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54-598: Hyssopus officinalis or hyssop is a shrub in the Lamiaceae or mint family native to Southern Europe , the Middle East , and the region surrounding the Caspian Sea . Due to its purported properties as an antiseptic , cough reliever , and expectorant , it has been used in traditional herbal medicine . Hyssop is a brightly coloured shrub or subshrub that ranges from 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) in height. The stem

108-466: A " stool ", removes everything but vital parts of the plant, resulting in long new stems known as "canes". Other shrubs respond better to selective pruning to dead or unhealthy, or otherwise unattractive parts to reveal their structure and character. Shrubs in common garden practice are generally considered broad-leaved plants , though some smaller conifers such as mountain pine and common juniper are also shrubby in structure. Species that grow into

162-623: A coil, where they condense back to liquid, which is then collected in the receiving vessel. Most oils are distilled in a single process. One exception is ylang-ylang ( Cananga odorata ) which is purified through a fractional distillation . The recondensed water is referred to as a hydrosol, hydrolat, herbal distillate , or plant water essence, which may be sold as another fragrant product. Hydrosols include rose water , lavender water, lemon balm , clary sage , and orange blossom water . Most citrus peel oils are expressed mechanically or cold-pressed (similar to olive oil extraction ). Due to

216-744: A danger when misused because of their thin skin and immature livers. This might cause them to be more susceptible to toxic effects than adults. The flash point of each essential oil is different. Many of the common essential oils, such as tea tree, lavender, and citrus oils, are classed as Class 3 Flammable Liquids , as they have a flash point of 50–60 °C. Estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity have been reported by in vitro study of tea tree oil and lavender essential oils. Two published sets of case reports suggest that lavender oil may be implicated in some cases of gynecomastia , an abnormal breast tissue growth in prepubescent boys. The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety dismissed

270-552: A facial at an all-natural salon, a person experienced severe skin irritation, which highlighted the potential dangers of using "clean" beauty products marketed as being made from natural ingredients. This incident underscores the misconception that natural compounds are always safe, revealing a growing awareness within the beauty industry about the risks associated with essential oils, which can lead to allergic reactions and skin damage; there has been at least one case of death. Research has shown that some essential oils have potential as

324-539: A feeling of cold followed by a sense of burning. In Australia essential oils (mainly eucalyptus) have been increasingly causing cases of poisoning, mostly of children. In the period 2014–2018, there were 4,412 poisoning incidents reported in New South Wales . Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine in which healing effects are ascribed to the aromatic compounds in essential oils and other plant extracts. Aromatherapy may be useful to induce relaxation, but there

378-481: A form of alternative medicine in which healing effects are ascribed to aromatic compounds. Aromatherapy may be useful to induce relaxation, but there is not sufficient evidence that it can effectively treat any condition. Improper use of essential oils may cause harm including allergic reactions, inflammation and skin irritation. Children may be particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of improper use. Essential oils can be poisonous if ingested or absorbed through

432-438: A natural pesticide . In case studies, certain oils have been shown to have a variety of deterring effects on pests, specifically insects and select arthropods. These effects may include repelling, inhibiting digestion, stunting growth, decreasing rate of reproduction, or death of pests that consume the oil. However, the molecules within the oils that cause these effects are normally non-toxic for mammals. These specific actions of

486-456: A reasonable length beforehand. Many trees can grow in multiple stemmed forms also while being tall enough to be trees, such as oak or ash . An area of cultivated shrubs in a park or a garden is known as a shrubbery . When clipped as topiary , suitable species or varieties of shrubs develop dense foliage and many small leafy branches growing close together. Many shrubs respond well to renewal pruning , in which hard cutting back to

540-828: A seal and piston arrangement which slides inside the pipette, wiping the essential oil off the pipette wall. Some essential oils qualify as GRAS flavoring agents for use in foods, beverages, and confectioneries according to strict good manufacturing practice and flavorist standards. Pharmacopoeia standards for medicinal oils should be heeded. Some oils can be toxic to some domestic animals, cats in particular. The internal use of essential oils can pose hazards to pregnant women, as some can be abortifacients in dose 0.5–10 mL, and thus should not be used during pregnancy. Concern about pesticide residues in essential oils, particularly those used therapeutically, means many practitioners of aromatherapy buy organically produced oils. Not only are pesticides present in trace quantities, but also

594-512: A shrubby habit may be either deciduous or evergreen . In botany and ecology , a shrub is more specifically used to describe the particular physical canopy structure or plant life-form of woody plants which are less than 8 metres (26 ft) high and usually multiple stems arising at or near the surface of the ground. For example, a descriptive system widely adopted in Australia is based on structural characteristics based on life-form, plus

