What does hyssop officinalis look like. The use of medicinal hyssop in folk medicine. Domestic use of the plant is quite diverse.

General information about medicinal hyssop

Hyssop is a unique representative of the green pharmacy, and although the Mediterranean is considered its homeland, the plant can be found almost throughout Eastern Europe, including regions of Siberia, Asia and even the Caucasus. The plant should be sought in open areas: in the steppe, on gentle dry hills, rocky slopes.

Since ancient times, the plant has been used for the preparation of medicines, various in their purpose. The fact that hundreds of different ailments can be cured with hyssop is an indisputable fact. The plant has dozens of species (more than 50) that are used in cooking, folk medicine and even in the decorative arts.

Description

A member of the Lamiaceae family, hyssop is perennial plant. Its feature is considered to be a surprisingly strong, but pleasant smell. The plant is mostly found in the form of small shrubs, with white, pink or blue irregularly shaped inflorescences. A distinctive feature of the plant is a strong spicy smell. The inflorescences have a spike-like format, on the sides of which there are elongated or linear-shaped leaves, located along the entire part of the stem with an interval of 2-3 cm.

Due to the numerous varieties, hyssop may differ in height (from 50 to 80 cm) and stem format, but in general, almost all representatives of this plant are similar.

Spreading

The most popular in terms of distribution are two types of hyssop: medicinal and aniseed. Both plants have approximately the same structure and are considered unusually useful in their properties.

Anise hyssop (anise lofant, such official name has a plant) is so named for a specific smell, which is especially felt if the leaves or stem are rubbed with your fingers.

Anise lofant is famous for its essential oil, which has a special effect on the impact, and honey, collected at the time of flowering, is very valuable for its healing qualities. It features unique medical properties used for preparation medical preparations healers from the people and industrial pharmaceuticals.

Disinfectant and anti-inflammatory properties are used to treat respiratory organs, colds and inflammatory processes. Natural immunostimulant, anise hyssop has a strong similarity in its effects with other representatives of the green pharmacy. In the East and in Asian countries, this plant is equated in its properties with ginseng, and they also pay attention to the collection of raw materials at the time of flowering.

Hyssop ordinary (medicinal) sprouts in natural natural conditions, its unique composition of trace elements and vitamin is used to treat diseases internal organs, respiratory tract, eyes and colds. Both types of plants are harvested, and this is done in a special way, and kept in reserve. For storage use paper bags or glass jars.

Collection and preparation

The plant is often sown in suburban areas and fields, this simplifies the harvesting process, and since it is a perennial, this can be done once, and then, accordingly, only care for, removing weeds and thinning:

Anise lofant is harvested for the treatment of diseases, and as a spice for meat and fish dishes. If the raw materials are planned to be used immediately, then the cut of the plant can be made for the entire period of growth, when harvesting for winter period, for future use, are harvested only at the time of flowering and bud formation. If the plant is annual, harvesting is done by one pruning, when it reaches two or more years, this is done twice per season (end of June, beginning of August).
Common hyssop (medicinal) is harvested at the moment when the inflorescences are fully opened, together with part of the stem (up to 20 cm).

After harvesting, the plants are formed into bunches and dried in the open air, provided that the stems and inflorescences do not fall into direct sunlight. The blank is stored in glass jars, cardboard boxes from under tea, in paper bags. Proper drying is immediately distinguished by the presence of a strong (spicy) smell and a bitter taste.

Compound

The presence of essential oils and other components has a positive effect on important processes occurring in the body. This happens thanks to unique composition substances that it has medicinal plant.

Essential oil. Very valuable in properties, it is used in cosmetology, pharmaceuticals, traditional medicine.
Tannin.
Acids.
Flavonoid diosmin.
Flavonoid hesperidin.
resins.
Glycosides.
bitterness.

Medicinal properties of the herb hyssop

Due to the unique composition of useful substances possessed by hyssop, folk and traditional medicine uses the plant to treat many different types of diseases associated with the work of the digestive tract, respiratory tract, central nervous system, to improve immunity.

The medicinal properties and the special effect of medicines prepared on the basis of hyssop puts this species plants into the category of useful and popular in folk and traditional medicine.

Useful properties of hyssop

The properties that the plant possesses and which is used in medicine are distinguished by a wide range of effects:

Stabilization of blood pressure (increase).
Strengthening immunity.
Improving well-being for the category of people who suffer from the effects of sudden changes in weather conditions.
Wound healing properties.
Elimination of pain, inflammation, accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues.
It slows down the aging process of both the body as a whole and individual organs.

The plant is used as:

Antihelminthic.
Diuretic.
Expectorants.
Sweatshop.
Antiseptic.
Antispasmodic.
Antipyretic.
Bactericidal.
Laxative.

Preparations prepared on the basis of the plant increase appetite, contribute to the normalization of the work of the digestive organs, pancreas, liver, kidneys. Doctors often prescribe an infusion of hyssop for exhaustion, weakened immune system, for the treatment of wounds, with problems caused by poor blood flow, to eliminate the symptoms of varicose inflammation.

What diseases does it treat?

Traditional medicine has long used hyssop to treat a number of serious illnesses and as can be seen from the results. healing effect is beyond praise. Infusions and other medicine literally puts people on their feet, whom traditional medicine refuses to treat, because of the futility. The list of diseases that hyssop helps to fight includes:

Gout.
Arthritis.
Problems in gynecology.
Diseases of the respiratory tract and organs (almost all).
Skin diseases.
Viral and infectious diseases.
Joint diseases.
Haemorrhoids.
Dropsy.
Chicken blindness.
Disease of the organs of vision.
Disease of the digestive tract.
Diseases of the reproductive organs and urinary tract.
neuroses.
Tuberculosis.
Colds.
Helps eliminate problems with bad breath.

In the preparation of medicines, almost all parts of the plant are used, except perhaps the rhizome.

