Content
Hyssop officinalis is a useful plant widely used in folk medicine. Before using the herb, you should familiarize yourself with the effects on the body and the possible harm.
What does hyssop look like and what kind of plant is it?
Hyssop (Hyssopus) is a plant of the Lamiaceae family. It has branched tetrahedral stems, slightly pubescent at the base and hollow from the inside. The leaves of the plant are dark green, oblong or linear, up to 9 cm in length. When crushed, they emit a pleasant aroma; the taste of the greens is bitter-spicy.
Hyssop reaches 60 cm above the ground
In June, hyssop blooms with small blue, pink, white or purple buds, collected in spike-shaped apical inflorescences in the axils of the leaves. The decorative period lasts until September.The fruits of the plant are composed of four dark brown nuts that disintegrate when ripe, with seeds inside.
Where does hyssop grow?
You can find blue St. John's wort in the Mediterranean and Asia, the Caucasus, Western Siberia and central Russia. The culture grows on rocky soils and steppes; it loves open, dry areas. It is not found on swampy ground because it does not tolerate waterlogging.
Chemical composition of hyssop
Photos, beneficial properties of hyssop and contraindications arouse interest due to the rich composition of the plant. The grass contains:
- riboflavin and pyridoxine;
- vitamin K;
- ascorbic acid;
- vitamin A;
- selenium, calcium and fluorine;
- vitamin D;
- tungsten, flint and boron;
- thiamine;
- manganese and copper;
- potassium and chlorine;
- iron;
- vitamin PP;
- tocopherol;
- essential oils and flavonoids;
- triterpene glycosides;
- vegetable resins and gums;
- tannins and bitterness.
The energy value of medicinal blue St. John's wort is about 21 calories per 100 g. Proteins account for 3.9 g in the plant, and carbohydrates and fats account for 0.2 g and 0.6 g each.
What are the benefits of hyssop?
The benefits of hyssop for the human body extend to many systems. When used correctly, the herb:
- has an expectorant effect and improves cough and bronchitis;
- relieves pain due to antispasmodic properties;
- has antimicrobial and antiseptic effects;
- improves the condition during menopause in women, reduces the frequency of hot flashes;
- strengthens the immune system and accelerates the body's recovery processes;
- eliminates anemia and increases blood clotting;
- helps with dysbiosis;
- normalizes intestinal activity and prevents constipation;
- cleanses the body of waste and toxins;
- prevents the spread of free radicals and protects against cancer;
- has a diuretic and biliary effect, eliminates swelling;
- helps with migraines and normalizes blood pressure;
- strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
- prevents the development of heart diseases;
- has a beneficial effect on the condition of the oral cavity and freshens breath.
You can use medicinal hyssop to cleanse the skin and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands. The plant promotes wound healing and accelerates the resorption of hematomas, prevents the formation of scars. Products based on medicinal blue St. John's wort help get rid of dandruff.
Harm of hyssop and contraindications
The health benefits of hyssop herb are not always the same. It is necessary to stop using plant-based drugs:
- for individual allergies;
- with renal and liver failure;
- with intestinal colitis;
- for pancreatitis and peptic ulcer;
- with exacerbation of gastritis with high acidity;
- for epilepsy;
- with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
It is not recommended to treat with hyssop while taking immunostimulants and drugs to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
If used incorrectly or if you are allergic, hyssop causes side effects such as itching, irritation and digestive upset.
Is hyssop okay for children?
It is not recommended to offer products based on medicinal hyssop to children under 12 years of age. The plant contains active substances that can have a negative effect on the developing organism.Teenagers are allowed to give grass in small quantities for inflammatory processes and colds.
Hyssop during pregnancy
Glycosides, essential oils and tannins in the composition of medicinal hyssop can cause harm to a woman’s body during pregnancy. In addition, the active components penetrate the placental barrier and have a negative effect on the fetus. Therefore, during the period of bearing a child, the plant, which is generally useful, should be abandoned.
Doctors also do not recommend drinking hyssop for medicinal purposes while breastfeeding. The herb can not only lead to the development of allergies in infants, but also changes the taste of breast milk - it becomes bitter.
How to use hyssop
The valuable properties of medicinal herbs are used in several areas. The plant is used for treatment, skin care, and to improve the taste of dishes.
The use of hyssop in folk medicine
The properties of the hyssop plant are actively used in traditional medicine. Based on the herb, decoctions and infusions are prepared with a pronounced strengthening and healing effect.
When coughing
The anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties of the medicinal herb have a beneficial effect on coughs. The following remedy is prepared at home:
- Grind the dry medicinal herb in a volume of 100 g.
- Pour 1 liter of boiling water and leave for half an hour under the lid.
- Strain from the sediment.
- Add 1.5 kg of sugar to the infusion.
- Boil over low heat until syrupy.
- Remove from the stove and cool.
- Stir 15 g of honey in warm syrup.
It is recommended to use medicinal hyssop for cough, 15 ml up to five times a day. The product thins mucus well, relieves inflammation and eliminates sore throat.
For bronchitis
Hyssop for bronchitis improves expectoration and promotes rapid recovery. The remedy is prepared according to the following scheme:
- Brew 10 g of dry raw materials with a glass of boiling water.
