Hyssop: medicinal properties and contraindications
Hyssop performs both medicinal and decorative functions. It grows well in almost any soil and, with minimal watering and care requirements, gives a good harvest, supplying plant owners with excellent medicinal raw materials for the treatment of many diseases.
Content:
What it looks like and where it grows
Kinds
Chemical composition
Medicinal properties of the herb hyssop
for women
for men
for kids
Herb hyssop in medicine
Types of healing compounds with hyssop
juice
decoction
infusion
tea
alcohol tincture
Hyssop oil: properties and uses
properties
application
use in cosmetology
peppers stuffed with feta
vitamin salad
Blueberry pie
What it looks like and where it grows
Hyssop is found in the wild in Europe and Asia. It continues to grow on hillsides, choosing stony, dry areas. But now rarely anyone hunts for a medicinal plant in its natural conditions, preferring to grow a fragrant and elegant shrub at home. It has been cultivated since ancient times. The medicinal properties of hyssop were well known in ancient Greece, using it in medicine, cooking, and cosmetology.
The plant has several names, and depending on the region it is called bee grass or blue St. John's wort. Indeed, there is some external similarity, but experienced herbalists will never confuse these plants. For a wide range of applications, it is called a country doctor and they try to plant it in the corner of the site, especially since it looks really elegant.
A low shrub reaches a height of 65–70 cm, numerous stems extend from a powerful root, covered with strong bark at the base and gradually thinning towards the crown. The leaves are arranged in tiers, elongated, narrow, with tips slightly bent inward.
Flowering begins in July and lasts until September. The color of the flowers is mostly blue, rarely lilac or pink. Sometimes you can see white flowers, but they are considered an exception to the rule. The bush belongs to perennials, perfectly tolerates drought and harsh winters, every spring revealing fragrant leaves towards the sun. The leaves and flowers give off a strong spicy aroma that repels pests from the garden plot and attracts bees. Often it is planted around the apiary, collecting healing fragrant honey.
Kinds
There are few of them, only 3 varieties are known.
1. Narrow-leaved or medicinal hyssop is most often used to make decoctions, infusions and teas. Its flowers are collected in small inflorescences of 8-10 pieces. It is harvested as needed throughout the summer, from the moment the first buds open until the end of flowering, cutting off the upper half of the stems along with leaves and flowers. Hyssop planted in the garden lives perfectly in one place for up to 10 years, without requiring a transplant.
2. Cretaceous is named so for its predilection for soils with a high content of chalk. Belongs to rare species, listed in the Red Book. Differs from the ordinary in more miniature size and a lower level of decorativeness. The smell is sharp with a balsamic tint, the inflorescences have a cornflower blue hue.
3. Anise is very beautiful in appearance, it smells like anise. To enhance the smell, just rub the leaf lightly. It is sometimes called licorice mint for its specific aroma. It is easy to distinguish it from other species by purple spots on the leaves and the height of the stems, reaching 100 cm under favorable conditions. Blue flowers are collected in double dense inflorescences, open gradually, starting from the lower tier, and the bush retains a spectacular appearance until autumn. In cooking, tender buds and already blossoming flowers are used, which are added to salads, giving them a unique spicy flavor.
It is worth considering: the species can pollinate when grown together, so it is better to plant them in different segments of the garden plot.
Collection and storage
For all varieties, the collection time and the principle of harvesting are the same. Much depends on the purpose of use. For fresh salads, leaves and flowers are plucked by hand as needed. For use in decoctions, it is better to start harvesting at the very beginning of flowering. If it is planned to store raw materials in crushed form, then it is better to wait until the flowering is in full swing, when the plant becomes most fragrant.
It is not necessary to select parts of the hyssop separately. It is enough just to cut the stems and, having tied them into a broom, hang them in a shady, well-ventilated place.
Important: hyssop contains a lot of essential oils. From exposure to direct sunlight during drying and storage, they disappear, several times reducing the medicinal properties of the plant.
Finished raw materials are stored in linen bags. When grinding, it is more convenient to place the grass in containers with a tightly ground lid. The dried plant retains its original properties for 2 years.
Chemical composition
In small narrow leaves and bright inflorescences, many useful elements are hidden.
Among them:
• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• organic acids
• bitterness;
• essential oils;
• glycosides;
• resins;
• gum;
• vitamin C;
• alcohols;
• camphene;
• cymol;
• cineole.
