Description: Hyssop is a bushy, evergreen plant introduced into the warmer parts of the
U.S. from southern Europe. Once widely cultivated for medicinal uses, it is now grown mostly
as an ornamental shrub. The plant consists of several square, branched, downy stems which are
woody at the bottom and bear opposite, sessile, glabrous to hairy, linear-lanceolate leaves.
The rose-colored to bluish purple flowers grow in successive
axillary whorls at the tops of the branches and stems from June
to October.
Properties and Uses: Astringent, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic,
tonic. Hyssop is used in essentially the same way as sage, with which it is sometimes combined to
make a gargle for sore throat. Hyssop tea can be used for poor digestion, breast and lung problems,
coughs due to colds, nose and throat infections, mucous congestion in the intestines, flatulence,
scrofula, dropsy, and jaundice. The decoction is said to help relieve inflammations, and it can
also be used as a wash for burns, bruises, and skin irritations, and as a gargle for sore throat
or chronic catarrh. Apply the crushed leaves directly to bruises or to wounds to cure infection
and promote healing.
Preparation and Dosage: Do not use continuously for extended periods.
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp. dried herbs in 1/2 cup water. Take 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups a day, a mouthful
at a time. For breast and lung problems, sweeten with honey if desired.
Decoction: Use 1 tsp. herb with 1 cup water. Take 1 to 2 cups a day.
Poultice: Soak the fresh
herb in boiling water for 15 minutes and place on a cloth for application.
From
The Herb Book by John Lust
More from
The Herb Book
BEAUTY FROM PLANTS: SOME NATURAL COSMETICS p530
All commercial natural cosmetics tend to be expensive; fortunately, you can make many natural
beauty preparations yourself at a much lower cost. To get you started, this section presents a
listing of natural, plant-derived beauty preparations---all of which you can easily make yourself.
Many of these are based on home beauty recipes that have been used successfully for centuries.
The listing also includes general descriptive material on some important cosmetic herbs. Most of
these herbs are used medicinally to treat skin disorders, and they have also been found to be
beneficial to the skin for cosmetic purposes.
Almond Facial Mask. Pulverized almonds made into a paste with a small amount of liquid. Best for
oily skin, almonds soften the skin, cleanse it with their abrasive
action, and nourish it with protein. Note: Most facial masks are applied to the skin, left on 15 to 20 minutes and washed off with warm water followed by a cold rinse. Do not apply masks to the eye area. Your face should be washed or cleansed with cream before using any mask.
Apricot Facial Mask. Fresh or dried mashed apricots mixed with warm olive oil to form a spreadable pasta Dry skin moisturizer, and vitamin A source.
Avocado Facial Mask. Mashed avocado heated over a double boiler until just warm. Dry skin moisturizer, provides protein and vitamins.
Banana Facial Mask. Made like apricot mask. Another dry skin moisturizer.
Barley Water Skin Freshener. Astringent; cleanses and softens skin. Made by simmering
3 tbsp. barley in 3 cups water for an hour. Strain and cool. Rinse off face after using.
Must be refrigerated. Best for normal skin. Drinking barley water is also reputed to clear
and beautify your skin (sweeten with honey and orange juice).
Beer Hair Rinse. Let a can of beer go flat and use as an after-shampoo hair rinse.
Do not rinse out Provides body to the hair. The beer smell goes away by the time the hair is dry.
Brewer's Yeast Facial Mask. Mix into a paste using a small amount of water. Its abrasive
action cleanses pores and stimulates skin. Best for oily skin.
Camomile Flower Hair Rinse for Blondes. Gives blond highlights. Infuse 1/3 cup flowers in 1 qt.
water. Steep until tepid. Pour repeatedly over hair. Leave on 15 minutes and then rinse out.
Camomile flower infusion also has a soothing, healing, disinfectant effect on the skin and eyes;
used in skin lotions and eye preparations.
Carrot Facial. Astringent, provides vitamin A. Carrot shavings with a little lemon
juice can be applied directly to the face like a facial mask. Best for oily skin.
Cocoa Butter and Coconut Oil. Both make very good wrinkle removers.
Cucumber Facial. Astringent, cleansing, bleaching (for freckles and discolored skin);
also used for sunburn and rough skin. Cucumber slices or juice applied to face (and hands,
if desired) and left on 10 to 15 minutes, then rinsed off. Best for normal or oily skin.
Price: $ 8.95
This is brought to you by
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Soothe your nerves, cure your cough, color your fabrics, perfume your bath, stimulate your lover,
spice your sauces, stop your nightmares, freshen your breath — with herbs...