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648-399: A small number of shrubs have culinary usage. Apart from the several berry -bearing species (using the culinary rather than botanical definition), few are eaten directly, and they are generally too small for much timber use unlike trees. Those that are used include several perfumed species such as lavender and rose , and a wide range of plants with medicinal uses. Tea and coffee are on

702-426: A solvent in supercritical fluid extraction. This method can avoid petrochemical residues in the product and the loss of some "top notes" when steam distillation is used. It does not yield an absolute directly. The supercritical carbon dioxide will extract both the waxes and the essential oils that make up the concrete. Subsequent processing with liquid carbon dioxide, achieved in the same extractor by merely lowering

756-430: Is woody at the base, from which grow a number of upright branches. Its leaves are lanceolate , dark green, and from 2 to 2.5 cm ( 3 ⁄ 4 to 1 in) long. During the summer, hyssop produces pink, blue (ssp. aristadus), or, more rarely, white fragrant (ssp. f. albus) flowers . These give rise to small oblong tetra- achenes . A plant called hyssop has been in use since classical antiquity . Its name

810-444: Is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile (easily evaporated at normal temperatures) chemical compounds from plants . Essential oils are also known as volatile oils , ethereal oils , aetheroleum , or simply as the oil of the plant from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove . An essential oil is essential in the sense that it contains the essence of the plant's fragrance —the characteristic fragrance of

864-659: Is a direct adaptation from the Greek ὕσσωπος ( hyssopos ). The Hebrew word אזוב ( ezov , esov , or esob ) and the Greek word ὕσσωπος probably share a common (but unknown) origin. The name hyssop appears as a translation of ezov in some translations of the Bible, notably in Psalms 51:7 : "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean", but researchers have suggested that the Biblical accounts refer not to

918-594: Is an essential oil derived from garlic . Most eucalyptus oil on the market is produced from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus . Steam-distilled eucalyptus oil is used throughout Asia, Africa, Latin America and South America as a primary cleaning/disinfecting agent added to soaped mop and countertop cleaning solutions; it also possesses insect and limited vermin control properties. Note, however, there are hundreds of species of eucalyptus, and perhaps some dozens are used to various extents as sources of essential oils. Not only do

972-646: Is currently marketed as the most effective mosquito repellent. Although essential oils are effective as pesticides when first applied in uses such as mosquito repellent applied to the skin, it is only effective in the vapor stage. Since this stage is relatively short-lived, creams and polymer mixtures are used in order to elongate the vapor period of effective repellency. In any form, using essential oils as green pesticides rather than synthetic pesticides has ecological benefits such as decreased residual actions. In addition, increased use of essential oils as pest control could have not only ecological, but economical benefits as

1026-493: Is harvested twice yearly, once at the end of spring and once more at the beginning of autumn. The plants are preferably harvested when flowering in order to collect the flowering tips. Once the stalks are cut, they are collected and dried either stacked on pallets to allow for draining or hung to dry. The actual drying process takes place in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, where the materials are mixed several times to ensure even drying. Drying herbs are kept from exposure to

1080-599: Is known to grow in the rocky soils of the region and along walls. Hyssop was also used for purgation (religious purification) in Egypt, where, according to Chaeremon the Stoic , the priests used to eat it with bread in order to purify this type of food and make it suitable for their austere diet. Hyssop is resistant to drought , and tolerant of chalky, sandy soils. It thrives in full sun and warm climates. Cultivars include 'Blue Flower'. Under optimal weather conditions, herb hyssop

1134-630: Is not sufficient evidence that essential oils can effectively treat any condition. Scientific research indicates that essential oils cannot treat or cure any chronic disease or other illnesses. Much of the research on the use of essential oils for health purposes has serious methodological errors. In a systemic review of 201 published studies on essential oils as alternative medicines, only 10 were found to be of acceptable methodological quality, and even these 10 were still weak in reference to scientific standards. Use of essential oils may cause harm including allergic reactions and skin irritation; After receiving

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1188-456: Is part of the official formulation of Chartreuse . It is also a key ingredient in many formulations of absinthe , where it is the main source of the green colour. In herbal medicine hyssop is believed to have soothing, expectorant, and cough suppressant properties. Hyssop has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in order to increase circulation and to treat multiple conditions such as coughing and sore throat. Hyssop can stimulate

