Hyssop Oil

Oil properties

Hyssop oil has a sweet, warm smell and ranges in color from colorless to pale yellowy-green. Hyssop oil is extracted from the leaves and the flowering tops by steam distillation.

Chemical composition

The main chemical components of hyssop oil are a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, limonene, pinocamphone, isopinocamphene, y-terpineol, 1,8-cineole and thujone.

Precautions

Hyssop oil is non-irritant and non-sensitizing, but does contain pinocamphone and should therefore be used in moderation and should be avoided during pregnancy and by people suffering from epilepsy.

Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of hyssop oil are anti-rheumatic, astringent, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cicatrisant, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hypertensive, nervine, sudorific, stimulant, tonic, vermifuge and vulnerary. Hyssop oil gives a feeling of alertness and helps with anxiety and fatigue and is therefore useful during convalescence as a tonic. It is also effective in cases of respiratory problems and viral infections, such as colds, coughs, sore throats, influenza, bronchitis, asthma, catarrh and tonsillitis.

It helps with colic, flatulence and indigestion, while it helps to regulate circulation and is helpful when used to raise low blood pressure. During monthly periods, where water retention can be a problem, hyssop oil helps to balance this. In general, this oil benefits the menstrual cycle and helps with amenorrhea and leucorrhoea. It has good healing properties and helps with bruises as well.