This plant is an aromatic delight, with a sweet scent and warm bitter taste. Long used to flavor foods and in traditional folk medicine for it's antiseptic, cough relief and expectorant properties.

_{Photo by @krnel}

The scientific botanical name for the common species pictured here is Hyssopus officinalis. Other names include Herbe de Joseph, Herbe Sacrée, Herbe Sainte, Hiope, Hisopo, Hissopo, Hyssopus officinalis, Hysope, Jufa, Rabo De Gato, Ysop.

_{Photo by @krnel}

Key Points

• popular as a fragrance
• lost popularity in food in recent times
• used for digestive and cough relief
• native to Eurasia, naturalized to North America

History

The hyssop of the Bible, Hebrew ezov/esov, isn't the Hyssopus officinalis, that was used to cleanse lepers. That was probably Syrian oregano, "bible hyssop".

Where is it found?

Hyssopus officinalis is native to southern Europe, the Middle East and around the Caspian Sea. Early colonialists introduced it to North America. The herb is among the seeds brought by John Win­throp Jr. in 1631.

It can be found on old walls, buildings, stony places, rock ledges and dry hills.

What's it used for?

Above ground parts are used to make medicine, such as treating digestive and intestinal problems like intestinal pain, intestinal gas, colic, loss of appetite, and live and gallbladder conditions.

It's useful for respiratory problems like coughs, the common cold, respiratory infections, sore throat, and asthma. Some gargle it, use it in baths to cause sweating, on the skin for irritations, burns, bruises and frostbite.

Leaves and young shoot tops are edible raw, such as a flavoring in soups and salads. THe flavor is a cross between sage and mint. Hyssop oil and extract are used as a flavoring, and also as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.

Are there any risks?

The oil can cause seizures and cause convulsions in children. Pregnant women and those breast-feeding should avoid. It might cause the uterus to contact or start menstruating, leading to a miscarriage.

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References:

• Hyssopus officinalis
• HYSSOP
• Herb to Know: Hyssop
• Hyssopus officinalis - L.
• Hyssop

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Previous posts on Getting to Know Herbs:
Burdock | Catnip | Lavender | Yarrow | Marshmallow | Skullcap | Codonopsis (Poor Man's Ginseng) | Schisandra | Rhodiola | Canadian Goldenrod | German Chamomile | Blue Vervain | Blessed or Holy Thistle | Common Horehound | Cayenne | Ashwagandha | Gotu Kola | Common Verbana/Vervain | Holy Basil | Sweet Annie | Globe Artichoke | Butterfly Weed / Pleurisy Root | Joe-Pye Weed / Gravel Root | Valerian | Malva/Mallow | Boneset | Elecampane | Lungwort | Cramp Bark | Motherwort | Common Plantain | Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) | Black Cohosh | Common Bearberry | Mahonia Mountain Grape (Oregon Grape) | Blue Cohosh | Goldenseal

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