Chemical Properties
Hyssop is a wild or cultivated shrub native to western Asia; it also grows in the arid and rocky areas of southern Europe.
The plant exhibits short, branched rhizomes, opposite leaves and violet flowers that blossom from July to August. It is 25 to 70 cm (9
to 26 in.) high and has a pleasant, aromatic odor. The parts used are the leaves and flowering tops.
Occurrence
Hyssop is a perennial found in the Mediterranean, the United States, and Canada.
Uses
Hyssop has been used as a fragrance in soaps, perfumes, and cosmetics, as well as a fl avoring in food. It has been used as an antiasthmatic, antispasmotic, and expectorant, as well as to treat sore throat (used as a gargle) and for wound healing.
Essential oil composition
Hyssop contains a number of fragrant, volatile components including β-pinene, limonene, pinocamphone,
isopinocamphone.* Pinocamphone, α- and β-pinene, isopinocamphone, camphene and α-terpinen make up about 70% of the volatile oil.