Contraindications for use

Hyssop is a plant that, if used improperly, can cause harm, as preparations made from it are potent in effect. It is best to consult a specialist before starting treatment to clarify the dosage of the substance. Preparations made on the basis of hyssop are contraindicated in the following categories of people:

Patients with epilepsy.
Hypertension patients.
For the period of pregnancy.
Little children.
In the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with the manifestation hyperacidity.
With kidney disease.

plant use

Hyssop is used both in medicine and in cooking, the properties that the plant possesses make it possible to use all its parts both together and separately. Especially valuable for the preparation of tinctures and teas is the inflorescence, which may differ in color scheme: red, blue, pale pink, white.

hyssop seeds

Despite the uniqueness of hyssop, the seeds of the plant for medicine, both folk and traditional, are of no interest, although nutritionists claim that they can be used as a means to lose weight. Seeds are sown in the likeness of flax, in summer cottages and household plots, since the plant is not only used in medicine and cooking, but is also an excellent honey plant.

Leaves and stems

From the leaves and stem of the plant, tinctures and decoctions are prepared, which are used both internally, for colds and other diseases, and externally. In Siberia, the stem and leaves are added to the preservation brine and thus seaming is done for the winter, but they do it very carefully, since the plant has a strong aroma, like basil, parsley.

hyssop flowers

Tonic teas and tinctures are prepared from the flowers of the plant, which are used for colds and other diseases. Both drugs have an expectorant effect, strengthen the immune system, and stabilize the work of the digestive tract. An infusion of inflorescences is used in the treatment of neurosis, stomatitis, depression, rheumatism, it is used internally, or rubbed on damaged areas.

Inflorescences are added to fresh and in salads, the dish is enhanced with vitamins and it has an original taste. Cooks use hyssop flowers as spices for cooking meat and fish dishes. In the Caucasus, many aged people every day prepare immunity-strengthening salads from fresh hyssop flowers for the entire flowering period of the plant.

Medicinal use of hyssop

In view of the vastness of the options for using hyssop in the treatment of a number of severe diseases, the plant occupies special place in pharmaceuticals and medicine and is an extremely valuable material for the manufacture of medicines.

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and other properties are used to treat diseases that manifest themselves closer to old age: cough, arthritis, neuroses, malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, and this is far from full list health problems that hyssop helps to cope with. The special value of hyssop is the presence of an essential oil in it, famous for its healing effect not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology.

Essential oil

Hyssop essential oil can be prepared independently using the water vapor distillation technique. The flowering tops are cut off and doused with water vapor, resulting in a yellow-green substance with a strong odor. In most cases essential oil used for aromatherapy, cold and hot inhalation, adding to the bath, for treatment with compresses, massages. How you can use essential oil at home:

For cuts, acne, and other skin lesions, the affected areas are smeared with oil and secured with a retaining bandage.
To purify the air in the house, 2-3 drops of the substance are dripped onto the aroma burner from time to time.
In the absence of an inhalation device, you can add 4-7 drops of oil to a glass of boiling water and inhale the substance along with the steam.
When performing a massage, a little substance is added to vegetable oil and thus rheumatism and joint pain are treated, rubbing the areas damaged by the disease. The same composition is rubbed with bronchitis, colds.

Alcohol tinctures are made from the essential oil, which are also used to treat the digestive tract, colds and other ailments.

Decoction

Decoctions from this plant are used to treat respiratory organs, even terrible disease how tuberculosis can be overcome with the systematic use of the substance. For cooking, you will need dried hyssop (a handful) and figs (12), which, after mixing thoroughly and adding water (1.2 l), boil, stirring the substance until the mass decreases (800 ml). The broth is allowed to stand for a day, after which it is filtered and consumed strictly on an empty stomach in a teaspoon. The decoction is prohibited for use during pregnancy and children under the age of 12 years.

Infusion

The infusion, prepared on the basis of vodka and dried raw materials, has a wide range of uses: the product is used in a diluted form for rinsing oral cavity, using inside, for wiping damaged areas of the skin and for preparing compresses. The recipe is extremely simple:

20 gr. dried plant (mixture: inflorescence, leaf, stem).
200 gr. vodka.

The substance is infused for 10 days in a dark place, preferably at room temperature, after which the liquid is filtered with cotton and gauze.

Syrup

At severe colds when it is important to cause expectoration of sputum, hyssop syrup, prepared independently, is used for treatment:

100 gr. crushed raw materials.
1.5 kg of sugar.
1 liter of water.

The raw material is poured with boiling water, and boiled for 1-2 minutes on very low heat, after which they are allowed to brew for a little less than an hour. The strained substance is slightly warmed up and, pouring sugar into it, mix thoroughly.

Tincture

There is another type of tincture that is used to treat colds and respiratory organs:

2 tsp collection of hyssop + mint.
A glass of boiling water.

The raw material is poured with boiling water and, having covered tightly on top, insist for 15-20 minutes, after which, after allowing to cool, it is consumed warm an hour before meals. You need to drink 2 glasses of liquid per day, then you can firmly rely on positive effect during treatment. This tool used to soften and remove sputum, in the treatment of tonsillitis, bronchitis, as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory.

Hyssop in folk medicine

cooking recipes various means based on hyssop is passed down from generation to generation and thanks to grandmothers who are not too lazy to harvest the plant, you can do without medications, "rich" side effects and leaving the body for a long period various substances. The plant has long been used to treat a number of colds, infectious and other diseases.

Traditional medicine is rich in a list of recipes that use not only the plant itself, but also the essential oil that is extracted from it. This raw material is used in the preparation of decoctions, tinctures, infusions, teas and compresses.

Hyssop for cough

The antispasmodic and expectorant effects that tincture of hyssop has are used in folk medicine to treat a "dry" cough. This remedy is allowed to be used not only by adults, but also by children from 2 years of age. A teaspoon of dry grass is poured with boiling water in the manner of brewing tea and after insisting, they give the patient a warm drink. The substance has an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect, which is especially important when there is irritation in the throat caused by coughing. To enhance the effect, you can add a little to the tincture natural honey collected in May.

Hyssop for asthma

Hyssop, infused with vodka, is excellent remedy for the treatment of bronchitis and asthma. The tincture recipe is very simple:

20 gr. raw materials.
250 gr. vodka.

