Hyssop
Profile
| Latin Name | Hyssopus officinalis |
| Chinese Name | Not Known |
| Family | Lamiaceae/Labiatae |
| Note | Middle |
| Aroma | <Moderate-Strong> Spicy |
| Color | Clear to Pale-Yellow |
| Parts Distilled | Flowering Tops |
| Regions | Albania, France, Hungary, Mediterranean, Spain |
| Taste | Spicy, Bitter Nature: Warming |
| Affinity | LU/LR/HT |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Ketones (~45-55%) *, Monoterpenes (~25-30%) |
| Skin Type | Oily |
| Dosage | 4% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Expel damp-cold phlegm (sinusitis, bronchitis) & damp-cold bi obstruction/edema
- Tonify Lung qi
- Strengthen Heart qi and invigorate blood (strengthen the veins due to diosmin- for varicosity)
Indications
- Deficient Lung Qi (LU-9,"LU-7, LU-l, BL-13, ST-36)
- Damp-Cold Phlegm (SP-6, SP-9, ST-40, BL-13, BL-20)
- Blood Stasis due to Cold, especially in the Lower Heater (PC-6, SP-10, BL-17, CV-2)
Topical Applications
- Apply a 4% dilution on bruises.
Other Applications
- Diffuse to purify the home.
Specific Protocols
- 4% dilution of Hyssop (50%), Birch (30%), and Black Pepper (20%) for Damp-Cold Bi-Obstruction.
Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiviral
- Hypertensive
- Mucolytic (chest rub)
Contraindications & Cautions
- Neurotoxic
- Hepato-toxic (Liver Wind)
- Use small dose (large amounts or excessive use will produce asthma, seizures, and high blood pressure)
- Glaucoma
- Prostate cancer
Additional Comments
- Hyssop is a strong anti-viral (HIV, herpes).
- *Hyssop Linalool (Hyssopus officinalis var. decumbens) is low in ketones and high in oxides, which makes it safer to use (see next page).
From Class
- Hyssop (linalool chemotype): Oil that resonates with LU-9 Taiyuan; apply a drop on the point. (Yuen)