1242-490: Is produced from the petals of Rosa damascena and Rosa centifolia . Steam-distilled rose oil is known as "rose otto", while the solvent extracted product is known as "rose absolute". The potential toxicity of essential oil is related to its level or grade of purity, and to the toxicity of specific chemical components of the oil. Many essential oils are designed exclusively for their aroma-therapeutic quality; these essential oils generally should not be applied directly to

1296-546: Is rare because much higher concentrations are required in real foods. Some or all of this lower effectiveness is due to large differences between culture medium and foods in chemistry (especially lipid content), viscosity, and duration of inoculation/storage. Essential oils are usually lipophilic (literally: "oil-loving" ) compounds that are immiscible (not miscible ) with water. They can be diluted in solvents like pure ethanol and polyethylene glycol . Essential oils are derived from sections of plants. Some plants, like

1350-519: Is the natural landscape dominated by various shrubs; there are many distinct types around the world, including fynbos , maquis , shrub-steppe , shrub swamp and moorland . In gardens and parks, an area largely dedicated to shrubs (now somewhat less fashionable than a century ago) is called a shrubbery , shrub border or shrub garden. There are many garden cultivars of shrubs, bred for flowering, for example rhododendrons , and sometimes even leaf colour or shape. Compared to trees and herbaceous plants,

1404-417: Is used in cooking to a lesser extent. The plant is commonly used by beekeepers to produce nectar from which western honey bees make a rich and aromatic honey . Herb hyssop leaves are used as an aromatic condiment. The leaves have a lightly bitter taste due to its tannins , and an intense minty aroma. Due to its intensity, it is used moderately in cooking. The herb is also used to flavor liqueur , and

1458-402: Is used to extract the fragrant oil from the concrete. The alcohol solution is chilled to −18 °C (0 °F) for more than 48 hours which causes the waxes and lipids to precipitate out. The precipitates are then filtered out and the ethanol is removed from the remaining solution by evaporation, vacuum purge, or both, leaving behind the absolute . Supercritical carbon dioxide is used as

1512-497: The LD 50 or median lethal dose for common oils; this is the dose required to kill half the members of a tested animal population. LD 50 is intended as a guideline only, and reported values can vary widely due to differences in tested species and testing conditions. In 2002, ISO published ISO 4720 in which the botanical names of the relevant plants are standardized. The rest of the standards with regards to this topic can be found in

1566-469: The bitter orange , are sources of several types of essential oil. Balsam of Peru , an essential oil derived from Myroxylon plants, is used in food and drink for flavoring, in perfumes and toiletries for fragrance, and in animal care products. However, national and international surveys identified balsam of Peru among the "top five" allergens most commonly causing patch test allergic reactions in people referred to dermatology clinics. Garlic oil

1620-413: The central nervous system , including pinocamphone and cineole , can provoke epileptic reactions. The oil of hyssop can cause seizures and even low doses (2–3 drops) can cause convulsions in children. The fresh herb is commonly used in cooking . Za'atar is a famous Middle Eastern herbal mixture, some versions of which include dried hyssop leaves. Essence of hyssop can be obtained by steaming, and

1674-399: The citrus peel oils, are photosensitizers , increasing vulnerability of the skin to sunlight. Industrial users of essential oils should consult the safety data sheets to determine the hazards and handling requirements of particular oils. Even certain therapeutic-grade oils can pose potential threats to individuals with epilepsy or pregnant women. Essential oil use in children can pose

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1728-647: The gastrointestinal system. Shrub Some define a shrub as less than 6 m (20 ft) and a tree as over 6 m. Others use 10 m (33 ft) as the cutoff point for classification. Many trees do not reach this mature height because of hostile, less than ideal growing conditions, and resemble shrub-sized plants. Others in such species have the potential to grow taller in ideal conditions. For longevity, most shrubs are classified between perennials and trees. Some only last about five years in good conditions. Others, usually larger and more woody, live beyond 70. On average, they die after eight years. Shrubland

1782-595: The claims against tea tree oil as implausible, but did not comment on lavender oil. In 2018, a BBC report on a study stated that tea tree and lavender oils contain eight substances that when tested in tissue culture experiments, increasing the level of estrogen and decreasing the level of testosterone . Some of the substances are found in "at least 65 other essential oils". The study did not include animal or human testing. Exposure to essential oils may cause contact dermatitis . Essential oils can be aggressive toward rubbers and plastics, so care must be taken in choosing

1836-411: The correct handling equipment. Glass syringes are often used, but have coarse volumetric graduations. Chemistry syringes are ideal, as they resist essential oils, are long enough to enter deep vessels, and have fine graduations, facilitating quality control. Unlike traditional pipettes, which have difficulty handling viscous fluids, the chemistry syringe, also known as a positive displacement pipette, has

