In this article, we’ll be talking about water hyssop. Upon hearing the main topic for this article, does it sound familiar to you? Well, what we’re talking about here is just like the herb, which is used in treating countless health conditions, and it also forms an essential part of the Ayurveda medicine. Upon reading it, it does really make sense that the health benefits of water hyssop are well and true, right? Read on to know more about it.
What is Water Hyssop?
Scientifically, water hyssop is popular as Bacopa monnieri. It was possibly one of the first ever plants being discovered and used for various medicinal purposes in the Ayurvedic medicine. This is since it requires small to no processing. It is over 3,000 years ago when the ethnic people started experimenting with it. By then, they discovered the amazing prowess the water hyssop may cause for the health.
It is actually a perennial, tropical, creeping, and non-aromatic herb. Furthermore, it has been appreciated in the Ayurvedic, as well as in traditional medicines all over the world. It is also popular as:
- Herb of grace
- Hespestis monniera
- Bacopa monnieri
- Babies tear
- Bacopa
- Thyme-leaved gratiola
- Indian Pennywort
- Sambrani chettu
- Jalanimba
- Jalnaveri
- Baby tears
- Water hyssop
Moreover, water hyssop has numerous prostate branches, with each measuring about 10 to 30 feet in height. And its branches creep horizontally and covering the grounds. It is native to various subtropical and tropical regions in the world. Furthermore, they also grow even in wetlands, muddy shores, as well as near the bogs gardens, and ponds. Not just that, it may also grow even in salty conditions. Also, water hyssop prefers the moist conditions in the untrained soil rather than the dry soil condition. It also grows very well in coral soils, organic soils, cinder soils, sandy soils, and clay soils. It also has erect or decumbent stems, which are smooth and hairy.
The fruits of the water hyssop or Bacopa monnieri is slightly beaked or ovoid acuminate at its apex. The seeds of which are oblong, longitudinal, truncate ribbed that has a traverse pattern in between its ribs. Furthermore, the fruit doesn’t have a distinct odor and is slightly bitter when you taste it.
Uses of Water Hyssop
Traditional Uses
Water hyssop has been used for centuries as a herbal medicine. Additionally, the water hyssop is also beneficial in plants as insecticides, pediculicide, and insect repellant. Furthermore, the extracts of the plant are also essential in putting fragrance in perfumes and in soaps. Additionally, it is also essential in adding flavor to various liquors, candies, puddings, and sauces.
Miscellaneous Uses
The plant is beneficial in the field of herbal medicine. In fact, it is used as a treatment for sore throats, hoarseness, colds, and may act as an expectorant as well. Furthermore, some of the herbalists believe that the water hyssop is also beneficial in relieving colic and gas. Although none of these are studied clinically yet. Furthermore, the oil from it is also beneficial in treating various illnesses. However, just like any other plants, further studies are necessary.
Skin and Hair Benefits of Water Hyssop
Here are some of the skin and hair benefits of water hyssop:
- Helps in promoting hair growth: water hyssop is beneficial in stimulating the skin growth, as well as the healthy growth of hair in the body. Not just that, it is also beneficial for the promotion of healthy hair growth and reduces hair fall.
- Acts as an astringent: the water hyssop tincture doesn’t just cleanse the skin, it also helps in tightening the skin pores. Furthermore, it may also be useful in the counteraction of skin sagging and wrinkling.
- Antiseptic properties: if you accidentally burn or cut your hands, you may safely use the water hyssop extract to treat it naturally. Furthermore, the oil from water hyssop may also help in ensuring that it doesn’t get too septic.
- Helps in reducing wrinkles: the water hyssop is beneficial in tightening the skin and making your skin look younger and more radiant.
Health Benefits of Water Hyssop
Aside from its benefits of the skin and hair, here are some of the health benefits of water hyssop:
- Acts as a diuretic: the leaves of this plant is beneficial as a diuretic. It is actually used in the promotion of good flow of blood in the body.
- Keeps cancer away: studies suggest that there are some anti-cancer properties in the water hyssop. Thus making it essential in preventing tis onset. This is one of the best health benefits of water hyssop.
- Potential pain reliever: the plant is beneficial in treating headache, as well as various illnesses, including a backache, epilepsy, and even joint pains.
- Rich in antioxidant properties: the antioxidant properties of water hyssop is beneficial for the body. They are good in fighting against various free radicals in the body.
- Helps in improving concentration: the flower of the plant is beneficial in the stimulation of the blood flow in the cerebrum. Furthermore, it is also beneficial in stimulating the cognitive learning abilities in humans.