The plant is crushed, and filled with vodka, tightly cover the vessel in which the substance will be infused (at least a week), after which it is filtered and placed in the refrigerator for storage. The infusion is taken 2 times a day for a teaspoon, for a period of at least 10 days. In the event of an allergic reaction, the use of the drug is considered inappropriate and in the future the course of treatment should be no more than 5 days.

Hyssop with menopause

The use of hyssop infusion during menopause helps to overcome symptoms that are unpleasant for this phenomenon: sweating, irritation, sudden mood changes. Also, the substance helps to restore hormonal disruptions, which generally improves the condition. female body. To prepare a decoction, you need 1 tbsp. l. dry grass and 0.5 l of boiling water, which is poured into the raw material and, after boiling for 1 minute, it is additionally infused for 1 hour, after which it is decanted and the product is considered ready for use. It is used in the amount of 100 gr., Warmed shortly before meals, especially severe cases the substance is recommended to be used more often.

Hyssop during pregnancy

The presence of toxic substances in hyssop prohibits the use of preparations prepared on the basis of the plant inside, but there are no prohibitions for external treatment.

In cases of inflammation of the skin, or simple wounds, decoctions of hyssop can be used as local antiseptic, treating the surface with a swab dipped in liquid, or applying as a compress.

Hyssop for colds

Everything is quite simple here: the grass (or flowers) is brewed like regular tea, giving the opportunity to infuse for at least an hour and drink half a cup half a glass half an hour before meals twice a day. To improve the effect, you can add just a little honey, this will speed up the healing process. Tea is an excellent remedy in the treatment of colds, runny nose, acting as an antipyretic and expectorant substance.

Hyssop for allergies

Allergy to food and external factors commonplace for the present time, to eliminate the symptoms of which a bunch of drugs made from synthetic raw materials and having a lot of side effects on the human body are used. Hyssop, in addition to all the listed properties, has one more thing, making the plant unique: it resists the manifestations of an allergic reaction. A simple decoction is suitable, which is used to wipe manifestations of allergies on skin areas (redness, rashes), and taking it inside, half a cup twice a day.

Hyssop from damage

Among the people, many owners of the gift to treat people in the folk way pay special attention to hyssop, since the plant is considered to cleanse, not only the body, but also the human soul, protecting and protecting from the evil eye, damage and other magical rituals.

The simplest ritual for cleansing from damage can be done independently, with a reliable assistant. It will take a little essential oil, which is recommended to purify the air in the room where the ritual will be performed, holy water, and the plant itself, best dried and tied in a bundle. Using the morning prayer-repentance (Ps. 50), a person who is supposedly damaged is sprinkled with a broom from a plant, while reading protective words. The Bible should be in the left hand, the sprinkler in the right. At the end of the ritual, both the reader and the person from whom the damage was removed must be crossed three times, and the broom itself should be buried in the ground.

Other uses of hyssop in medicine

The plant itself, despite its versatility and versatility, is considered not fully understood in terms of the properties that it possesses. Today, unique preparations are being developed from the plant that help improve the functioning of the male genital organs, improving and enhancing potency. It was believed that frequent use hyssop by men had a depressing effect on male potency, but as it turned out, it all depends on how to use the substance and in what dosage.

Another property that the plant has and which is used by physicians is the ability to solve problems that arise in the work of the circulatory system. Today, drug manufacturers skin diseases especially interested in collecting hyssop. On the basis of plants, preparations are made that completely treat herpes and other diseases. skin infectious diseases. German pharmacists are famous for hyssop-based products, the main purpose of which is the treatment of female diseases. The French excel in the manufacture of medicines for the treatment dental diseases, in India, in addition to using the plant in pharmaceuticals, local culinary specialists pay much attention to the preparation of various meat and fish dishes.

There are many the most valuable plants possessing naturally excellent medicinal qualities. Hyssop also belongs to the category of such herbs, the usefulness of which was known to people in ancient times. In order to get the right idea about this plant, you should look at the photo of hyssop for useful properties and contraindications. Such an herb has long been used to help during the course of colds.

Features of medicinal hyssop

Naturalists distinguish about 50 varieties of this shrub, but the value for humans is found precisely in medicinal hyssop. It grows almost everywhere in Russia, it is also present in certain places on the European continent, in the North African expanses, in the western part of Asia.

The most useful shrub is at the time of flowering. During this period, it contains essential oil, oleic, ascorbic acids, hyssop herb contributes to the speedy healing of wounds, increases immunity human body to various diseases. Recently, experts have identified in the composition of this plant and vitamins of group B, which only enhances the undoubted healing qualities shrub.

Hyssop also acts as an excellent honey plant. Honey is used to improve appetite, it is an excellent tonic for the stomach, this substance also helps in cases of diarrhea, flatulence, relieves a person of an annoying, unpleasant cough.

Beneficial features

The hyssop semi-shrub has extensive useful properties. It is used as an expectorant, laxative, wound healing and antihelminthic. The preparations of this plant have antiseptic, as well as antimicrobial action. Hyssop, due to its antispasmodic properties, soothes stomach pains. Subshrub-based products increase arterial pressure and also act against various kinds fungus.

What does hyssop treat?

Hyssop in folk medicine is used in the treatment of conditions and diseases such as:

The healing properties of hyssop for women

Traditional healers advise women to pay attention to medicinal properties hyssop during menopause. Regular consumption of tea with the addition of a plant will relieve unpleasant manifestations during this difficult period for any of us.

Tearfulness, causeless resentment and irritability will pass.
Sleep will improve.
The condition will improve during the tides, they will become less strong.
The sweating will go away.

Manifestations of menopause will also remove the infusion of 2 teaspoons of hyssop in a glass of boiling water. Leave to stand until the infusion has cooled completely, and then drink a third of a glass half an hour before meals.

With erosion, douching with a decoction of hyssop should be done.

In cosmetology, hyssop is added to aromatic water, which perfectly relieves puffiness and heals irritations. But the most commonly used plant oil.

hyssop flowers

Hyssop flowers and leaves are used to treat various skin diseases, bruises and wounds. In addition, infusions and decoctions from these parts of the plant are used externally for rinsing, and in the oral cavity they relieve inflammation. Preparations from these parts of this medicinal shrub are indicated for various problems GIT.