- Keep covered for half an hour.
- Filter through folded gauze.
You need to take the infusion three times a day, 150 ml.
The infusion of medicinal hyssop cannot be stored for long - a fresh portion is prepared immediately before use.
For asthma
It is allowed to use medicinal hyssop for asthma, as it relieves bronchospasms and makes breathing easier. The remedy is prepared as follows:
- Pour 10 g of dry grass into a thermos.
- Pour 250 ml of boiling water over the raw material.
- Leave covered for three hours.
- After the period has passed, filter.
You need to drink the infusion half a glass three times a day. Hyssop for bronchial asthma reduces the frequency of attacks and significantly improves the general condition.
For chronic fatigue
The medicinal herb replenishes energy reserves and eliminates the feeling of constant fatigue and weakness. Traditional medicine suggests brewing tea from hyssop. The recipe looks like this:
- 5 g of dry raw materials are poured into a glass container.
- Pour 400 ml of fresh boiling water over the plant.
- Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
- Cool until warm and strain.
You need to take the medicine 250 ml three times a day on an empty stomach. The drug not only restores strength, but also improves appetite, and also accelerates metabolic processes in the body.
During menopause
The medicinal properties of hyssop for women and its contraindications are of interest during severe menopause. The herb helps improve mood and get rid of irritability, normalizes sleep and reduces anxiety. With the use of blue St. John's wort, hot flashes occur less frequently, and headaches also go away.
A herbal remedy for menopause is done as follows:
- Brew 5 g of dry raw material with a glass of hot water.
- Leave covered until cool.
- Filter from sediment.
The resulting tea is taken three times a day, 120 ml, half an hour before meals. Before drinking, the drink must be warmed to a warm state.
For menopause, the medicinal blue St. John's wort is used in two-week courses at monthly intervals.
Use of hyssop herb in cooking
The benefits and harms of hyssop are of interest not only in folk medicine, but also in cooking. The dried herb has a spicy taste and aroma, so it is often used as a seasoning.
Cheese sauce with hyssop herb
Dried blue St. John's wort adds a spicy aroma and unusual taste to traditional cheese sauce. To prepare the dressing you need the following ingredients:
- cream cheese - 100 g;
- olive oil - 15 ml;
- hyssop - to taste.
The step-by-step scheme for creating the sauce is as follows:
- The cheese is melted over low heat and the viscous mass is poured into a ceramic bowl.
- Add olive oil.
- Sprinkle dried blue St. John's wort on top of the sauce.
- Serve the dressing to the table without mixing the layers.
The sauce not only improves the taste of dishes, but also has a positive effect on digestion.
Cheese sauce with blue St. John's wort goes well with vegetables and croutons
Salad with hyssop
Dried herbs are often added to light low-calorie salads to improve taste and aroma. One of the recipes suggests using the following products:
- watermelon - 400 g;
- leek - 120 g;
- cream cheese - 200 g;
- cream - 200 g;
- chili pepper - 10 g;
- apple cider vinegar - 1 tsp;
- greens - to taste;
- salt - to taste;
- black pepper - to taste;
- hyssop - to taste.
The cooking diagram looks like this:
- Watermelon pulp without seeds is chopped into medium-sized cubes and mixed with finely chopped pepper.
- Add leeks, sliced into thin slices, and herbs to taste to the ingredients.
- Pour apple cider vinegar over the ingredients and let it brew slightly.
- Beat cream and soft cheese in a blender.
- The resulting mass is salted and pepper to taste.
- Place the salad on a plate and place cream and cheese on top.
- Sprinkle the dish with dried blue St. John's wort.
Salad stimulates digestion well and helps remove toxins from the intestines.
Watermelon salad with hyssop is especially useful if you are prone to swelling
Hyssop in cosmetology
Hyssop helps against acne, pimples and skin inflammation. The herb is often used in home cosmetology. Plant extracts can also be found in creams, shampoos, lotions and soaps.
At home, medicinal herbs are added to cleansing and tightening masks. Blue St. John's wort helps get rid of the first small wrinkles, evens out the complexion and makes spider veins less noticeable.
Decoctions and infusions of the herb are used to wash pimples and acne. The medicinal plant cleanses pores, normalizes the production of subcutaneous fat and fights inflammation.
How to collect and dry hyssop
It is recommended to collect blue St. John's wort for medicinal and culinary purposes at the height of flowering. The grass is cut with a sharp tool and washed to remove dust, and then laid out in the shade under a canopy to dry. You can also tie the stems into bunches and hang them from the ceiling in a warm room.
After the moisture has completely evaporated, the plant is crushed and placed in paper bags. Medicinal blue St. John's wort must be stored in a dark place at a temperature of no more than 25 °C. It is advisable to keep the herb away from aromatic spices and seasonings so that the smells do not mix.
Blue St. John's wort retains medicinal properties for two years
Conclusion
Hyssop officinalis is an aromatic plant with numerous beneficial properties. Medicinal decoctions and infusions are prepared based on the herb, and blue St. John's wort is also added to food as a seasoning.
Reviews on the use of medicinal hyssop
