Hyssop has been used since ancient times as a medicinal plant that can cure a huge number of diseases. And today it is actively used in traditional medicine. Today we’ll talk about a plant such as hyssop - what it is, what has an effect on the body, what properties it has. And also, in what form it is better to take it for certain diseases, what contraindications it has.
Plant description
Hyssop, whose beneficial properties and contraindications will be described in detail in this article, grows in Asia, central Russia, the Mediterranean, in the south of Siberia, in the Caucasus. He prefers shallow dry hills, rocky slopes, as well as steppe terrain.
Hyssop is a perennial fragrant plant, having the appearance of a shrub with oblong or linear leaves. The flowers are irregularly shaped, they are white, blue or pink. They are collected in the apical spike-shaped inflorescence.
Varieties
Hyssop (what it is, we are now considering) is a perennial plant that has about 50 species. It is used in cooking as aromatic seasoning, in folk medicine, as well as in decorative art.
Collection
The medicinal raw material of the hyssop plant, the photo of which is presented in this article, is its aerial part, or more precisely, the leafy shoots collected at the beginning of flowering. For example, the tops of the stems, the length of which should not be more than 20 cm, are carefully cut, connected in small bundles and dried in a ventilated room or under a canopy. Subsequently, the dried raw materials are crushed, and then stored in a glass jar, cardboard bags or clothes bags.
A faithfully dried plant has a bitter taste and pungent odor.
Chemical composition
Hyssop, the beneficial properties of which will be described in detail below, contains oleanolic and ursolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, bitterness, tannins.
Beneficial features
Hyssop shrub useful properties has extensive. It is used as an expectorant, laxative, wound healing and anthelmintic.
The preparations of this plant have an antiseptic as well as antimicrobial effect.
Hyssop due to its antispasmodic properties soothes pain in the stomach. Means based on a shrub increase blood pressure, and also act against various types of fungus.
What treats hyssop?
Hyssop in traditional medicine is used in the treatment of conditions and diseases such as:
- bronchial asthma;
- catarrh of the upper respiratory tract;
- Chronical bronchitis;
- cough;
- diseases of the mouth;
- chest pain;
- angina pectoris;
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- neurosis;
- impaired digestion;
- gastrointestinal tract diseases ;
- angina;
- rheumatism;
- urinary tract inflammation;
- conjunctivitis;
- wounds;
- worms;
- bruises;
- sores;
- burns;
- stomatitis;
- menopause;
- profuse sweating;
- inflammation of the eyes;
- flatulence;
- constipation;
- chronic colitis;
- eczema;
- anemia;
- joint diseases;
- laryngitis;
- pharyngitis;
- tracheitis;
- hematomas;
- hoarseness of voice;
- boils;
- dermatitis;
- herpes;
- arthritis;
- hemorrhoids;
- gout;
- dropsy;
- memory loss;
- spleen diseases;
- night blindness ;
- gynecological diseases;
- pleurisy.
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 inflammation is removed in the oral cavity. Preparations from these parts of this medicinal shrub are indicated for various gastrointestinal problems.
Seeds
Hyssop seeds are not used for medicinal purposes.
Grass
The leaves and stems of the hyssop plant were used in the treatment of the diseases described above, inside and out.
Decoction
A decoction of hyssop flowers and leaves is indicated in the treatment of diseases such as:
- Chronical bronchitis;
- catarrh of the respiratory tract;
- bronchial asthma;
- angina.
In addition, the decoction eliminates inflammation of the urinary tract. It is prepared as follows: 100 g of stems and flowers of a plant are poured with a liter of hot water and boiled for 5 minutes. Half a glass of sugar is added here, then a decoction of 100 ml is consumed per day.
Tincture
For flatulence and chronic colitis , drugs from a plant such as hyssop are used. What is this, we already know. Tincture is used externally as compresses accelerating wound healing.
For its preparation, 100 g of grass plants need to fill in a liter of white dry wine. Then the tincture is removed for 3 weeks in a cool and dark place, while the product must be shaken regularly. Before use, tincture is filtered. It is used three times a day for a teaspoon.
Infusion
Hyssop infusion (photo of a healing shrub you can see here) has an exciting effect on the secretion of our digestive glands, in addition, it increases appetite and reduces fermentation processes in the intestines. It is used externally for diseases of the pharynx and oral cavity for rinsing, in addition, with conjunctivitis, their eyes are washed. It is proved that it helps to get rid of the herpes virus, therefore, hyssop is used externally for exacerbation of this disease.
20 g of crushed 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 plant syrup is used as an expectorant.
What it is? This tool, which is prepared from 100 g of raw materials per liter of boiling water. The resulting mixture is insisted for half an hour. Then, 1.5 kilograms of sugar is added to it, after which it is evaporated to the consistency of a viscous syrup. The product is used up to 5 times a day for a tablespoon.
Essential oil
To obtain hyssop essential oil, the flowering tops of the plant shoots are processed by steam distillation. The finished oil has a green-yellow color, a sweet tart aroma and fluidity.
Cooking Application
For the prevention of various colds, strengthening immunity, as well as raising vitality and giving the dishes a spicy aroma and taste, hyssop has also found use.
In cooking, fresh tops of twigs and plant leaves are used. They are added to soups, minced meat, sausages, pastes. In addition, hyssop goes well with various dishes prepared from cottage cheese, dill and parsley, fennel and celery, mint, basil and marjoram, but it is advisable to add this seasoning carefully to the vegetable side dishes so that the dishes do not give a bitter taste.
The plant will improve the taste of various dishes, which include peas and beans. It is used for pickling cucumbers, tomatoes and olives. In the East, hyssop is used in the manufacture of beverages.
It is necessary to observe the norms of bookmarking this spice for one portion of the product. For example, in the first dishes you need to add up to 0.5 g of herbs, while in the second dishes - about 0.3 g, for sauces, the norm is 0.2 g of a dry plant.
After adding it, you can’t cover the dishes, otherwise you can spoil the aroma of food.
Contraindications
Hyssop also has contraindications. It belongs to potent plants, therefore, its use must be approached with extreme caution. First, a visit to a specialist is recommended, which will help you choose the right dosage. It should be borne in mind that prolonged intake of hyssop without interruptions is undesirable.
In large doses, the plant is able to provoke spasms, therefore, it is contraindicated in people with epilepsy. The use of this spice with extreme caution should be taken for people who suffer from hypertension, high acidity of the stomach, and kidney disease.
With care for the use of this plant, it is necessary to approach pregnant and lactating girls, and only after consulting with your doctor.
In general, follow the doctor's instructions and stay healthy!