Korean Mint (hyssop)-மிண்ட் குடும்பம்
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Hyssop Oil: The Sacred Her
Hyssopus officinalis or hyssop is a shrub in the Lamiaceae or mint family native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region surrounding the Caspian Sea. Due to its purported properties as an antiseptic, cough reliever, and expectorant, it has been used in traditional herbal medicine.
Who doesn't want to be minty fresh? Most of the various types of "mint" or mentha – spearmint, Korean mint, applemint, regular old mint – offer reported health benefits and medicinal properties. (Avoid pennyroyal, as it's poisonous.) Mint is famous for soothing headaches, fighting nausea, calming the stomach and reducing nervousness and fatigue. Korean mint, also called Indian mint and hyssop, is a fairly effective antiviral, making it useful for fighting colds and the flu. Whatever continent you're on, some type of mint is usually to be found. Eat whole, garnish food or make tea to get the all purpose health benefits.The perennial plant hyssop is native to the Mediterranean region and is considered a holy plant. During the time of the Romans, this herb was used against the plague, as a disinfectant and for treatment of minor infections. In some parts of the world, it had a spiritual function, and was believed to purify and “forgive sins.”1 Christianity held hyssop in high regard– the herb was cited as a symbol of baptism and reconciliation.2 In other religions, it is associated with purification.
The plant grows up to 60 centimeters or 2 feet high, and has a “hairy” stem with small pointy leaves and blue, purple, or white flowers.3 Today, hyssop is cultivated for its essential oils in various parts of France. It is deemed one of the strongest antiviral essential oils out there because it contains nearly every type of chemical compound found in essential oils. However, the oil is still mild and gentle.
Uses of Hyssop Oil
Hyssop oil is currently used in aromatherapy to treat problems linked to the respiratory and digestive systems. It can also be used to bring relief to arthritic pain, sores, bruises, toothaches, and ear pain. It also contributes to the regulation of blood pressure and acts as a calming substance for anxiety and hysteria.4Other uses of hyssop oil are:5
- Antispasmodic – Hyssop oil is used to help stop spasms in the respiratory system, nervous system, muscles, and intestines.
- Antiseptic – When applied on wounds, it can prevent them infection. The essential oil can also help wounds, cuts, and bruises heal faster.
- Massage and bath oils – When used as either one, hyssop oil helps relieve pain and fatigue. It can also be used to address menstrual pain.
- Febrifuge – This herbal oil is often used to lower body temperature and fever.
- Cicatrisant – It is often used on skin problems, such as insect bites, rashes, boils, and even pox. It may even be used on scars to make them disappear quicker.
- Stimulant – Oil of hyssop helps stimulate several systems in your body. For instance, it helps stimulate your digestive system to ensure better metabolism and nutrient absorption. It is also used to stimulate the nervous, endocrine, circulatory, and excretory systems
Apart from being an effective antimicrobial agent, hyssop essential oil is found to provide benefit in the following health conditions:13
- Aging-related skin problems, such as sagging and wrinkles
- Muscle spasms and cramps, and acute abdominal pain
- Arthritis, rheumatism, gout, and inflammation
- Loss of appetite, stomachaches, flatulence, and indigestion
- Fevers
- Hypotension or low blood pressure
- Irregular menstrual cycles and menopause
- Respiratory problems, such as colds, cough, and flu
Both the flowers and leaves are edible, and if you can score fresh hyssop at a garden or farmers market, you can use them like other fresh delicate herbs in salads, pastas, and summer soups. The flowers can be used for garnishes. But you're more likely to find hyssop in dried form.Dried hyssop has one inconvenience: Its slender leaves, when dried, turn into brittle needles, unpleasant to eat. They do rehydrate, but with the texture of tea leaves. You can grind them in a spice grinder to a powder, but the easiest solution is infusion. A short bath in a tea ball or spice bag and their flavor will leach into whatever you're cooking. The infusion shouldn't be long, lest the herb's bitterness overwhelm its fragrance.
How Does Hyssop Oil Work?
The essential oil of the hyssop plant can be used in several ways. It can be applied topically on your skin or inhaled through a diffuser or vaporizer. Below are some ways to enjoy the benefits of this essential oil:
- Relieve fatigue, stress, and even any type of body pain – Add 2 drops of hyssop oil to your bath water, preferably warm. Taking a bath in hyssop oil infused water may also contribute to a peaceful night’s rest.
- Address menstrual discomfort or menopausal symptoms – Mix 3 drops of hyssop oil with a carrier oil and use the mixture as a massage oil on your abdomen.
- Reduce pain as massage oil – Similar to the previous suggestion, use 3 drops of this oil blended with a carrier oil and massage on painful muscles. Rubbing the mixture on your stomach may also relieve gastrointestinal discomfort caused by indigestion and gas.
- Lower fever – Massaging 2 drops of this herbal oil with one milliliter of coconut oil on the soles of your feet may help reduce fever.
- Clear clogged respiratory tracts – When inhaled, hyssop oil can ease nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, colds, and cough. Use 2 drops in steam inhalation. You may also apply 2 drops of hyssop oil mixed with vapor rub onto your chest to induce the oil’s expectorant effect.
- Help heal and prevent scars – Add 2 drops of hyssop oil to your lotion or cream and apply topically.
- Thanks to Mercola.com.