Decoction

A decoction of hyssop flowers and leaves is indicated in the treatment of diseases such as: Chronical bronchitis; respiratory catarrh; bronchial asthma; angina. In addition, the decoction eliminates inflammation of the urinary tract. It is prepared like this: 100 g of stems and flowers of the plant are poured with a liter hot water and boil for 5 minutes. Half a glass of sugar is added here, then the decoction is consumed per day, 100 ml each.

Tincture

For flatulence and chronic colitis, preparations from a plant such as hyssop are used. What it is, we already know. Tincture is used externally as compresses that accelerate wound healing. To prepare it, 100 g of plant grass must be poured with a liter of dry white wine. Then the tincture is removed for 3 weeks in a cool and dark place, while the product must be shaken regularly. Before use, the tincture is filtered. Used three times a day for a teaspoon.

Infusion

An infusion of the hyssop plant (you can see a photo of the medicinal shrub here) has an exciting effect on the secretion of our digestive glands, in addition, it increases appetite and reduces the fermentation processes that occur in the intestines. It is used externally for diseases of the pharynx and oral cavity for rinsing, in addition, with conjunctivitis, they wash their eyes.

It has been proven that it helps to get rid of the herpes virus, therefore, hyssop is used externally during an exacerbation of this disease. 20 g of chopped and dry grass should be placed in a thermos, then pour a liter of hot water, leave for 25 minutes. The infusion is taken half a cup 3 times a day.

Syrup

Hyssop syrup is used as an expectorant. What it is? This is a remedy that is prepared from 100 g of raw materials per liter of boiling water. The resulting mixture is infused for half an hour. Then 1.5 kilograms of sugar are added to it, after which it is evaporated to the consistency of a viscous syrup. The remedy is used up to 5 times a day for a tablespoon.

Harm and contraindications

At long-term use hyssop can harm the body, so it is not recommended to use it for longer than 1 week without consulting a doctor. It is strictly forbidden to use hyssop in the treatment of:

Hyssop is the very herb that everyone should have in their first aid kit. According to some reports, hyssop decoction is much more effective at thinning sputum than many antitussive drugs. And its diuretic properties are even higher than those of the well-known Phytolysin. With a beginning cold or bronchitis, hyssop can be the most faithful and reliable means of salvation - the author of the article was convinced of this from her own experience.

Majestic hyssop is a plant that is always useful in the household. Hyssop, or blue St. John's wort, from the Lamiaceae family, grows in Asia, the Mediterranean, the Caucasus, and the Crimea. He loves the steppe terrain and rocky slopes. Growing hyssop has long been considered an important and sacred ritual. Each priest and shaman treated this plant with tenderness and care. It was believed that hyssop is the breath of the gods.

Hyssop is a pleasantly scented herb or shrub. Flowers - with a blue, white or pink tint. The plant blooms from July to September, until nut-like fruits appear on its branches.

In nature, there are up to 50 types of hyssop, but the main ones are: medicinal hyssop (common), Cretaceous hyssop, anise hyssop.

Hyssop is used in cooking as a seasoning, in perfumery, medicine, and even liquor is made from hyssop.

Important! If you are growing several varieties of hyssop, then you should give each bush space, as they can pollinate each other.

plant care

Planting and caring for hyssop is easy. The plant can withstand low temperatures and wind well. Hyssop needs careful care, subject to all the rules, it can grow in one place up to 5 years.

Landing dates

The timing for planting hyssop depends on the way the gardener wants to plant it:

Landing site selection

We will figure out where it is better to plant hyssop. The main condition for planting hyssop is that the soil should be light and fertile. It is best planted in a sunny area with moderate limestone content in the soil. In autumn, it is better to add manure to the soil, small dose potassium salt and superphosphate, while deeply digging the ground.

Make sure that the area where you will plant hyssop does not exceed the acidity of the soil.

Watering, fertilizing and weeding

In order for your hyssop to bloom beautifully and be useful, you should know a few rules for caring for it. You need to moisten the soil as needed, weed it regularly and, from time to time, feed it.

Spring is suitable for the first dressing, then it is necessary to fertilize after each pruning. The last top dressing of the season should be a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer a month before the first frost.

Important! For the winter, you should always carry out sanitary pruning of hyssop. It will grow and bloom more productively next year.

Every three years the plant needs to be divided and deepened, in this case, young plants will accelerate in growth and flowering.

Hyssop blooms all summer, and fruits ripen by the end of August. If you are growing a plant for drying, then you can remove it even during flowering. During the flowering period in the plant, the most high level concentration of essential oils. If you have old plants on the site, then they should be mowed before winter to a level of 5 cm from the ground.

Hyssop breeding

Hyssop is propagated by seeds, cuttings and dividing the bush. Now let's take a closer look at these types of reproduction of blue St. John's wort.

Hyssop reproduces well by seeds. In order to collect them, you need to cut off the inflorescences almost before the very moment of their ripening. Then spread out on thick paper so that they dry and ripen. Already ripened seeds easily spill out of the seed pods. To make it easier to separate the seeds from the boxes, the inflorescences need to be turned upside down and shaken over the paper. Growing hyssop using seeds is possible in two ways: seedling and reckless.

Interesting fact!If the seeds turn brown, then they already need to be collected.

For seedlings, special boxes with the right soil are prepared, and in March, hyssop seeds are sown in warm soil. Landing in open ground should be done in May. Hyssop seeds do not require stratification and germinate in about 2 weeks.

Interesting fact! The germination rate of hyssop seeds is 80%.

cuttings

most successful and effective method to preserve the variety - this is cuttings. To do this, choose the most magnificent and beautiful bush. Until mid-June (before flowering), you need to cut the cuttings up to 15 cm long and cut off the lower leaves. Then each cutting is dipped in a growth agent and, having planted the cuttings in a container with sand, cover each with a jar. Cuttings need to be watered very carefully, but it is better to spray. They should take root in about a month. Rooted cuttings are planted in a prepared nursery for wintering.

Important! The sooner you prepare the cuttings, the sooner you can plant them in the ground, and the plant will overwinter better.

