An expectorant to clear phlegm, a feel good oil that is a detox for your body
The Origins Of Hyssop Essential Oil
Lovely purple flowers which can be found on these two feet growing plants. Very popular with insects and bees. The plant has hairy, woody stems with slender green leaves.
Extraction
The essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering tops and leaves.
INCI
Hyssopus officianalis
Aromatherapy Uses
Hyssop essential oil is used by aromatherapists as a "feel good" essential oil that can help with both body, digestion, respiratory and skin conditions.
When performing a massage, Hyssop can be burned in the room to help detox the body, whilst when contained in the massage oil it can help increase urination and encourage healthy circulation to promote toxin removal.
Skin Uses
Hyssop can be useful for blemished and scarred skin. Mix with oils such as Rosehip and Jojoba and apply directly to the scar twice a day.
Use as a natural acne treatment by blending Hyssop into a cleanser.
The natural astringent properties of Hyssop make it useful in antiageing skincare products.
Hair Uses
Use Hyssop within a hair rinse to promote a healthy scalp that can aid healthy hair. The natural antibacterial properties helping to keep the scalp healthy and bacteria free.
Therapeutic Properties
Hyssop is known as an expectorant which helps to loosen phlegm that is trapped in the lungs. It is traditionally used as part of a herbal flu / cold treatment.
Use within the home by burning where the antimicrobal and expectorant properties can be found.
Hyssop Blends well with
Basil Essential Oil blends well with most other herb based essential oils and also with lavender, geranium, bergamot, lime, lemon, frankincense and pine.
Precautions
As with all essential oils we recommend not using during pregnancy, however with Hyssop, there is no value judgement... simply do not use it in pregnancy. Hyssop is a very potent oil and people suffering from high blood pressure or epilepsy should avoid.
Understanding Oil Extraction Methods
What is Steam Distillation?
Steam Distillation is the most popular method of distillation of Essential oil. High pressure hot steam is passed through the plant material. The volatile compounds of the plant material are transferred to the steam and pass through a coil where they are cooled.
On cooling, the oil being lighter than water will separate from the water where it is possible to syphon off.
The remaining water becomes the floral water / hydrolat of the plant material.
What is Expression?
This is just like the process of peeling a citrus fruit. Effectively it is the cold processing of the fruit to extract the essential oil.
Primarily this technique is used on Citrus Essential Oils where the heat of steam would destroy the scent and properties.
Mechanical pressure is applied to the fruit and the resulting oil is the essential oi.
What is an Absolute?
Absolutes require solvent extraction in order to extract them.
Some plants are very difficult to extract the essential oil, either to produce a quality product or to obtain a yield which is economical. Examples of oils which are normally obtained by Solvent extraction are Vanilla, Jasmine and Rose.
Normally Organic ethanol is used to steep the flowers and then evaporated to leave just the concentrated absolute of the plant.
Important Information
Naturallythinking Essential oils are for external use only. We do not sell aromatherapy oils / products for internal use. The information contained on these pages is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Aromatherapy should not be used by those who are pregnant or under the supervision of a medical practitioner / doctor without consultation with the medical practitioner / doctor. If you have a medical condition or any worries, always consult with a doctor / medical practitioner first.