Hyssop has been used for cleansing ritual and as medicine since biblical times. Today, it is known that the volatile oil and other ingredients that are contained in the leaves and green stems indeed have antibacterial, antiviral and other beneficial properties.
The infusion or decoction is being used to bring relief for the symptoms of lung and upper respiratory problems like the common cold, bronchitis, catarrh, and asthma, as it is antispasmodic, sweat-inducing and an expectorant (helps with the coughing up of mucus).
It can also bring relief in these conditions by preparing a poultice that is placed directly on the chest or through applying of Hyssop-oil containing ointment.
As a peripheral vasodilator, it is also diaphoretic (induces sweating) and has anti-inflammatory properties. The latter effect is used to naturally treat infections of the upper respiratory tract by inhaling vapors from hyssop decoctions.
The herb’s sweat-inducing properties may relieve the symptoms in patients with fever.
Poultices can help in the treatment of conjunctivitis and as a natural remedy for bruises, insect bites, and muscle pain.
Hot decoction vapors are also used as a natural remedy for tinnitus. Prepared as an infusion, hyssop can be used as natural treatment for colic, abdominal cramps, as a stimulant, to eliminate flatulence and to help with upset stomach.
Since hyssop works as a diuretic (increase the urine output) it can help flush out excess sodium from the body and therefore lower the blood pressure.
Less known uses of the infusion or the decoction made from hyssop are the stimulation of menstruation and relief of premenstrual syndrome symptoms, and the treatment of helminthic infections (infections with round- and tapeworms).
It can also have a calming effect on patients who suffer from anxiety and nervousness.
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