1890-862: The essential oil market diversifies and popularity increases among organic farmers and environmentally conscious consumers. As of 2012 some EOs are authorized, and in use, in the European Union : Melaleuca oil as a fungicide , citronella oil as a herbicide , Syzygium aromaticum oil as a fungicide and bactericide, Mentha spicata oil as a plant growth regulator ; Citrus sinensis oil (only in France) for Bemisia tabaci on Cucurbita pepo and Trialeurodes vaporariorum on Solanum lycopersicum ; and approvals for oils of Thymus , C. sinensis , and Tagetes as insecticides are pending. In relation with their food applications, although these oils have been used throughout history as food preservatives, it

1944-453: The extraction temperature, will separate the waxes from the essential oils. This lower temperature process prevents the decomposition and denaturing of compounds. When the extraction is complete, the pressure is reduced to ambient and the carbon dioxide reverts to a gas, leaving no residue. Estimates of total production of essential oils are difficult to obtain. One estimate, compiled from data in 1989, 1990, and 1994 from various sources, gives

1998-562: The following total production, in tonnes, of essential oils for which more than 1,000 tonnes were produced. Taken by mouth, many essential oils can be dangerous in high concentrations. Typical effects begin with a burning feeling, followed by salivation. Different essential oils may have drastically different pharmacology. Some act as local anesthetic counterirritants and, thereby, exert an antitussive (cough suppressing) effect. Many essential oils, particularly tea tree oil , may cause contact dermatitis . Menthol and some others produce

2052-415: The height and amount of foliage cover of the tallest layer or dominant species . For shrubs that are 2–8 metres (6.6–26.2 ft) high, the following structural forms are categorized: For shrubs less than 2 metres (6.6 ft) high, the following structural forms are categorized: Those marked with * can also develop into tree form if in ideal conditions. Essential oil An essential oil

2106-479: The high heat used in steam distillation. Instead, a solvent such as hexane or supercritical carbon dioxide is used to extract the oils. Extracts from hexane and other hydrophobic solvents are called concretes , which are a mixture of essential oil, waxes , resins , and other lipophilic (oil-soluble) plant material. Although highly fragrant, concretes contain large quantities of non-fragrant waxes and resins. Often, another solvent, such as ethyl alcohol ,

2160-600: The molecules allow for widespread use of these "green" pesticides without harmful effects to anything else other than pests. Essential oils that have been investigated include rose, lemon grass, lavender, thyme, peppermint, basil, cedarwood, and eucalyptus. Although they may not be the perfect replacement for all synthetic pesticides, essential oils have prospects for crop or indoor plant protection, urban pest control, and marketed insect repellents, such as bug spray. Certain essential oils have been shown in studies to be comparable, if not exceeding, in effectiveness to DEET , which

2214-894: The oils themselves are used in tiny quantities and usually in high dilutions. Where there is a concern about pesticide residues in food essential oils, such as mint or orange oils, the proper criterion is not solely whether the material is organically produced, but whether it meets the government standards based on actual analysis of its pesticide content. Some essential oils may contain impurities and additives that may be harmful to pregnant women. Certain essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy , but care must be taken when selecting quality and brand. Sensitivity to certain smells may cause pregnant women to have adverse side effects with essential oil use, such as headache, vertigo , and nausea. Pregnant women often report an abnormal sensitivity to smells and taste, and essential oils can cause irritation and nausea when ingested. The following table lists

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2268-446: The plant currently known as hyssop but rather to one of a number of different herbs, including Origanum syriacum (Syrian oregano, commonly referred to as "bible hyssop"). 1 Kings 4:33 mentions that 'ezov' was a small plant and some scholars believe it was a wall plant. It was burned with the red heifer ( Numbers 19:6 ) and used for purification of lepers ( Leviticus 14:4–6 , Leviticus 14:49–51 ; Numbers 19:18 ), and at Passover it

2322-752: The plant from which it is derived. The term "essential" used here does not mean indispensable or usable by the human body, as with the terms essential amino acid or essential fatty acid , which are so called because they are nutritionally required by a living organism. Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation , often by using steam . Other processes include expression , solvent extraction , sfumatura , absolute oil extraction, resin tapping, wax embedding, and cold pressing. They are used in perfumes , cosmetics , soaps , air fresheners and other products, for flavoring food and drink, and for adding scents to incense and household cleaning products. Essential oils are often used for aromatherapy ,

