Hyssop: Benefits, Uses, How to Prepare It and Side Effects
Hyssop: Benefits, Uses, How to Prepare It and Side Effects IMPORTANT: Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a safe aromatic plant when used in ordinary culinary amounts, but its concentrated essential oil and large doses of infusion can be dangerous. Hyssop essential oil contains ketones (especially pinocamphone) which, in large quantities, can trigger convulsions. For this reason, hyssop in strong medicinal concentrations is contraindicated for people with epilepsy or a predisposition to seizures, pregnant women (the plant has an emmenagogue effect and may stimulate the uterus), and breastfeeding mothers. It should not be given to young children in the form of essential oil. People with high blood pressure should be cautious, as folk tradition attributes a mild blood-pressure-raising effect to hyssop. If you are following any drug treatment, especially with anticonvulsants or antihypertensives, talk to your doctor before using hyssop as a remedy. Hyssop is not a substitute for treating a serious respiratory infection — if a cough lasts more than two weeks, or if you develop high fever or difficulty breathing, see a doctor. ...