The composition includes biologically active substances that allow the plant to be used as a medicine.
Medicinal properties of the herb hyssop
Hyssop deservedly received the title of country doctor. It is used in many folk recipes as an anti-inflammatory, wound healing, disinfectant. It is also used to get rid of intestinal parasites, brewing as a tea. The smell is reminiscent of thyme and mint, has a calming effect, relieves excessive irritation, and prevents the development of depressive states.
A powerful therapeutic effect is achieved in the prevention and treatment of disorders of the central nervous system. It is important that with a pronounced sedative effect, hyssop decoctions do not cause drowsiness and inhibition of reactions. There is an increase in memory, attention, ability to concentrate.
For people suffering from frequent respiratory diseases, bronchitis, hyssop is useful for its antispasmodic effect. It dilates blood vessels, eliminates coughing, facilitates breathing, and has an expectorant effect. Essential oils during inhalation relieve inflammation, inhibit the development of pathogenic bacteria.
During the period of application of herbal preparations based on hyssop, the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract is established, the fermentation of juices is enhanced, a slight laxative effect is manifested, and bile circulation is established.
The ability of the plant to accelerate regeneration, stop the reproduction of staphylococcal infection, prevent inflammation of wounds, and eliminate abscesses is very much appreciated.
Decoctions, infusions and compresses based on hyssop recommend:
• in diseases of the respiratory system, including asthma and tuberculosis;
• fungal skin lesions;
• increased emotional excitability;
• hyperhidrosis;
• rheumatism;
• diseases of the genitourinary system;
• frequent colds.
Hyssop is perfectly combined with other herbal ingredients, honey, licorice root, berries and raspberry leaves.
For women
Decoctions of herbs relieve the acuteness of PMS and menopausal syndrome, improve skin condition, and slow down age-related changes. Extracts and essential oil have found their application in cosmetology.
For men
The plant belongs to natural aphrodisiacs, the tincture is prepared from flowers and white wine, where 1 liter of drink falls on 1 tablespoon of vegetable raw materials. The infusion is kept for 10 days in a dark, cool place. To fully dissolve the essential oils, the container is shaken daily. Take 50 drops 2-3 hours before bedtime.
For kids
Recommendations for use are general, the plant is effective in respiratory diseases and inflammatory processes. Children under 12 years of age should not use hyssop, unless the predicted benefit outweighs the possible harm.
Herb hyssop in medicine
The plant is included in the list of officially recognized, its properties are well studied. In folk recipes, it is used for the urgent removal of a hangover, eliminates tremor, nausea, returns the ability to think quickly and respond adequately to external stimuli. Decoctions are part of complex therapy for rehabilitation after operations, injuries, large blood loss.
The use of the extract in strict dosages is practiced to prevent the development of senile dementia. In case of violation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, flatulence, dysbacteriosis, decoctions are able to restore beneficial microflora and activate intestinal motility. For women over 40 years old, it is useful to include herbal teas with hyssop to reduce the intensity of menopausal symptoms.
Recipes
1. From a cough, hyssop is brewed in its pure form and with the addition of other components. Most often, for cooking, 1 liter of boiling water and 1.5 kg of sugar are taken for 100 g of dry raw materials. First, hyssop is poured with boiling water and covered with a towel for 30 minutes. Then filter, add sugar and boil over low heat until syrupy. 1 tablespoon of honey is mixed into the finished product. Take 4-5 times a day, 1 tablespoon of the agent to thin sputum, relieve spasms and ease breathing. For asthma, a decoction is prepared without sugar and honey. The proportions and mode of reception are the same.
2. With bronchitis, it is very important to regularly eliminate bronchospasm, leading to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, constant coughing. To prepare the remedy, you will need 2 teaspoons of hyssop per 200 ml of boiling water, let the tea stand for 30 minutes, take 150-200 ml 3 times a day. It is best to prepare a new decoction each time shortly before taking.
3. From allergies, hyssop is used in the form of an infusion, observing the proportions of 2 teaspoons of flowers per 1 cup of boiling water. It is more convenient to make the mixture in a thermos, keeping it there for 2-3 hours. Reception is half a glass 3 times a day.
