Hyssop (Anethum graveolens) is an old, native plant from India. It grows abundantly in the eastern Himalayan regions. The root of hyssop has been identified as a potential source of numerous health benefits, especially for treating several ailments of the intestinal tract, throat, skin, kidneys, breasts, pancreas, lungs, gallbladder, kidney, bladder, stomach, gall bladder, hemorrhoids, and nervous system. The medicinal properties of hyssop are primarily known for the treatment of bleeding disorders and inflammation.
The main components found in hyssop are geranium stanifera and annularia. Hyssop has antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, astringent, decongestant, sedative, tonic and vasoconstrictor properties. Most of the essential oils of hyssop are present in small amounts in the essential part of the plant, whereas a few are found in larger quantities in other parts of the plant. The main parts which grow on the underground stems are used to manufacture medicine.
Hyssop may be taken as tea, as capsules, as dry extracts, as syrup, as lozenges, as cough drops, as lozenges for inhalation, as tinctures, as teas, as chewing gums, as poultices and for topical application. Generally, the quantity of each ingredient used in different forms of hyssop may vary; thus, it is advisable to consult a physician before using any form of this tea, especially if you are suffering from any severe health condition. Hyssop may be recommended for babies and young children in order to prevent them from tooth decay; however, this treatment should only be done when the child has fully developed teeth. Hyssop may also be used to treat some types of toothaches: konjacinsum (tears of the stomach), umbilical colic, metisciitis, abscesses, herpes, oral thrushes, licellitis, fungal infections, acne vulgaris, candida (yeast infection), jock itch, shingles, chicken pox, rashes, dysentery, dyspepsia, anemia, beriberi (decoction of barley), hepatitis, tuberculosis, jaundice, scurvy, leukaemia, skin diseases, rashes, boils, have vomiting, birth defects, liver disease, kidney disease and nervous system problems. If hyssop does not relieve any of these conditions or symptoms, it is best that you consult a physician and not use this tea.
The main reason why hyssop became popular in Egypt is that its aroma is great enough to improve brain functions and make the person feel refreshed. However, in countries like Japan, China and Korea, hyssop became popularized because the plant was used as a medicinal plant as well as in brewing alcoholic drinks. Although most of these products were not processed using hyssop, they were still called “hyssop” due to its characteristic taste and scent. It was also mixed with vine and palm leaves to produce myrrh, which is known as the best natural preservative.
When mixed with myrrh, hyssop was used to clean linen, which was hung to dry. Other essential oils from hyssop are bitter orange, sweet marjoram, orange blossom, raspberry, lemon, basil, clove, Mandarin, nutmeg, tangerine, vanilla, and patchouli. To get maximum benefits from all these essential oils, one should keep the mixture on open shelf for at least six days. People from all parts of the world have been using this herbal medicine to maintain good health since ancient times.
Hyssop root is available in Indonesia, Mexico, Thailand and Cambodia. In Indonesia, hyssop called “Moringa urens” is widely used as a tonic for fever, cough and sore throat. Asian countries like China, India, Korea and Japan also use this herb as an antiseptic and digestive tonic. Asian people have been drinking hyssop-flavored tea for at least four thousand years.