Description
Hyssop is a small evergreen shrub of the mint family, native to southern Europe and the Middle East, with narrow dark green leaves and spikes of blue-violet flowers much visited by bees. Its leaves have long flavoured herbal liqueurs. It is grown for oil on small farms in France, Hungary and the Balkans, and the flowering tops are cut in summer at full bloom and taken fresh to local stills. The oil is colourless to pale yellow with a sharp, herbal, slightly camphor-like scent and a sweet undertone.
Details
| Botanical name | Hyssopus officinalis (hyssop) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southern Europe, Balkans |
| Part used | Flowering tops, leaves |
| Extraction | Steam-distilled |
| Aroma | Sharp, herbal, camphor |
| Ingredients | 100% Hyssopus officinalis oil |
Why supply is limited: hyssop is a small specialty crop with a low oil yield, and few farms grow it.
How to use
- Perfume: add a single drop to herbal perfume blends.
- Soap: use at a low rate in soap recipes.
- Diffuser: add 1 to 2 drops with lavender or citrus.
Essential oils are concentrated. Always dilute before use on skin, patch test first, keep away from eyes and out of reach of children, and do not take internally. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor before use. Do not use if you have epilepsy, and do not use on children.
FAQs
What does hyssop smell like?
Sharp and herbal, slightly camphor-like, with a sweet undertone.
Why use only a little?
Hyssop oil naturally contains pinocamphone, so it is used sparingly.
What does it blend with?
Lavender, sage, rosemary and citrus oils.
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