieties
Hyssop blooms for a short period and not very close (one flowering wave replaces another). This usually happens towards the end of the summer season.
The plant grows in regions with a warm climate on gentle slopes and in the steppes. Its greatest distribution is noted in Asia and the Mediterranean countries. We have hyssop found in the south of the Caucasus and in southwestern Siberia.
Common types
Despite the many species of the genus, only two varieties of hyssop (in addition to medicinal) are in demand:
- Hyssop anise (Hyssop anise) - a plant with lavender inflorescences. When rubbing the petals with your fingers, you can feel the persistent aroma of anise, which explains the name.
It is worth a few minutes to stand near aniseed hyssop, as a person disappears fatigue and improves mood
- Cretaceous hyssop (Hyssopus cretaceus) - outwardly differs little from the previous specimen, with the exception of blue flowers. It grows on calcareous slopes. This species is listed in the Red Book, so you cannot collect it yourself, but you can buy it at a pharmacy.
Chalk hyssop looks like the medicinal hyssop
Useful properties of the plant
The hyssop herb is not used in official pharmaceuticals, but in traditional medicine, its use is quite varied. Hyssop is endowed with the following healing properties:
- expectorant;
- laxative;
- bactericidal, antiseptic, antibacterial;
- diuretic;
- antipyretic;
- pain reliever;
- antiparasitic;
- regenerating;
- anti-inflammatory;
- astringent;
- tonic.
This herb stimulates brain activity and helps stabilize the psychological state, as well as improves the functioning of the digestive system and stimulates appetite.... Thanks to the flavonoids in the plant, vascular tone increases and natural blood flow is restored.
If 30 drops of hyssop tincture are dropped into half a glass of pure water, then such a remedy will awaken the appetite
Hyssop-based dosage forms are indicated for the following health problems:
- increased sweating;
- climacteric manifestations;
- disturbed menstrual cycle;
- low pressure;
- malfunctions of the digestive tract;
- helminthic invasions;
- damage to the skin (abscesses, hard-to-heal wounds, hematomas, abscesses, bruises);
- colds and infectious diseases;
- cough;
- neuroses;
- asthma;
- inflammation of the mucous membranes;
- angina pectoris;
- conjunctivitis;
- rheumatism;
- angina pectoris;
- anemia;
- genitourinary diseases.
Taking infusions and decoctions can contribute to weight loss, since the herb has a diuretic and laxative effect. It also effectively cleanses the body of toxins and toxins.
The plant is considered to be slightly toxic, so when handling it, you need to take precautions.
Contraindications and possible harm
Along with the beneficial properties, there are also contraindications to the use of funds based on this herb. These include:
- children under 12 years old;
- the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- consistently high pressure;
- individual intolerance to individual components in the composition;
- gastritis with high acidity.
An overdose can cause side effects: convulsions, dizziness, increased blood pressure.
Areas of application of medicinal hyssop
In cosmetology, hyssop extract is used as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is added to masks, creams and lotions. With their systematic application, it is possible to return the natural complexion and improve the structure of the skin. They also effectively relieve inflammation, remove the vascular network and acne, smooth out fine wrinkles, and cope with dermatitis.
In cooking, hyssop leaves are in demand as a spicy addition to various dishes: fish, meat, legumes. The aroma of the herb harmonizes well with ginger, parsley and fennel. Fresh flowers are added to salads, and the stems are put in marinades for vegetable preservation.
Dry hyssop leaves are added as a seasoning, but in small quantities, otherwise you can spoil the taste of the dish
Hyssop was not ignored in landscape design either. Despite the fact that this plant is quite whimsical to care for, it tolerates cold and rarely gets sick. And thanks to lush and colorful inflorescences, it is possible to transform any personal plot. Hyssop is beautiful in the form of a hedge, in the background of alpine slides and in flower bed arrangements.
Hyssop herb treatment
For medicinal purposes, it is customary to prepare decoctions, infusions and tinctures, teas from hyssop at home.
Cooking recipes:
- Broth: dried grass and hyssop flowers (100 g) are poured with a liter of boiling water. Then put the bowl with the contents on the fire and boil for 5–7 minutes. Filter the still hot liquid through cheesecloth or a sieve and mix in 150 g of granulated sugar. You can drink no more than 100 ml of this drink per day in 3 doses (morning, lunch and evening). It is indicated in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, genitourinary infections and colds.
- Water infusion: 75 g of herbal raw materials are poured into a thermos and 1 liter of boiling water is added. After an hour, the agent can be used as directed. It is taken orally 120 ml three times a day (to increase appetite, with asthma), externally used in the form of lotions and for rinsing (for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes, conjunctivitis, sweating).
- Tincture: mix 100 g of dried hyssop herb and 1 liter of dry white wine. The mixture is placed in a dark and dry place for 3 weeks. During this time, it is periodically shaken. Drink 15 ml of tincture 3 times a day. It is an effective remedy for gastrointestinal disorders. And in the case of external use, it helps the quickest healing of wounds on the skin.
For colds, severe coughs and sore throats, it is recommended to make hyssop tea - fresh herb is brewed, like a regular tea leaves. For flavor, honey and lemon are usually added. This drink still calms, improves metabolism, brings down fever and increases blood pressure.
