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Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis

Description: A semi-evergreen shrub with dense small spikes of flowers. Used for hundreds of years for medicinal and culinary purposes. Considered a sacred plant by the Hebrews and revered for its cleansing properties by the Greeks and Romans.

Family: Lamiaceae

Synonyms: none known

Origin: Mediterranean regions; Central and South Europe, Central and West Asia, North Africa

Parts Used: dried leaves, stems and flowers

Aroma Description: warm, powerful, slightly sharp, sweet, camphoraceous, spicy, herbaceous

Emotional Attributes: cleansing/purifying

Cosmetic Uses: perfumery, aromatherapy

Culinary Uses: used to flavor soups, salads, legumes and meat dishes. Dried herb is used to make teas. Oil is used to flavor bitters and liqueurs, such as Chartreuse.

Medicinal Attributes: astringent, expectorant, anti-inflammatory. Used to treat bronchitis, respiratory and urinary tract infections and congestion, feverish illnesses, gas, colic, nervous exhaustion, cuts bruises, etc.

Element Association: Fire

Magical Associations: protection, prosperity

Astrological Association: Sagittarius

Planetary Association: Jupiter

Season: Summer, Autumn

Aromatic Note: Middle note

Essential Oil: Yes, steam distilled - subject to legal restrictions in some countries.

Mixes Well With: bay laurel, cedar, lavender, rosemary, sage-desert, sage-white, etc.

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