Botanical Name: Hyssopus officinalis

Common Name:

English: Hyssop
Ayurvedic: Dayaa-kunji
Unani: Zuufaa, Zuufaa Yaabis.
Also, known as: Diyaanku, Ysop, Hisopo, Ush-naz-daoud, Curdukotu, Hastipippili, yanagi-hakka , Jupha, Zupho, Isop, Hysope, Issopo, and Jufa

Habitat: Europe and temperate Asia

Origin: Hungary

Harvested: Wild or cultivated

Parts Used: Enire plant

General Information:

Hyssopus officinalis, is an aromatic, semi-evergreen, erect perennial shrub, grows up to two feet tall, somewhat wooded at the base, with thin, square stems. Leaves are small, oblong, opposite, narrow, stalkless, toothed, aromatic, and shiny dark green up to an inch long. Flowers are fragrant, two-lipped, tubular, purple-blue small or bright blue and sometimes pale blue, violet, purple or white with protruding stamens bloom in whorls on long dense terminal spikes in mid to late summer.

Hyssop is well known as a culinary herb and ornamental garden plant, commonly seen in herb gardens. Flowers and plant oils have a long history of culinary and folk medicine uses. Leafy stems are hand-harvested twice a year. The herb is used fresh or dried. Hyssop has been described as a unique and versatile culinary herb when used in small amounts. The taste is intensely minty, spicy and floral, with a pleasant bitterness. The fresh young leaves and flowers have been and still are used in cooking to flavor such things like salads, soups, sauces and meat dishes.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Hyssop Herb Cut