Hyssop and mint tea helps calm and energize
And for a better discharge of phlegm from the lungs, you can prepare a syrup:
- Take 100-120 g of hyssop herb and pour it with a liter of boiling water.
- After 30 minutes, add 1.5 kg of sugar to the infusion.
- Put the mixture on low heat and evaporate it to a syrupy state.
Consume the resulting sweetness for 1 tsp. up to 5 times a day.
With menopause
With the onset of menopause, women begin to experience a number of unpleasant sensations: increased sweating, mood swings, jumps in body temperature and pressure. And in a similar situation, hyssop will help out, which normalizes hormones and improves the general condition. To sleep better, it is recommended to make an herbal pillow filled with hyssop, hop cones and rose hips.
Along with this, an infusion is made for ingestion:
- Mix in a thermos 60 g of hyssop raw materials and 500 ml of boiling water.
- Insist for about an hour.
- Filter the finished composition and drink 100-125 ml daily before meals. The course should last 2 weeks, followed by a monthly break and repeat.
For tinnitus and shortness of breath
The herb is ground to a powdery state and mixed with natural honey in an equal ratio (for example, 100 g of honey and the same amount of powder). This mixture is eaten three times a day for 1 tsp. and washed down with water without gas.
To improve immunity
To strengthen the body, it is recommended to prepare wine with hyssop. It will require the following ingredients:
- 5 parts of hyssop;
- 4 parts of benedict and rose hips;
- 3 parts of Veronica leaves, watch, wormwood and nettle;
- 2 parts peppermint
Sequencing:
- Fill a 1/4 liter glass bottle with fresh or dried grass.
- White or red wine is poured to the brim and covered.
- The vessel is removed to a dark and cool place for 2 weeks.
- After the expiration of the prescribed period, the liquid is filtered.
The resulting elixir is drunk every day, 50-60 ml.
You can buy ready-made hyssop herb at the pharmacy.
Pharmacy herb is already ready for the preparation of medicines
There is also an essential oil on sale, which is endowed with no less healing properties. A yellowish-green liquid has a fluid consistency. With this remedy, you can significantly improve your health and energize.
Essential oil from hyssop is effective for angina and bronchial asthma
It is taken orally to raise vitality, strengthen the nervous system, relieve depression and allergic reactions. Outwardly applied as follows:
- Combine 10-12 drops with 25 ml of any vegetable oil and add a little eucalyptus juice. With the resulting product, rub the body, especially the chest and back. Helps with colds or bronchitis.
- 8-10 drops of hyssop ether are added to the collected bath and taken for 10 minutes. Such procedures are performed for nervous tension, depression and joint pain.
- Essential oil in its natural form is applied to wounds and other skin lesions. Thanks to this, their quickest healing occurs.
Collection and storage
You can collect and harvest hyssop grass all summer. Cut off the stem with leaves and flowers with a sharp knife. Spread the grass evenly under a canopy in the fresh air and dry until tender. You can tie the plants in bunches and hang them outdoors in a shaded area or in an attic with good natural ventilation. Dried grass partially loses its specific aroma - it is no longer so sharp.
The finished raw materials are packaged in paper or canvas bags and stored in a place where it is cool and not damp.
Reviews
I am allergic, I suffer for many years, I am allergic to ragweed. This herb was advised to me a year ago by a homeopath, with whom I have been following for a long time. Many pharmacies do not even know about this herb, and they ask the name again in bewilderment. We sell it in the Green Pharmacy. Her taste is ordinary, it looks like chamomile. For two seasons, during an allergy, I drank it like tea, 2 glasses a day. And you know, this herb really helps, it immediately makes breathing easier.It contains oils, vitamins and acids. Take it for bronchial, asthma, anemia, neuroses. If not for the doctor, I never thought of trying it, since the application does not indicate that it is used during allergy treatment. It has antispasmodic and antiseptic properties. Good herb, who does not know about it, take note, tested on yourself.
I am writing about this because hyssop treatment can improve the well-being of very, very many people. For four days I brewed tea with hyssop: I poured 0.5 teaspoon of dry grass with one glass of boiling water and wrapped the kettle with a napkin for half an hour. I drank half a glass in the morning and evening after meals. Already now my state of health has changed radically. Previously, I started any work with great difficulty, and even to finish it - I had less and less strength. Now I cannot leave the unfinished work and finish the job without losing my vigorous rhythm, as if someone is urging me on. And I thought that I had an age-related loss of strength. But now I quite clearly feel what should be done and by what time. The depression goes away.
Once relatives from Belarus in a letter asked me to buy herbs and hyssop flowers at the pharmacy for their neighbor, who had asthma. I ran through several pharmacies in the area, but I could not find the medicine I ordered. I found out the hyssop a few days later in a specialized herbal pharmacy. By the way, the price for this medicine was quite significant. I bought and sent by mail to my relatives several packs of hyssop herb grown in Altai.
If in Russian pharmaceuticals hyssop is practically not used, then in Western European medicine it is quite in demand, especially in the field of homeopathy. So, in Germany, Bulgaria, Austria and France, the herb is used as a tonic.