4. With menopause, hyssop is also effective for relieving irritability, insomnia, feelings of unmotivated fear, anxiety. It reduces the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, relieves headaches, and improves immunity. A decoction of 5 g of raw materials per 250 ml of boiling water is used. For a sustainable effect, medicinal tea is taken in a course 3 times a day, 120 ml warm 30 minutes before meals. The duration of treatment is 2 weeks. Then you need to take a break for 30 days and the course can be repeated.
5. To eliminate chronic fatigue syndrome and improve appetite, a decoction is also used. It is prepared from 5 g of fresh herbs and 400 ml of boiling water, kept in a water bath for 15 minutes. Drink instead of regular tea half an hour before meals.
Types of healing compounds with hyssop
Hyssop is used in the form of decoctions, syrups, water and alcohol infusions, extracts.
Juice
It is prepared from fresh ingredients. The grass is passed through a meat grinder, the gruel is squeezed through gauze or a layer of cotton fabric. Applied to eliminate a hangover, 40 drops, stirred in a glass of water. To reduce sweating, the juice is diluted with water 1: 1 and the armpits, feet and palms are wiped.
Decoction
Most often used for external injuries. The ratio of grass and water is 1 tablespoon per 100 ml. Raw materials are poured with boiling water, kept for 30 minutes in a water bath, then cooled to a warm state and filtered. Lotions, compresses are made from it, washings are carried out for cuts, wounds, inflammations, joint pains.
Infusion
It is stored no more than 24 hours, therefore it is recommended to prepare a fresh product before each use. It is used for problems with the gastrointestinal tract, as a diuretic, tonic for weakness of the heart muscle. 20 g of dried flowers are poured into 200 ml of boiling water, kept for half an hour, taken 2 times a day.
Tea
Brewed before use at the rate of 1 teaspoon per glass of boiling water, tea is kept for 5 minutes. You can add raspberries, honey, lemon. Taken as a tonic and firming, antimicrobial agent during the off-season. Recommended 1-2 cups per day.
Alcohol tincture
Its advantage lies in its long shelf life. A half-liter jar is filled with crushed hyssop and filled with vodka almost to the top. The container is tightly closed with a lid and placed in a dark place for 7 days. The recommended dosage is 30 drops up to 5-6 times a day. The tincture should not be used by pregnant, lactating, people with epilepsy or alcohol addiction, children under 12 years old.
Hyssop oil: properties and uses
The essential components of hyssop are highly valued. The cost of finished oil is high, but the benefits justify the money spent. You can buy oil in pharmacies and most often only on order. Production is very costly in terms of raw materials; in relation to the initial mass, the oil yield is only 0.2%.
Properties
The tool is used as an antiviral, tonic, antimicrobial. It can increase physical endurance, stabilize the emotional state, improve digestion, and stop inflammatory processes. It also has astringent, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, antipyretic, anthelmintic, expectorant action.
Application
The oil is used externally for inflammation, skin and joint diseases. Lotions and compresses are effective for hematomas, superficial skin lesions, acne, dermatitis. Essential oil is included in aromatherapy mixtures, massage compositions, added to the bath, effective for colds as an inhalation. The product is combined with sage, lemon balm, citrus, geranium, rosemary.
Important: the use of essential oils in high concentrations is prohibited.
Use in cosmetology
The oil component, plant extracts are introduced into the composition of soaps, shampoos, creams and lotions. Decoctions and infusions for washing are indicated for acne, pronounced vascular pattern, dermatitis. Regular use improves complexion, reduces fine mimic wrinkles, accelerates regeneration in case of microdamages.
Hyssop in cooking
Spicy taste and bright rich aroma became the reason for the introduction of fresh leaves and flowers in salads, sauces, seasonings. It is part of complex seasonings for meat and fish dishes, pates, minced meat, sausages. In some recipes, it is recommended to add it to bean soup, stuffed eggs, sandwich mass, pies and dumplings, meatballs and stews.
Rich and tart, hyssop is used to create world-famous drinks such as absinthe,
Benedictine and Chartreuse liqueurs. Fresh and dried leaves are put in berry tinctures on alcohol and moonshine to enrich the taste, eliminate the smell of fusel oils.
Among the recipes there are very original and easy-to-prepare dishes for every day or for special occasions.
Peppers stuffed with feta
For cooking you will need:
• red bell pepper;
• feta;
• vegetable oil;
• a mixture of spices, which includes oregano, thyme, sesame, hyssop 3-4 g;
• salt.
