Hyssopus officinalis

Wisconsin State Herbarium
©Emmet J. Judziewicz- USDA @ PLANTS

Map of U.S. Hyssop Distribution -USDA @ PLANTS
http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/plant_profile.cgi?symbol=HYOF

Description

Hyssop belongs to the family Labiatae, and is a semi-evergreen, perennial shrub with opposite leaves and spikes of purple-blue, two-lipped, late-summer flowers (1). The flowers appear from July to October in groups of three to seven in the upper axils, and the fruit are brown nutlets (6). Hyssop has a woody base with linear leaves up to 1" long and can grow up to 2' tall (2). The stems are square, very branched, and covered in downy hair (6). Hyssop's aroma is similar to camphor or mint, and the flavor is a cross between rosemary and savory (7). Hyssop is a decorative and long-lasting herb that has been cultivated since ancient times for a variety of culinary, medicinal, and economical uses (4).

Geographic Location

Hyssop can be found growing anywhere from Mediterranean regions to central Asia, and also in the United States (2). The map shows in which states Hyssop can be found in the U.S. (8) The green states are where Hyssop can be found, and the white states are where they are not found.

Native Habitat

Hyssop is native to central and southern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, particularly Morocco, Algeria, Turkey, the Caucasus of Georgia, Iran to southern Siberia, and the Himalayas. (2,7)

USDA @ PLANTS 2002
http://seedlings.com/seeds/herbs/hyssop_50.shtml

Optimal Growing Conditions

Hyssop likes light, dry, rocky, limestone soil, but will grow in any light, well-drained soil (7). A pH of 5.0-7.5 is preferable, and sunny growing conditions are optimal; however, it will grow in partial shade (7).

Propagation is from seeds or by cuttings and root divisions (4). A few weeks before the last frost in late spring, Hyssop seeds should be planted outdoors (7). If sowed properly (1/2" deep), in two to three weeks seedlings usually emerge (7). Germination is very rapid (6). In the fall or spring each year, stems should be cut back to the ground to encourage new growth (7).

The Whole Herb - © Storey Publishing 2001 http://www.wholeherb.com/ID/HG190C.HTM

Economic Importance

The leaves of Hyssop have a slightly bitter, minty flavor and were used years ago in cooking to season vegetable dishes, casseroles, sauces, pickles, and meat dishes (7). However, they should be used sparingly due to the strong flavor (7). Leaves are also used as a garnish and sometimes in salads (4). The leaf is added to liquers, such as Bendictine and Chartreuse, and the oil is used in perfumes (1). Hyssop tea is a remedy for the common cold, and Hyssop essential oil is often purchased to cure respiratory problems, digestive disorders, and skin conditions (5,3). Also, fresh or dried flowers can be added to floral arrangements and incorporated into potpourris or laundry detergents (7,1).

Hyssop recipes to try at home

©Esoteric Oils 2001
http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/hyssop.htm

Ethnobotanical and Cultural Information

The genus name Hyssopus is a Greek name used by Hippocrates, taken from the Hebrew ezob, to mean "holy herb" (2). Hyssop was mentioned several times in the Old Testament for purification (2). In Psalm 51 of the Bible, Hyssop's cleansing abilities are referred to, "Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean" (7). According to Sicilian legend, Hyssop is used to ward off the evil eye and any evil magic (7). In European countries, young women used to press the leaves of hyssop in their prayer books so that the strong aroma would keep them awake during church services (7).

Infusions of hyssop oil are used to soothe colic, improve digestion, and eliminate flatulence (4). Internally, it is used to treat bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, congestion, coughs and illnesses in children, and externally it is used on cuts, burns, and bruises (2). It was once used for purifying temples and cleansing lepers because the leaves contain an antiseptic, antiviral oil (1). The oil is also used today to treat the Herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores (6).

Fascinating Facts

Hyssop is very attractive to honeybees and butterflies (2).
It is planted along with cabbage to distract cabbage butterflies (1).
It has the ability to stimulate menstruation and induce miscarriages when consumed in large doses. As a precaution, pregnant women should avoid handling it or consuming it (7).
Hyssop was introduced to Europe in the 10th century by the Benedictine monks (3).
In Southern Europe, Hyssop may be referred to locally as Issopo Celestino (1).
The going price for Hyssop essential oil is $8.25 for 0.5 oz (3).

http://www.butterflygarden.fsnet.co.uk.

Other interesting sites

http://www.sbherbals.com/0397HotM.html

http://www.viableherbalsolutions.com/singles/herbs/s856.htm

References: Articles, Books, Reference Materials, and the Web

1-Bremness L. 1994. Herbs. London: Dorling Kindersley Publishing. 304 p.

2-Brown D.1995. Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. New York: Dorling Kindersley Publishing. 424p.

3-Essential Oils. 2002 May 19. Esoteric Oils Ltd. home page.
          http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/hyssop.htm. Accessed 2002 Oct. 1.

4-Garden Guides. 2002. Garden Guides home page. http://www.gardenguides.com/herbs/hyssop.htm
          Accessed 2002 Oct. 1.

5-Grieve M. 1995. A Modern Herbal home page.
          http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/hyssop48.html. Accessed 2002 Oct. 1.

6-Haughton C.. 2001 Sept. 23. Purple Sage home page. http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/hyssop.htm.
          Accessed 2002 Oct. 1.

7-Ismant Peony Press. 2001. Ismant Associates home page. http://www.ismantassociates.com/Hyssop.htm
          Accessed 2002 Nov. 8.

8-[USDA] United States Department of Agriculture. 2001 Jun. USDA home page.
          http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/plant_profile.cgi?symbol=HYOF Accessed 2002 Nov. 8.

Created by: Courtney Ayers, December, 2002