"Purge me with hyssop," the Bible records, "and I will be clean." Hyssop has been used for millennia as a holy herb, consecrated for cleaning holy places. Its name comes from the Hebrew word adobe or ezob, which literally means "holy herb". Traditional uses of hyssop include providing respiratory support, including as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory.* It has also been valued for its ability to facilitate healthy digestion and soothe the upper digestive tract.*

Hyssop is an evergreen bushy herb growing 1 to 2 feet (60 to 90 cm) high on a square stem with linear leaves and flowers in whorls of 6 to 15 blooms. Native to southern Europe, it is grown in gardens in cooler climates around the world. Hyssop has a mint-like taste (which is understandable as it is part of the mint family) that makes it a tasty addition to salads, provided it is used in small quantities. It has been considered an aphrodisiac when combined with ginger, thyme, and pepper.* Hyssop has been hung in homes to provide protection from the evil eye, and from witches. It has also been planted frequently on graves as protection for the dead from the living.

Constituents of note: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, essential oil