By dividing the bush

Dividing a bush is the easiest way to propagate hyssop. Optimal time spring is considered for such reproduction. In autumn, you need to pour fertile soil at the root zone so that all Bottom part shoots were covered with a thick layer of earth. If there is no rain, then the ground under this hyssop bush should be watered regularly when it dries up. Later sprinkled shoots will give roots. In the spring, this bush should be divided into shoots and planted in a place of permanent residence, leaving a gap between each shoot of about 30 cm. When the plants grow, cut the shoots, then they will grow better.

The use of hyssop in various fields

Hyssop is a wonderful and useful plant. It can be called a pantry of useful properties.

Medicine

The medicinal properties of hyssop have been known since ancient times. He has always been held in high esteem not only in classical medicine, but also popular with shamans and traditional healers.

The essential oil of hyssop, extracted by the distillation method, is used to improve human health indicators. Very well, the beneficial properties of hyssop essential oil are manifested in sore throat, asthma. Great remedy for the treatment of rheumatism, which has both antiseptic and antispasmodic properties.

Hyssop oil has a beneficial effect on nervous system, it is recommended for depression, stress, nervous exhaustion. Great for helping with various allergic reactions. The healing properties of hyssop help those suffering from hypotension, increasing blood pressure to normal.

If you have bronchitis or a severe cold, recommend adding 20 drops of any vegetable oil to 10 drops of hyssop oil and rubbing to improve breathing and reduce symptoms.

If you are diagnosed with nervous diseases: nervous exhaustion, stress - then you need to take baths with hyssop (5-10 drops of oil in the bath) and stay in it for up to 7 minutes.

Oil perfectly copes with acne, wounds, eczema, bruises, warts and even bruises..

Aromatherapy and perfumery

The properties of hyssop essential oil have been valued since ancient times. Even the first Christian believers considered this oil sacred.

Hyssop oil is used in cosmetology for skin care. different types skin. It reduces and eliminates acne, irritation, inflammation. The main properties of hyssop essential oil are that it perfectly moisturizes and eliminates dryness of the skin, making it supple and soft.

Essential oil of yellow-green color, light, with pleasant aroma. Using it in aromatherapy, you can improve well-being, raise the tone and mood of a person, increase the level of endurance. In perfumery, hyssop oil is used as the 4th note of perfume compositions, enhancing the weaker oils in the composition.

Cooking

As a spice in hyssop, leaves and parts of branches that have not had time to stiffen are used. Its delicate and rich aroma, with a bitter-tart aftertaste, is perfect for preparing many dishes. However, in addition to improving palatability, it also enriches useful substances your food.

Hyssop officinalis (lat. Hyssópus officinalis) is a spicy shrub of the Lamiaceae family, no more than 50-70 cm high. In Hebrew, hyssop means "pleasant-smelling grass." Other names: blue St. John's wort, bee grass. The scientific name of hyssop comes from the Hebrew word "esob" - "sacred, fragrant herb." The root of the plant is taproot, woody, the stems are erect, tetrahedral, the flowers can be purple, pink or white.

It grows wild in Africa, Asia, hot regions of the Mediterranean. In Russia, this crop is quite often grown in gardens and orchards. Hyssop, whose medicinal properties and contraindications are described below, is used in medicine, cooking, perfumery, and ornamental gardening. He is also an excellent honey plant.

It is known that this plant has long been used to treat a variety of diseases. It is mentioned in ancient herbalists, Galen, Dioscorides and Hippocrates wrote about it. The Romans used hyssop officinalis as a spice, to add to food, they were treated for serious illnesses and used as an aphrodisiac.

Even in ancient times, the priests of Egypt used a medicinal plant for washing, as they knew about its bactericidal properties. In Asian countries, it was used in religious ceremonies and for purification. sacred places.

Hyssop - medicinal properties and contraindications

Beneficial features hyssop are due to its composition. The plant contains:

essential oil;
tannins;
resins;
diosmin;
hesperidin;
hyssopin.

In the young shoots of the plant, a high content ascorbic acid. Fresh leaves have a bactericidal effect.

In many European countries, the plant is widely used in traditional medicine. It is used to disinfect wounds and as a biostimulant.

From the leaves of the plant, an essential oil is obtained, which has not only medicinal, but also cosmetic properties. It is used not only in medicine, but also in perfumery.

Leaves and flowers are used to treat and prevent diseases of the upper respiratory tract, with neuroses and arthritis. Infusions and decoctions of herbs are used for compresses and treatment of diseases of the digestive system.

Contraindications:

Since the plant contains a high content of essential oils, it should not be used for treatment during pregnancy and lactation. It is undesirable to use hyssop-based products for children who have not reached two years of age.

Taking funds from hyssop is categorically contraindicated in: epilepsy, neuropathy, hypertension.

In case of overdose, there may be muscle spasms. It is not recommended to take with increased acidity; for diarrhea and indigestion medicinal products should be stopped immediately. Recommended course of treatment: no more than 30 days. In the case of a repeated course of treatment, you need to take a break for 2-3 weeks.

Collection and preparation

For harvesting, flowering shoots of the plant are used. The upper parts of the stem are cut off - they can be used to prepare decoctions and tinctures. For long-term storage, more tender parts of the shoots are used. The stems of the plant are tied into small bundles and hung to dry in a cool dry room.

It is very important that there is no dampness and direct sunlight. The bunches dried in this way are best stored in a clothes bag and used as needed.

Application methods

The plant has healing properties both fresh and dried: in folk medicine, flowering shoots are mainly used, in cosmetic purposes oil from the stems and leaves of hyssop is used. In cooking, the plant is used as a spice to improve the taste of prepared dishes.

In traditional and folk medicine

Hyssop officinalis belongs to rare group universal use. With rare exceptions, it is used for almost any ailment: for diseases of the respiratory and of cardio-vascular system, in the treatment of skin diseases, bruises and wounds. He is considered one of the most effective means in the treatment of women's diseases and diseases gastrointestinal tract.

In cosmetology

Essential oil, extracts and cosmetic water of the plant are used. Tonics and tinctures based on it help relieve puffiness and improve skin condition, relieve redness and help with acne. The essential oil is used for baths and relaxing massages. With fading and flaky skin, cosmetic masks with the addition of oil and fresh grass of the plant help.