Peppers are thoroughly washed, the middle is taken out along with the seeds. Then the pepper is baked in the oven until softened and cut in half. A little feta is placed in each half, then the workpiece is folded in half or twisted into a tube. Then the halves are carefully laid out on a baking sheet, sprinkled with a mixture of spices, salted and returned to the oven for another 10 minutes
Vitamin salad
The dish is designed for lovers of unusual tastes, because the composition combines sliced watermelons, cream cheese, leek. The mixture is poured with a sauce of cream, black pepper, anise, fresh leaves and hyssop inflorescences, chopped herbs with a drop of apple cider vinegar.
Blueberry pie
Delicate shortbread dough is the basis on which the berry filling is laid out. They are mixed with some sugar and fresh, finely chopped hyssop leaves, which give the mixture a slight spicy astringency and an indescribable aroma. Bake for half an hour at a temperature of 180 degrees. The dessert is highly appreciated by adults and children, it is easy to prepare, takes little time and does not require special culinary skills. For the base, you can pre-purchase a frozen shortcrust pastry blank in the store.
There are optimal dosages of spices for different dishes. About 0.5 g of dry grass is added to soups. For side dishes, meat and fish dishes, desserts and marinades, 0.3 g will be enough. Hyssop is in harmony with marjoram, fennel, basil, mint, parsley, dill.
How to grow hyssop from seeds
The plant is unpretentious to the conditions, and since it is a perennial, it is most often planted with seeds immediately in a permanent place. To do this, choose a small hill in a dry sunny place. In nature, it prefers rocky hillsides and does not tolerate close groundwater at all. In landscape design, it is used in mixed flower beds, in the design of alpine slides, as borders. Therefore, it is worth looking at the design options for the site and combining business with pleasure.
Planting time is at the end of April and the beginning of May, after the end of the night cold. Seeds are mixed with sand and distributed in small grooves. The embedding depth should not exceed 0.5-1 cm, otherwise the germination time will be delayed by 1-2 weeks. If you sow hyssop in winter, the first leaves will appear as soon as the heat level is stable at +5 degrees.
Special care is not required. One has only to remember that it is better to underfill the bush than to overfill it. Watering is carried out 3-4 times per season. You don't need any special feeding either. The ancestors of this plant did well without additional fertilizers, which was fully transferred to the cultivated species. It is enough to pour them with an ash solution, sometimes add nitrogen or complex preparations in the spring in a minimum concentration. If you give them too much, then the bush will begin to form an excess green mass at the expense of flowering.
Pruning should not be neglected. It is carried out during the summer for the preparation of medicinal raw materials and in the fall for better wintering. It is more convenient to form rounded outlines of the bush. Then next year it will quickly go up.
Sometimes gardeners try to grow hyssop in seedlings. Then the landing dates are moved to the end of March. Sprouts break through in 1–1.5 weeks, stretch quickly and require transplantation to a permanent place, so it is not worth sown too early in cassettes or peat pots.
In one place, the plant successfully develops for about 5–7 years, then the soil becomes depleted, the bush becomes too large, it needs a transplant. At the same time, you need to divide the plant into several parts to rejuvenate it. Many gardeners try to plant a few bushes near the porch, under the windows or in the recreation area. The secret is simple - the smell is so specific to insects that even mosquitoes and flies cannot stand it, flying away from the bushes.
Contraindications for use
The plant has special properties that impose certain restrictions on its use as food or as a medicine. Decoctions and infusions of hyssop should not be given to pregnant women, it can provoke a miscarriage. Those who suffer from epileptic seizures, hypertensive patients will also have to choose another plant.
In particularly sensitive people, hyssop in high concentrations causes allergies. With frequent convulsions, neuropathy, kidney disease and nervous diseases, accompanied by loss of consciousness, hyssop can provoke a relapse.
Before using decoctions and tinctures based on hyssop, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Longer than 30 days, the course of treatment is not carried out. Then a break is made for a month.
Fragrant and spectacular hyssop will be a wonderful decoration of the garden and a natural first-aid kit that will always be at hand.
Important: All information on the website is provided for informational purposes only. Before applying any of the recommendations, consult with a specialist. Neither the editors nor the authors are responsible for any possible harm caused by your own actions.