|
|
| Hyssop |
Hyssop In ancient
times the hyssop plant was considered a mystery plant. It was
prized the Hebrews. The plant Esobh (hyssop), mentioned in the
Bible eleven times, was used for ritual cleansing. Many believed
that this plant possessed special powers. In early Christian
times hyssop was a symbol for baptism and a sign of forgiven
sins.
Hyssop essential oil is spicy, fresh, warm, and woody. Its fragrance
suggests purity and clarity of spirit. Hyssop uplifts and provides
direction; it rejuvenates us and gives wings to our spirits
without letting us lose touch with reality. Under hyssop’s
influence, a muddled mind becomes more organized and concentration
increases. Hyssop brings inspiration and wisdom.
The color of the blossoms are deep blue, just as blue as the
stone assigned to it, lapis lazuli. This favorite meditation
stone also stands for mental clarity and cosmic inspirations.
The essential oil of hyssop has, in addition, warming properties,
that help calm strong feelings and increase awareness. It is
ideal for people involved in creative work. Like the lapis lazuli
stone, hyssop oil is helpful for centering during meditation
which makes it a truly sacred fragrance. In the Mediterranean,
its original homeland, hyssop has been used as a medicinal plant
for at least 2,000 years. Dioscorides, Galen, and Hippocrates
all praised its healing effects for many different ailments,
including those of the respiratory tract. The oil is an effective
expectorant, loosening heavy phlegm. A textbook used in a medical
school in Salerno dating from 1066 states: “Bluish hyssop
cleanses the chest of heavy phlegm. It is advisable to use a
decoction of the plant, mixed with honey.”
Hyssop taken internally is excreted through the bronchial system
and is therefore an ideal remedy for coughs and bronchitis accompanied
by heavy phlegm. It calms a persistent cough. For children with
colds or bronchitis it is best to add the oil to an aroma lamp
at night. In this way they receive benefits of the medicine
all night long. Adults can take 2 drops in liquid honey two
to three times a day. Another frequent application is as a chest
salve. The oil warms the stomach and stimulates digestion. (This
is one ingredient of famous chartreuse liqueur.) Hyssop also
helps strengthen the heart and lowers blood pressure. It is
little wonder that most wonder drugs used in the Middle Ages
contained hyssop. Dioscorides was very fond of taking hyssop
mixed in wine. Follow his suggestion—add a few drops of
the oil dissolved in honey to 11 drops of red wine—enjoy!
added to a sitz bath, hyssop stimulates menstruation. Therefore,
do not take hyssop during pregnancy. Ketone is present in small
amounts in the essential oil. That means the oil taken in high
doses causes epileptic seizures in people predisposed to the
condition.
|
|
|
 |