Hyssop
Hyssopus Officinalis
Hyssop Oil is a sharp and aromatic essential oil that works well to relieve issues with the respiratory system, and can help to relieve spasms and pains in the muscles and intestines. When used topically it can be used to treat acute pain in joints and muscles, and can help bruises and cuts heal faster.
History of Hyssop Oil
Hyssop Oil, also known as Hyssopus Officinalis is traditionally a medicinal oil, and originates in the Mediterranean. The oil was mentioned in the old testament, and was allegedly used as a purifier; Hippocrates first used the word Hyssopus which is why the link was made. There is still debate as to whether it was Hyssop Oil used in the Bible due to the references being likened to other variations similar to hyssop, but it’s still unknown.
Over hundreds of years the oil and the shrub have been used in medicine, beauty, aromatherapy, cooking and perfumery. It is believed that Hyssop Oil first came to Europe in the 1300's, and evidence from the 1500's showed that Hyssop Oil was considered an essential in medicine, treating coughs, colds, muscle pain and wounds. Even in the early 1800's and 1900's it was still used for medicinal purposes in baths, lotions, rubs or simply inhaling the scent. Today, it can be used for all of the above, as well as menstrual pain due to the discovery that the oil works as a blood stimulant and can relieve the uncomfortable feeling associated with cramps. Overall it’s a versatile oil that has lasted for hundreds (potentially thousands) of years.
So, why is Hyssop Oil still so popular today?
Hyssop Oil is widely recognised by the essential oil community as an excellent oil, because its use through history and successes in alternative medicine have deemed it to be one that produces results. There are a number of essential oils on the market which only have anecdotal evidence to support its benefits, meaning that there is a possibility that it won’t work for certain groups of people. With Hyssop Oil, there is evidence in history and through scientific studies that support its benefits, which gives it added veracity within the community. It has worked to target chronic pain, disease and mental health issues - which overall give customers extra reasons to add it to their collection.
Although it is a slightly more expensive essential oil to own, it’s clear that it is worth investing in due to its scent and multiple benefits. It is also an oil that complements many others on the essential oil market, making it an excellent oil to include in aromatherapy blends and to use in skincare with carrier oils or lotions.
Extracting Hyssop Oil
Like most essential oils, Hyssop Oil is made from a process called steam distillation. The shrub leaves and twigs in some circumstances are put into a distillation unit. Steam is then used to lift the oil from the plant where it will later collect on top of the condensed water at the end of the process. The oil is then skimmed from the top and put into bottles that can be sold as the essential oil. It is a common method used because it is a natural and non-invasive way to extract the oil whilst still getting a high yield. Some other methods could also be used to create the oil, but it would involve using alcohol and chemicals which unfortunately could damage this particular oil.
Can I make Hyssop Oil at home?
In theory, yes you can. As long as you own a steam distiller and have access to hyssop, then you could make the oil yourself. It doesn’t require a complex process, you’ll just need to have a large amount of the hyssop plant to hand to be able to create a substantial amount of oil. If you are someone who makes essential oils regularly we recommend to buy a steam distiller instead of renting one. If you don’t have access to hyssop or it will cost you a lot to make the oil, you can always buy the oil online which saves you the hassle of having to make it. It is an oil that is widely accessible and won’t completely break your budget!
What do you think of Hyssop Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the Essentially Yours team love to hear how you’re getting on with your oils and the blends you’re trying at home. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
Can I make Hyssop Oil at home?
In theory, yes you can. As long as you own a steam distiller and have access to hyssop, then you could make the oil yourself. It doesn’t require a complex process, you’ll just need to have a large amount of the hyssop plant to hand to be able to create a substantial amount of oil. If you are someone who makes essential oils regularly we recommend to buy a steam distiller instead of renting one. If you don’t have access to hyssop, you can always buy the oil online which saves you the hassle of having to make it. It is an oil that is widely accessible and won’t completely break your budget!
What do you think of Hyssop Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the Essentially Yours team love to hear how you’re getting on with your oils and the blends you’re trying at home. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
Hyssop Oil Varieties
Hyssop Oil Varieties
There are many types of hyssop plant, but Hyssop Officinales is the most commonly used variety when creating the essential oil. This isn’t to say that you wouldn’t be able to find other variations, but on a commercial scale it would be hard. You would either have to know a smaller distributor or make the essential oil yourself to try out every single variety (as there are hundreds). Hyssop isn’t toxic but shouldn’t be used on children or those who suffer with epilepsy or seizures, which is the same for most essential oils.
So, which variety of Hyssop Oil should I use?
Based on our research, Hyssop Officinales seems to be the only variety that is used to make the essential oil, although there are other ways that you can try different varieties of Hyssop Oil, and that would be to make it yourself.
If you live in a climate where hyssop thrives, you could always try out different varieties of the oil to see if there is a difference in their scent as well as therapeutic properties. If you are someone who regularly makes essential oils and owns a steam distiller, we highly recommend trying out different types of Hyssop Oil if you want to! However, please be careful with Hyssop Oil around small children or those who are prone to seizures and epilepsy, as there are some reports that have shown these two categories of individuals to be particularly sensitive to some essential oils (Hyssop Oil being one of them).
What do you think of Hyssop Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Have you tried to make different varieties at home? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear how you’re using your essential oils and getting the most out of them. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
So, which variety of Hyssop Oil should I use?
Based on our research, Hyssop Officinales seems to be the only variety that is used to make the essential oil, although there are other ways that you can try different varieties of Hyssop Oil, and that would be to make it yourself.
