Description

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a perennial shrub-like evergreen in the Lamiaceae, or mint, family with lanceolate leaves and blue-purple flowers arranged on spikes. The name Hyssop comes from an ancient Greek word, azob, meaning ‘holy herb’. In its early history, priests would use Hyssop to cleanse and purify sacred spaces, partly because it was believed to be ordained by God in the Old Testament. In the book of Psalms it is written, Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Hyssop is actually mentioned four other times in the Bible, referring to purifying and healing. In addition to divine command, Hyssop would also have been an obvious choice for cleansing because its leaves have a delightful, minty fresh fragrance.

It was a common strewing herb throughout ancient times to ward off offensive odors, and is still popular today as a fragrance in perfumes, incense, potpourri and bouquets. The volatile oils in Hyssop that give it such a strong, pleasing scent are also believed to be responsible for its positive effects on digestion, and in helping to maintain clear, healthy sinuses and airways. Hyssop has a mildly bitter flavor with light floral notes that makes a lovely after-dinner or bedtime tea.