2376-543: The plant world into trees, shrubs and herbs. Small, low shrubs, generally less than 2 m (6.6 ft) tall, such as lavender , periwinkle and most small garden varieties of rose , are often termed as subshrubs . Most definitions characterize shrubs as possessing multiple stems with no main trunk below. This is because the stems have branched below ground level. There are exceptions to this, with some shrubs having main trunks, but these tend to be very short and divide into multiple stems close to ground level without

2430-427: The products of different species differ greatly in characteristics and effects, but also the products of the very same tree can vary grossly. Lavender oil has long been used in the production of perfume . However, studies have shown it can be estrogenic and antiandrogenic, causing problems for prepubescent boys and pregnant women, in particular. Lavender essential oil is also used as an insect repellent. Rose oil

2484-476: The relatively large quantities of oil in citrus peel and low cost to grow and harvest the raw materials, citrus-fruit oils are cheaper than most other essential oils. Lemon or sweet orange oils are obtained as byproducts of the citrus industry. Before the discovery of distillation, all essential oils were extracted by pressing. Most flowers contain too little volatile oil to undergo expression, but their chemical components are too delicate and easily denatured by

2538-602: The section of ICS 71.100.60 The resins of aromatics and plant extracts were retained to produce traditional medicines and scented preparations, such as perfumes and incense, including frankincense , myrrh , cedarwood, juniper berry and cinnamon in ancient Egypt may have contained essential oils. In 1923, when archaeologists opened Pharaoh Tutankhamun ’s tomb, they found 50 alabaster jars of essential oils. Essential oils have been used in folk medicine over centuries. The Persian physician Ibn Sina , known as Avicenna in Europe,

2592-419: The skin in their undiluted form. Some can cause severe irritation, provoke an allergic reaction and, over time, prove toxic to the liver . If ingested or rubbed into the skin, essential oils can be highly poisonous, causing confusion, choking, loss of muscle coordination, difficulty in breathing, pneumonia , seizures , and possibly severe allergic reactions or coma . Some essential oils, including many of

2646-428: The skin. Most common essential oils such as lavender , peppermint , tea tree oil , patchouli , and eucalyptus are distilled. Raw plant material, consisting of the flowers , leaves , wood , bark , roots , seeds , or peel , is put into an alembic (distillation apparatus) over water. As the water is heated, the steam passes through the plant material, vaporizing the volatile compounds. The vapors flow through

2700-486: The sun to prevent discoloration and oxidation . The drying process takes approximately six days in its entirety. Once dried, the leaves are removed and both components, leaves and flowers, are chopped finely. The final dried product weighs a third of the initial fresh weight and can be stored for up to 18 months. The essential oil includes the chemicals thujone and phenol , which give it antiseptic properties. Its high concentrations of thujone and chemicals that stimulate

2754-525: The tree-shrub boundary; they are normally harvested from shrub-sized plants, but these would be large enough to become small trees if left to grow instead. Shrubs are perennial woody plants, and therefore have persistent woody stems above ground (compare with succulent stems of herbaceous plants ). Usually, shrubs are distinguished from trees by their height and multiple stems. Some shrubs are deciduous (e.g. hawthorn ) and others evergreen (e.g. holly ). Ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus divided

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2808-553: Was first to derive the fragrance of flowers from distillation, while the earliest recorded mention of the techniques and methods used to produce essential oils may be Ibn al-Baitar (1188–1248), an Arab Al-Andalusian (Muslim Spain) physician , pharmacist and chemist . Rather than refer to essential oils themselves, modern works typically discuss specific chemical compounds of which the essential oils are composed, such as referring to methyl salicylate rather than "oil of wintergreen". Essential oils are used in aromatherapy ,

2862-913: Was in the 20th century when essential oils were considered as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA). GRAS substances according to the FDA The most commonly used essential oils with antimicrobial action are: β-caryophyllene , eugenol , eugenol acetate , carvacrol , linalool , thymol , geraniol , geranyl acetate , bicyclogermacrene , cinnamaldehyde , geranial , neral , 1,8-cineole , methyl chavicol , methyl cinnamate , methyl eugenol , camphor , α-thujone , viridiflorol , limonene , ( Z )-linalool oxide , α-pinene , p -cymene , ( E )-caryophyllene , γ-terpinene . Some essential oils are effective antimicrobials and have been evaluated for food incorporation in vitro . However, actual deployment

2916-408: Was used to sprinkle the blood of the sacrificial lamb on the doorposts ( Exodus 12:22 ). A sponge attached to a hyssop branch was used to give Jesus on the cross a drink of vinegar. Suggestions abound for the modern day correlation of biblical hyssop ranging from a wall plant like moss or fern, to widely used culinary herbs like thyme, rosemary or marjoram. Another suggestion is the caper plant which

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