View source for Hyssop

:''[[Hyssopus (animal)|Hyssopus]] can also refer to a genus of [[Hymenoptera]]n [[insect]]s of the family [[Eulophidae]].''
:''For the biblical plant usually translated as '''hyssop''', see [[Ezob]]''.

{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Hyssop
| image = Hyssopus officinalis.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = Herb Hyssop ''Hyssopus officinalis''
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Lamiales]]
| familia = [[Lamiaceae]]
| genus = ''Hyssopus''
| genus_authority = L.
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision = See text
}}

'''Hyssop''' (''Hyssopus'') is a genus of about 10-12 species of [[herbaceous]] or [[subshrub|semi-woody]] plants in the family [[Lamiaceae]], native from the [[Mediterranean]] east to central [[Asia]]. They are [[Aroma compound|aromatic]], with erect branched stems up to 60 cm long covered with fine hairs at the tips. The [[Leaf|leaves]] are narrow oblong, 2-5 cm long. The small blue [[flower]]s are borne on the upper part of the branches during summer. By far the best-known species is the '''Herb Hyssop''' (''H. officinalis''), widely cultivated outside its native area in the Mediterranean.

;Species
{|
|- valign=top
|
*''[[Hyssopus ambiguus]]'' ([[Ernst Rudolf von Trautvetter|Trautv.]]) Iljin
*''[[Hyssopus cretaceus]]'' Dubjan.
*''[[Hyssopus cuspidatus]]'' [[Antonina Georgievna Borissova|Boriss.]]
*''[[Hyssopus ferganensis]]'' Boriss.
*''[[Hyssopus latilabiatus]]'' C.Y.Wu & H.W.Li
*''[[Hyssopus lophanthoides]]'' [[Francis Buchanan-Hamilton|Buch.-Ham.]] ex [[David Don|D.Don]]
|
*''[[Hyssopus macranthus]]'' Boriss.
*''[[Hyssopus ocymifolius]]'' [[Jean-Baptiste Lamarck|Lam.]]
*''[[Hyssopus officinalis]]'' [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
*''[[Hyssopus seravschanicus]]'' (Dub.) Pazij
*''[[Hyssopus tianschanicus]]'' Boriss.
|}

=== Cultivation and uses===
[[Image:Illustration Hyssopus officinalis0.jpg|left|thumb|19th century illustration of ''H. officinalis'']]
The name 'hyssop' can be traced back almost unchanged through the [[Greek language|Greek]] ''hyssopos''. In the New Testament, a sponge soaked in sour wine or vinegar was stuck on a branch of hyssop and offered to Jesus of Nazareth on the cross just before he died<ref>{{bibleref|John|19:29}}</ref> (which may indicate that the cross was not as high as sometimes portrayed). Both Matthew and Mark mention the occasion but refer to the plant using the general term "kalamos", which is translated as "reed" or "stick". Its purgative properties are mentioned in book of [[psalms]]. <ref>{{bibleref|Psalms|51:7}}</ref>

Traditionally, hyssop has been used as a [[strewing herb]], and many of its historical healing properties that had been previously dismissed as [[superstition]] are once again being acknowledged. 

The seeds are sown in [[spring (season)|spring]] and the seedlings planted out 40-50 cm apart. Hyssop can also be [[plant propagation|propagated]] from [[heel cutting]]s or [[root division]] in spring or [[autumn]]. Hyssop should be grown in full sun on well drained soil, and will benefit from occasional clipping. It is short-lived, and the plants will need to be replaced every few years. Ideal for use as a low hedge or border within the [[herb garden]].

Hyssop is used as a food plant by the [[larva]]e of some [[Lepidoptera]] species including [[Cabbage Moth]].

Hyssop leaves have a slightly bitter minty flavour and can be added to soups, salads
or meats, although should be used sparingly as the flavour is very strong. Hyssop also has medicinal properties which are listed as including [[expectorant]], [[carminative]], relaxes peripheral blood vessels, promotes sweating, [[anti-inflammatory]], [[anti-catarrhal]], [[antispasmodic]]. Its active constituents are volatile oil, [[flavonoid]]s, [[tannin]]s and bitter substance ([[marrubin]]).
A strong tea made from the leaves and flowering tops is used in lung, nose and throat congestion and catarrhal complaints, and externally it can be applied to bruises, to reduce the swelling and discolouration. An old English country remedy for cuts and wounds suffered while working in the fields was to apply a poultice of bruised hyssop leaves and sugar in order to reduce the risk of [[tetanus]] infection. An [[essential oil]] made from hyssop is belived to increase alertness and is a gently relaxing nerve tonic suitable for treating nervous exhaustion, overwork, anxiety and depression. The Herb Society's "Complete Medicinal Herbal" cautions however that "the essential oil contains the [[ketone]] [[pino-camphone]] which in high doses can cause convulsions. Do not take more than the recommended dose."

Hyssop also has uses in the garden, it is said to be a good [[companion planting|companion plant]] to [[cabbage]], partly because it will lure away the [[Cabbage White]] [[butterfly]], and according to Dorothy Hall (''The Book Of Herbs'', Pan 1972) has also "been found to improve the yield from [[grape]]vines if planted along the rows, particularly if the terrain is rocky or sandy, and the soil is not as easy to work as it might be". However hyssop is said to be antagonistic to [[radish]]es, and they should not be grown nearby. Hyssop also attracts [[bee]]s, [[hoverfly|hoverflies]] and [[butterfly|butterflies]], thus has a place in the [[wild garden]] as well as being useful in controlling [[pest (animal)|pest]]s and encouraging [[pollination]] without the use of unnatural methods. Hyssop is also used as an ingredient in [[eau de Cologne]], and in the liqueur [[Chartreuse (liqueur)|Chartreuse]].

Hyssop leaves can be preserved by drying. They should be harvested on
a dry day at the peak of their maturity and the concentration of active ingredients is highest. They should be dried quickly, away from bright sunlight in order to preserve their aromatic ingredients and prevent oxidation of other chemicals. Good air circulation is required, such as an airing cupboard with the door left open, or a sunny room, aiming for a temperature of 20-32°C. Hyssop leaves should dry out in about six days, any longer and they will begin to discolour and lose their flavour. The dried leaves are stored in clean, dry, labelled airtight containers, and will keep for 12-18 months.

== See also ==
*Genus [[Agastache]], commonly known as '''Giant Hyssop'''
*[[Za'atar]]

==References==
<references/>

{{Herbs & spices}}

[[Category:Lamiaceae]]
[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]