Hyssop may be enjoyed as hyssop tea or as an essential oil. Try blending with the wonderful aromas of Bay leaf and geranium oil. Hyssop oil is produced by steam distillation. Hyssop adulterants include cedar leaf oil, though adulteration is not common. Hyssop blends well with oil from Bay leaves, lavender oil, clary sage, citrus oil, rosemary oil, geranium essential oil, myrtle oil, sage oil, and camphor oil.
| Common Name: |
Hyssop |
| Botanical Name: |
Hyssopus officinalis L. |
| Family: |
Lamiaceae (Labiatae). |
| Synonyms: |
Azob. |
| Origin: |
Indigenous to southern and southeastern Europe. Grows wild in America, Europe, and Russia. Is cultivated primarily in Albania, France, Hungary, and Yugoslavia.
|
| Botanical Description: |
An evergreen perennial shrub as tall as 25 to 75-cm (9-26 in) in height, with short, branched rhizomes, square stems, small opposite lance-shaped leaves, and violet flowers. It has a pleasant scent. |
| Extraction: |
Hyssop oil is obtained by the steam distillation of the leaves and flowers. The oil is a fluid pale yellow to faintly-green-almost colorless liquid. |
| Yield: |
0.30 to 1%. |
| Aroma Profile: |
Hyssop has a powerful, sharp but sweet camphoraceous top note. The middle note is warm and aromatic with a spicy undertone. The dry out is dry-herbaceous, somewhat lasting. |
| Major Constituents: |
Pinocamphone (50%), iso-pinocamphone, β-pinene (14%). |
| Adulterants: |
Occasionally with camphor oil, cedar leaf oil, myrtle oil, rosemary oil, and sage oil. |
| Regulatory Status: |
GRAS 182.20. |
| Aromatherapy: |
Hyssop essential oil is refreshing and cleansing. |
| Blends well with: |
Bay leaf, camphor, citrus oils, clary sage, geranium oil, lavender oil, myrtle, rosemary, and sage. |
| Safety Data: |
Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Avoid during pregnancy and if epilepsy or high blood pressure exists. |
| Notes: |
Hyssop is available in cut and sifted and powdered form as well. |
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