Hyssop Products
Hyssop is another traditional herb that’s been used both medicinally and in gardens in the UK since at least the 13th century. In Southern Europe it has been used since antiquity with heavy references to its use seen in the Bible. Indigo herbs brings you a completely pure premium quality Hyssop Leaf Tea and Hyssop Tincture which can be used as a traditional defence against ailments of the throat.
The name Hyssop comes from the Greek Hyssopos and the Hebrew azob or esob meaning ‘holy herb’. Even though this last reference suggests that Hyssop was used in the Middle East it is thought that the Biblical references are referring to a completely different herb. Much of the debate centres on the plant description in the Bible being completely different to how common hyssop looks. What is known is that Hyssop was used with thyme, mint and marjoram, rapped into a wand, dipped in water or vinegar and used to purify a person.
It is thought that Hyssop reached the UK around 1200 CE, although there are other suggestions that it could have been brought by the Romans. There are references made by Gerard in his Historie of Plants and others that suggest that Hyssop was very well known as a medicinal herb. Perhaps because of its reference in the Bible it was also used as a ward against evil.
Common Hyssop is evergreen, perennial with woody stems and can reach heights of around 60cm. The leaves are long, thin and blade like. There are several varieties that result in spears of flowers of either blue, purple, white or pink blooms.