If you live in a climate where hyssop thrives, you could always try out different varieties of the oil to see if there is a difference in their scent as well as therapeutic properties. If you are someone who regularly makes essential oils and owns a steam distiller, we highly recommend trying out different types of Hyssop Oil if you want to! However, please be careful with Hyssop Oil around small children or those who are prone to seizures and epilepsy, as there are some reports that have shown these two categories of individuals to be particularly sensitive to some essential oils (Hyssop Oil being one of them).
What do you think of Hyssop Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Have you tried to make different varieties at home? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear how you’re using your essential oils and getting the most out of them. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
Benefits of Hyssop Oil
Hyssop Oil was used for thousands of years, with its first documentation being in the old testament of the Bible. Over the years it has evolved and been used in medicine, beauty, aromatherapy, cooking and perfumery. It was mostly used to treat wounds due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and today is popular in beauty remedies as well as homemade soaps and oils.
So, what are the benefits of Hyssop Oil?
Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory properties of Hyssop Oil makes it perfectly placed to help with muscle and joint inflammation when applied topically, mixed in with a carrier oil. For example, it is a great remedy for menstrual pain or cramps from playing sport/going to the gym. It can be massaged into the affected area to soothe and act as an effective pain reliever.
Alleviates cold and flu symptoms
If you’re looking for an alternative and natural method to soothe cold and flu symptoms, using Hyssop Oil is a great option to help you feel better. You can use it to create chest rubs and blend it with other essential oils to create blends specifically for when you’re feeling under the weather.
Fights infection
Hyssop Oil was originally used to fight infection from wounds, grazes or cuts. Today, it is still an effective method as it has proven antibacterial properties.
Helps respiratory system
You can improve your breathing when sick or on a daily basis through either inhaling Hyssop Oil or using it in a chest rub.
Improves skin’s complexion
It can be used in small doses to tackle acne-prone skin due to its antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also be used for minor skin irritations and tackling bug bites.
Please note that the benefits of Hyssop Oil will vary from person to person as everybody reacts differently to essential oils. If you are using the oil topically please ensure that you have mixed with a carrier oil to avoid irritation.
Uses of Hyssop Oil
Hyssop Oil originates in the mediterranea, and was first mentioned in the old testament by Hippocrates. Over hundreds of years it has been popular as a medicinal oil, treating coughs, colds, muscle pain and cuts. Today, it is a popular essential oil used across beauty and healthcare, more notably to treat women’s health issues such as menstrual pain and hormonal imbalance.
So, what can you use Hyssop Oil for?
Aromatherapy
In aromatherapy Hyssop Oil can be used in blends to instil a feeling of calm and tranquility, one of our favourites is a blend with lavender.
Menstrual pain
Hyssop Oil is effective when tackling menstrual pain, and can be used either on its own or mixed with Clary Sage Oil to create an effective blend to tackle cramps and hormonal imbalances. One of our favourite blends is with castor oil, and creating a saturated ‘pack’ with a cheesecloth/towel which can be used repeatedly to tackle menstrual pain.
Candles
Hyssop Oil is popularly used in some commercial candles, but can also be used at home if you wish to make your own candles or beautifully scented soaps.
Diffusers
You can add a few drops of the oil into your diffuser either on its own or blended with others to create a beautiful scent. You can also soak some reed sticks to create your own DIY diffuser if you don’t own an electric one.
Skincare
Although Hyssop Oil isn’t the most popular essential oil for skincare, it is still effective as a topical application due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cold and flu
Hyssop Oil is very effective against cold and flu symptoms, and can be used in rubs and ointments to soothe you and enable you to breathe better. You can also use the oil in hot water to steam your face and open up your airways when you’re sick. This method can also be used first thing in the morning to improve your respiratory health overall.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we love sharing our tips, tricks and knowledge with you so you can get the most out of your essential oil collection. Whether it’s finding our favourite blends or understanding the benefits of an oil - our website has all the information you’ll need. In this blog we’re going to talk about Hyssop Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Coconut Oil
Rich, creamy and packed full of essential fats and acids, Coconut Oil is one of our favourite carrier oils if you’re looking to create a luxurious massage oil or night treatment for your hair, skin or nails. Add some Hyssop Oil into the mix and you have a multi use blend at the ready. Remember that Coconut Oil is solid at room temperature, so if you need to make a blend you’ll need to heat it up first.
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Almond Oil
This is one of our favourite carrier oils for those who suffer with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as the makeup of Jojoba Oil mimics your skin's natural oils, making it the perfect companion for any skin treatment.
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Jojoba Oil
Sweet and lightweight, Almond Oil is a great carrier oil if you’re looking for an oil that you can use on a daily basis. Its slightly sweet smell complements other sweet essential oils such as Hyssop Oil.
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Clary Sage Oil
Mostly used for women’s health, Clary Sage Oil and Hyssop Oil work well together to tackle menstrual pain, hormone imbalances and mental wellbeing. One of our favourites is creating a Castor Oil pack which uses Castor Oil, Clary Sage Oil and Hyssop Oil which can be put onto a towel or gauze and used on your pelvis to stimulate blood flow and alleviate menstrual pain.
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Lavender Oil
This is one of the most versatile essential oils as it pairs with practically every essential oil on the market. The floral, soothing scent of Lavender Oil with the medicinal sweetness of Hyssop Oil is a beautiful blend.
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Geranium Oil
Herbaceous, floral and complex, Geranium Oil is a personal favourite of ours because it can help to tackle skin issues without feeling too intense and invasive on the skin. Hyssop Oil works on the same premise, which is what makes them a match made in heaven in our opinion. This blend also works beautifully when put in an electric diffuser.
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