In addition, hyssop oil is used for the manufacture of perfumes, perfumes and toilet water. AT agriculture The plant is used to repel pests. In cooking, not only fresh and dry shoots of the plant are used, but also natural hyssop honey. Due to its unique spicy aroma, the plant goes well with fish and meat products, it is added to confectionery and pickles.

The use of hyssop has a wide range of actions:

Psycho-emotional action

Regular use of plant-based products adapts to external annoying factors, increases the endurance of the body as a whole, increases psycho-emotional stability. Hyssop officinalis is often used as an antidepressant: taking preparations based on it allows you to eliminate confusion, apathy, and increases concentration. It is an excellent adaptogen and has a calming effect on the nervous system.

cosmetic action

Hyssop essential oil is used in hair care. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, helps with acne. The oil nourishes the skin well, returns a healthy glow and restores elasticity. It is used as a natural antiperspirant, oil compresses help to eliminate excessive sweating. Used to eliminate papillomas, calluses and warts. Clears the skin of redness, relieves swelling, has a rejuvenating effect.

Hair Care Recipe: The home remedy can be used to care for any type of hair. In 15 ml of any shampoo, add 2 drops of hyssop cosmetic oil, mix and apply to wet hair. Recommended course of treatment for weak and split ends: 30 days. This recipe will help get rid of dandruff, restore hair natural shine.

healing action

The action of the plant is not in vain called universal. It can be attributed to almost any group of drugs. Tinctures and decoctions of hyssop show antiseptic and hypertensive effects, are used as an antipyretic and expectorant. In folk medicine, it has become widespread as a diaphoretic and antispasmodic, it is used to treat female diseases, with male impotence, to improve potency and treat prostatitis.

Hyssop officinalis has beneficial effect on the circulatory system, tones digestive system. One of the few remedies used to treat herpes.

Use in traditional medicine

Thanks to its unique healing properties, the plant is well known in many European countries and is included in the official medical reference books:

In Bulgaria, hyssop is used for bronchitis, asthma, chronic gastritis, antiperspirant.
In India, not only plant shoots are used in medicinal purposes but also widely used in cooking.
Found in Germany wide application medical preparations based on hyssop for the treatment of female diseases, colds and viral diseases. Special attention given to the anti-tuberculosis property of the plant. Hyssop preparations are used for effective treatment and prevention of this serious illness.
Widespread in Austria alcohol solution used in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
In France, they prefer to use tinctures and decoctions of hyssop for the treatment of dental colds.
In Russia, traditional medicine does not use hyssop as a medicinal product. However, the oil from the plant can be purchased at a pharmacy. It is used for both cosmetic and medical purposes.

Traditional medicine recipes

Given all the medicinal properties and contraindications, hyssop can be used to prevent and treat many diseases at home. Despite this, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before using any remedy.

From skin diseases

Hyssop herb - 1 tbsp. l.
Chamomile flowers - 2 tbsp. l.
Field horsetail - 2 tbsp. l.
Water - 300 ml

cook herbal collection and boil with boiling water. Let it brew for 2 hours, then strain through several layers of gauze. Use for compresses with pustular lesions, dermatitis, weeping eczema.

against chronic colitis

Hyssop grass - 100 g
Dry white wine - 1 l

Grind the dry grass of the plant and pour it with an alcoholic drink. Infuse for 21 days in a cool, dry place. The resulting infusion take 3 tbsp. l. 3 times a day before meals.

For appetite

Hyssop grass - 3 tbsp. l.
Water (boiling water) - 750 ml

Pour hyssop with boiling water, cover and leave for an hour. Strain the finished infusion. Drink 1/2 cup 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals.

Compression for bruises

Hyssop grass (fresh) - 5-6 sprigs

To remove the hematoma and relieve swelling after a severe bruise, you need to take a few sprigs of fresh hyssop grass and grind them in a meat grinder or blender until you get a slurry. Apply a freshly prepared mixture to the affected areas in the form of a compress for 25-30 minutes 3 times a day.

Infusion for bruises

Hyssop grass (dry) - 1 tbsp. l.
Alcohol 70% - 10 tbsp. l.

Pour dry grass with alcohol and insist for a week in a dry, cool place. Use strained tincture for compresses from severe bruises and bruises.

Tuberculosis tincture

Hyssop grass (dry) - 100 g
Vodka - 1 l

Pour dry hyssop grass into a glass dish and pour vodka over it. Insist in a dark place for 7 days. Strained tincture take 1 tsp. before meals, dilute with water before use. The recommended course of treatment is 30 days, if necessary, repeat.

Oil for burns

Hyssop stems with flowers - 5 pcs.
Oil - 100 ml

AT glass jar fold the flowering stalks of hyssop and pour over with oil. Evaporate the oil mixture in a water bath for 8 hours. Strain the resulting oil and pour into a dark glass dish. Store butter in the refrigerator. Use as an ointment for burns.

constipation tincture

Water - 500 ml

Bring water to a boil and pour dried hyssop officinalis with it. Keep the tincture for 2-3 hours, strain and take 100 ml 4 times a day.

For eczema

Hyssop grass (dried) - 100 g
Water - 1 l

Pour boiling water over the dry grass of the plant and insist until it cools completely. Strained infusion pour into the bath. Accept therapeutic baths every day for 20-30 minutes. The recommended course is 3 weeks.

From a cold

Hyssop herb (dried) - 1 tbsp. l.
Anise (seeds) - 1 tbsp. l.
Fennel (seeds) - 1 tbsp. l.
Raisins - 3 tbsp. l.
Honey - 5 tbsp. l.
Figs - 3 pcs.
Water - 1 l

Grind the grass and seeds, cut the figs into pieces. Add raisins and mix well. Pour the mixture with water, heat to a boil and boil over low heat for 30-40 minutes. Strain the resulting broth several times through a piece of gauze or a fine strainer and mix with honey. Take herbal syrup for colds, 1 tsp. 5 times a day.

tea for colds

Hyssop herb - 2 tsp
Water - 1 glass

Pour medicinal hyssop with boiling water and leave for 15-20 minutes. Strain the herbal hour and drink it warm for colds and for the prevention of disease. Add sugar or honey to taste if desired.

