| Hyssop | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 1885 illustration[1] | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Hyssopus |
| Species: | H. officinalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Hyssopus officinalis | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Hyssopus officinalis orhyssop is ashrub in theLamiaceae or mint family native to SouthernEurope, theMiddle East, and the region surrounding theCaspian Sea. Due to its purported properties as anantiseptic,cough reliever, andexpectorant, it has been used intraditional herbal medicine.
Hyssop is a brightly coloured shrub orsubshrub that ranges from 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) in height. Thestem iswoody at the base, from which grow a number of upright branches. Itsleaves arelanceolate, dark green, and from 2 to 2.5 cm (3⁄4 to 1 in) long.[3]
During the summer, hyssop produces pink, blue (ssp. aristadus), or, more rarely, whitefragrant (ssp. f. albus)flowers. These give rise to small oblong tetra-achenes.
A plant called hyssop has been in use sinceclassical antiquity. Its name is a direct adaptation from theGreek ὕσσωπος (hyssopos). The Hebrew word אזוב (ezov,esov, oresob) and the Greek word ὕσσωπος probably share a common (but unknown) origin.[4] The name hyssop appears as a translation ofezov in some translations of the Bible, notably inPsalms 51:7: "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean", but researchers have suggested that the Biblical accounts refer not to the plant currently known as hyssop but rather to one of a number of different herbs, includingOriganum syriacum (Syrian oregano, commonly referred to as "bible hyssop").[5][6][7][8]1 Kings 4:33 mentions that 'ezov' was a small plant and some scholars believe it was a wall plant.[9] It was burned with thered 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 was used to sprinkle the blood of the sacrificial lamb on the doorposts (Exodus 12:22).[10] A sponge attached to a hyssop branch was used to give Jesus on the cross a drink of vinegar.[11]
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 thecaper plant which is known to grow in the rocky soils of the region and along walls.[9]
Hyssop was also used forpurgation (religious purification) in Egypt, where, according toChaeremon 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.[12]
Hyssop is resistant todrought, and tolerant of chalky, sandy soils. It thrives in full sun and warm climates.
Cultivars include 'Blue Flower'.
Under optimal weather conditions, herb hyssop 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, to collect the flowering tips.
Once the stalks are cut, they are collected anddried, either stacked onpallets to allow fordraining 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 the sun to prevent discoloration andoxidation. 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.[citation needed]
Theessential oil includes the chemicalsthujone andphenol, which give it antiseptic properties.[13] Its high concentrations of thujone and chemicals that stimulate thecentral nervous system, includingpinocamphone andcineole, can provokeepileptic reactions.[14] The oil of hyssop can cause seizures and even low doses (2–3 drops) can cause convulsions in children.[15]
The fresh herb is commonly used incooking.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 is used in cooking to a lesser extent.
The plant is commonly used bybeekeepers to produce nectar from whichwestern honey bees make a rich and aromatichoney.
Herb hyssop leaves are used as an aromatic condiment. The leaves have a lightly bitter taste due to itstannins, and an intenseminty aroma. Due to its intensity, it is used moderately in cooking. The herb is also used to flavorliqueur, and is part of the official formulation ofChartreuse. It is also a key ingredient in many formulations ofabsinthe, where it is the main source of the green colour.
Inherbal medicine hyssop is believed to have soothing, expectorant, andcough suppressant properties.[16] Hyssop has been used for centuries intraditional medicine in order to increase circulation and to treat multiple conditions such as coughing and sore throat.[17] Hyssop can stimulate thegastrointestinal system.[18]
Media related toHyssopus officinalis at Wikimedia Commons
Data related toHyssopus officinalis at Wikispecies