Hyssopus officinalis, also known as hyssop, is a plant that belongs to the Labiate family. From hyssop an essential oil with balsamic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and tonic properties is obtained, able to treat problems of the airways but also to improve the digestive processes, to protect the skin, to balance blood pressure and the mood. However, this essential oil is contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, in small children or if you suffer from epilepsy and convulsions. Let’s see the main applications.
Problems of the respiratory tract
Thanks to the expectorant and anti-inflammatory action you can use the hyssop essential oil in case of bronchitis, cough, asthma, sinusitis, pharyngitis and flu. You can prepare steam inhalation by heating a pot full of water, remove then from the heat and add 4-5 drops of essential oil. Cover the head with a towel and breathe the aroma. In alternative you can mix 5-6 drops of essential oil and a tablespoon of a plant-based oil, such as sweet almond oil or wheat germ oil, massage this lotion on the chest with slow and circular movements until it is absorbed.
Digestive problems
In case of lack of appetite or poor digestion you can take, three times a day, a drop of hyssop essential oil in a teaspoon of honey, let it dissolve in your mouth. This remedy helps also to regulate the blood pressure, by lowering if high or by increasing if too low.
Cold sores
Mix a teaspoon of honey, a drop of hyssop and, in order to make this lotion more powerful, also two drops of tea tree essential oil. Apply on the lip and let it act.
Stress, depression, tiredness
Hyssop essential oil can be helpful to tone the mood, to counteract stress, mental tiredness and poor concentration. You can add 10 drops of essential oil to the water of your bath, stay in the water for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can diffuse the essential oil by using an oil burner, a drop each square meter.