With bronchial asthma

Dried hyssop - 5 tbsp. l.
Boiling water - 1 l

Steam the dried herb with boiling water and insist until it cools completely. Strain and heat before use. Drink hot infusion instead of tea half an hour before meals. The recommended course of treatment is 30 days.

With shortness of breath

Hyssop officinalis leaves - 1 cup
Honey - 1 cup

Powder dry hyssop leaves and mix with honey. Take the resulting syrup for 1 tsp. 3 times a day before meals with water.

With stomatitis

Hyssop stems - 3 tsp
Red wine (dry) - 5 tbsp. l.
Water - 500 ml

Boil chopped hyssop stalks in water in a water bath for 40 minutes, after which add a little wine to the broth. Strain the infusion and use to rinse the mouth.

When sweating

Chopped grass - 2 tsp
Water - 1 glass

Heat the water to a boil, pour the chopped hyssop grass and leave for an hour. You can use both dry and fresh stems of the plant. Strain the resulting infusion, pour into glassware and store in the refrigerator. Take 50 ml 3 times a day before meals. Recommended course of treatment: 15 days.

With oncology

Hyssop leaves (dry) - 1 tbsp. l.
Water - 1 glass

The leaves of the plant are finely chopped and brewed with boiling water. Put the infusion on water bath and boil for another 20 minutes. Allow the infusion to cool, then strain and pour into any glassware. Take the remedy 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals for a quarter cup. Recommended course: 14 days, after which you need to take a break of 7 days.

With jaundice

Hyssop leaves (fresh) - 2 tbsp. l.
Water - 1 l

Finely chop the fresh leaves of the plant and pour over hot water. Place the mixture over medium heat and bring to a boil. Infuse for 50 minutes, then strain. Drink 3 times a day 15 minutes before meals, 1/4 cup. The infusion prepared according to this recipe can be used to treat inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.

Tea for acute respiratory infections and colds

Hyssop fresh grass - 3 sprigs
Water - 1 l

grind fresh leaves and hyssop shoots and brew with hot water as a tea. Take warm, you can add honey or blackcurrant syrup. Drink 3 times a day.

Infusion with menopause

Hyssop dry leaves - 2 tsp.
Water - 200 ml

Dry leaves pour hot water and leave for 30 minutes. Strain the finished tincture and drink one glass every 6 hours. The infusion has a calming effect. Recommended course of admission: 21 days.

With pharyngitis and laryngitis

Hyssop officinalis (dry or fresh) - 1 tsp.
Sage - 1 tsp
Water - 1 glass

Bring the water to a boil and brew the herbal tea. Leave the infusion to cool completely, strain and take 1/2 cup 2 times a day. Recommended course of treatment: 1 week.

Disinfectant infusion

Hyssop dry grass - 4 tbsp. l.
Water - 1 l

Dried hyssop grind and pour boiling water. Infuse for 60 minutes, then strain and pour into a glass jar. Use the resulting infusion to disinfect wounds and rinse the mouth. The tool helps to relieve inflammation, disinfect wounds, and also get rid of bad breath. Can be used as a cosmetic cleanser.

With gingivitis

Hyssop stems with flowers - 8 tbsp. l.
Alcohol - 1 l

Put the stems of the plant in a glass container and pour alcohol or vodka. Infuse the alcohol mixture for 1 week in a dark, cool place. Strain and pour into a dark glass bowl before use. Store the tincture in the refrigerator. Use diluted only: 1 cup of tincture to 1 cup of warm water. Use to rinse inflammation of the oral cavity 3 times a day.

Diseases of the upper respiratory tract

Hyssop grass (dry) - 1 tsp
Water (boiling water) - 1 cup

Brew the herb with hot water and take it as a tea. At the first sign of infection, it can be used as a gargle. To do this, the infusion is kept for 2 hours, the field of which is filtered. Warm up before use room temperature.

To relieve fatigue

You can use homemade or prepared hyssop essential oil as a remedy for overwork. to relieve fatigue, just add a few drops of oil to a spray bottle and spray it indoors. If you add 5 drops to foot baths with warm water, after 20 minutes you will feel the rush. The oil is used to scent the room. To relieve fatigue after a working day and improve sleep, put a few drops of oil on gauze or cotton swab and put it under your pillow.

Oil extract

Hyssop dry flowers - 2 tbsp. l.
Olive oil - 2 cups

Place the hyssop flowers in a wide-mouthed vessel, dark glass is best. Pour flowers in a thin stream olive oil hungry squeeze. Other odorless vegetable oil can be used. Close the jar tightly and infuse for 15 days. Strain the oil mixture through cheesecloth or paper filter, pour into a dark bottle and store in the refrigerator.

Application: An oil extract can be used for various purposes. It can be used for soothing baths, rubbing for colds, and cooking cosmetic masks. With colds and sore throats, oil compresses on the throat area help well.

hyssop vinegar

In a dark glass jar, place 50 g of dried hyssop or a few fresh branches, pour a liter of any fruit vinegar. Insist for 14 days in a cool, dry place.

Application: Apply homemade vinegar for making fresh vegetable salads, can be added to marinades and pickles. Can be used for mouthwash inflammatory processes, for this in equal parts dilute with warm water.

For the treatment of cough in children

Despite the fact that when treating children with hyssop-based products, one should be very careful, it is quite effective if the recommended dosage is observed. by the most effective means for children is a decoction to treat dry cough and improve appetite.

For children 2-5 years old

Boil the flowers and leaves of the plant in equal parts with boiling water and infuse for 30 minutes. Strain the resulting infusion, then put in a water bath and cook for another 30 minutes. Cool the broth and add to warm tea 1 teaspoon of decoction.

For children 5-12 years old

Since hyssop officinalis contains a large number of vitamins, products based on this plant are useful to give to children in the treatment of coughs and for the prevention of colds.

A perennial semi-shrub plant hyssop, blooming in purple, blue, white, pink or blue flowers from June to October, few people know. But this unique ornamental plant has many healing properties. Hyssop or blue St. John's wort has a strong spicy aroma, and is an excellent honey plant.

An unpretentious, winter-hardy, drought-resistant shrub can be grown in almost any region of our country.

Features of hyssop, photos and varieties

Blue St. John's wort reaches a height of 50–70 cm and has many erect, tetrahedral shoots branching from below. Opposite small plant leaves dark green . Young shoots are green at first, turning brown over time.

The lip-flowered small flowers of hyssop are located on the upper part of the bush in the axils of the leaves. As a result, a long spike-shaped inflorescence is formed. The long decorative effect of the plant is preserved due to the fact that the flowering is stretched. Flowers do not open all at once, but gradually. To prolong the flowering of blue St. John's wort until the very frost, you can cut off faded inflorescences. In this case, the bush will branch out and form new buds.

After flowering, yellowing boxes with small, dark brown seed nuts are formed on the plant. Their germination persists for three to four years.

There are over forty-five types of hyssop. The most popular varieties:

Features of growing hyssop

For good growth, the plant is planted in sunny areas. In the shade, the shrub will not bloom. Hyssop releases tannins, so it is not recommended to place it next to vegetable crops.

Planting blue hypericum

The plant is undemanding to soils, however, acidic soil must be limed. It is recommended to dig up the land for planting hyssop in the fall. At the same time, the soil is cleared of weeds and fertilized:

rotted manure;
potassium salt;
superphosphate.

If it was not possible to prepare the soil in the fall, then in the spring one glass of wood ash should be poured for each square meter of land.

Care

Hyssop refers to winter-hardy, drought-resistant plants, so its cultivation will not be difficult. During the active growth of the plant, you must follow a few easy rules:

Hyssop growing in one place for more than five years is recommended to be rejuvenated by dividing the root system.

Hyssop breeding

The shrub propagates in three ways:

cuttings;
dividing the bush;
sowing seeds.

The division of the bush

This is the easiest way to reproduce. For this bushes dig up in spring and are separated. The resulting plots, when planted, are slightly deepened and well watered.

Experienced gardeners know an even simpler way to reproduce this hyssop.

In autumn, the lower part of all shoots of the bush is covered with fertile soil.
The plant is periodically watered.
In the spring, roots should grow on each shoot.
The bush itself can not be dug up, but simply separate the shoots and plant them half a meter apart.

cuttings

You can root cuttings from spring to late summer. The pieces must be 10 cm long, and land in a prepared earthen mixture consisting of sand and peat. You can also plant them in garden soil, but in this case, the cuttings will take root worse.

For faster rooting, cuttings can be covered with glass or plastic wrap. Landings need to be regularly moistened, and ensure that direct sunlight does not fall on them.

Growing hyssop from seeds

Shrub seeds are planted in open ground before winter, or sown to obtain seedlings in the spring.

Hyssop seeds are harvested during the browning period, shortly before they ripen. The inflorescences are cut and laid out for a while on paper. Over time they need to be hung upside down. Ripe seeds will begin to fall asleep.

When planting seeds for seedlings, sowing is done in March.

Seeds need to be mixed with sand, cover the container for seedlings with polyethylene or glass and put in a warm place.
When two true leaves appear, the senets dive into separate pots.
Around the end of May, when the soil is already warm, and the seedlings will have 5-6 true leaves, they can be planted in a permanent place in open ground.
The distance between young plants should be 25–35 cm.
Seedlings are buried no more than 5–10 cm. The growth point should be on the surface.

It takes about 50–60 days from sowing seeds for seedlings to planting young plants in open ground.

Blue St. John's wort can be planted with seeds immediately in open ground. To do this, the soil is dug up and fertilized. Then furrows are made in it, into which seeds mixed with sand are sown. From above, the crops are sprinkled with soil no more than 1 cm thick.

So that when watering a crust does not form on the soil, and it is not washed away, it is recommended to cover the crops from above with mulch. Seeds sown before winter cannot be mulched. Otherwise, you can provoke aging.

At a temperature of + 2C, the seeds will begin to hatch, and in about two weeks the first shoots will appear.

Application of hyssop

Even in ancient times, monks used shrubs to cleanse temples. Bunches of plants were hung throughout the room.

Hyssop was used to purify the air and expel lice. It was used in the manufacture of wines and added to liqueurs.

Currently, decoctions and infusions are prepared from the plant, which are used to treat:

bruises;
bruises;
eczema;
skin irritation;
herpes;
burns;
abscesses.

Lotions from decoctions can help bruises quickly resolve, and heal wounds.

For the treatment of colds and bronchitis, tea is brewed from hyssop:

Finely chop fresh herbs.
Two teaspoons pour 250 ml of cold water.
Bring to a boil and insist for five minutes.

You can the same amount, but dry grass, just brew a glass of boiling water, and let it brew for no more than 15 minutes. Apply 100 grams five times a day.

A hyssop compress is prepared from thirty grams of dry grass and five hundred milliliters of boiling water. Infused for fifteen minutes. A clean gauze or napkin soaked in the infusion is applied to the sores or chest.

The use of decoctions and infusions from hyssop is contraindicated:

pregnant and lactating mothers;
children under two years old;
patients with epilepsy;
hypertensive patients.

Blue hypericum in cooking

A wonderful spicy seasoning that stimulates the appetite is the hyssop plant. As a seasoning, the tops of young shoots are used during the blooming of the first flowers. You need to cut them with leaves of inflorescences and buds.

Dried and fresh fragrant greens of the plant can be used to add flavor to bean, meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. Spicy flavor will give hyssop to melted cheese or cottage cheese. The greens can be used to make alcoholic beverages and flavor vinegar.

The plant is very useful for digestion. It has a mild laxative effect and promotes the breakdown of dietary fats.

In the garden, hyssop can be grown in a single or group planting. It will look good along the paths, in rockeries among the stones or in a flower bed among herbs. In addition, an unpretentious shrub in cultivation Can be used for cooking and medicinal purposes. The plant can be an excellent reason to take up beekeeping, since this very strong honey plant is literally stuck to the bees.