Hyssopus officinalis

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Hyssop
Illustration Hyssopus officinalis0.jpg
1885 illustration [1]
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Hyssopus
Species:
H. officinalis
Binomial name
Hyssopus officinalis
L.
Synonyms [2]
  • Hyssopus alopecuroidesFisch. ex Benth.
  • Hyssopus altissimusMill.
  • Hyssopus angustifoliusM.Bieb.
  • Hyssopus aristatusGodr.
  • Hyssopus beugesiacusJord. & Fourr.
  • Hyssopus canescens(DC.) Nyman nom. inval.
  • Hyssopus caucasicusSpreng. ex Steud.
  • Hyssopus cinerascensJord. & Fourr.
  • Hyssopus cinereusPau
  • Hyssopus cretaceusDubj.
  • Hyssopus decumbensJord. & Fourr.
  • Hyssopus fischeriSteud.
  • Hyssopus hirsutusHill
  • Hyssopus judaeorumSennen
  • Hyssopus montanusJord. & Fourr.
  • Hyssopus myrtifoliusDesf.
  • Hyssopus orientalisAdam ex Willd.
  • Hyssopus passionisSennen & Elias
  • Hyssopus polycladusJord. & Fourr.
  • Hyssopus pubescensJord. & Fourr.
  • Hyssopus recticaulisJord. & Fourr.
  • Hyssopus ruberMill.
  • Hyssopus schleicheriG.Don ex Loudon
  • Hyssopus torresiiSennen
  • Hyssopus vulgarisBubani
  • Thymus hyssopusE.H.L.Krause

Hyssopus officinalis or hyssop is a shrub in the Lamiaceae or mint family native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region surrounding the Caspian Sea. Due to its purported properties as an antiseptic, cough reliever, and expectorant, it has been used in traditional herbal medicine.

Contents

Description

Hyssop is a brightly coloured shrub or subshrub that ranges from 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) in height. The stem is woody at the base, from which grow a number of upright branches. Its leaves are lanceolate, 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, white fragrant (ssp. f. albus) flowers. These give rise to small oblong tetra-achenes.

History

A plant called hyssop has been in use since classical antiquity. Its name is a direct adaptation from the Greek ὕσσωπος (hyssopos). The Hebrew word אזוב ( ezov , esov, or esob) and the Greek word ὕσσωπος probably share a common (but unknown) origin. [4] The name hyssop appears as a translation of ezov in some translations of the Bible, notably in Psalms 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, including Origanum 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 the red 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 the caper plant which is known to grow in the rocky soils of the region and along walls. [9]

Hyssop was also used for purgation (religious purification) in Egypt, where, according to Chaeremon 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]

Cultivation

Hyssop is resistant to drought, and tolerant of chalky, sandy soils. It thrives in full sun and warm climates.

Cultivars include 'Blue Flower'.

Harvest

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 in order to collect the flowering tips.

Once the stalks are cut, they are collected and dried either stacked on pallets to allow for draining 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 and oxidation. 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.

Essential oil

The essential oil includes the chemicals thujone and phenol, which give it antiseptic properties. [13] Its high concentrations of thujone and chemicals that stimulate the central nervous system, including pinocamphone and cineole, can provoke epileptic reactions. [14] The oil of hyssop can cause seizures and even low doses (2–3 drops) can cause convulsions in children. [15]

Uses

Culinary

The fresh herb is commonly used in cooking. 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 by beekeepers to produce nectar from which western honey bees make a rich and aromatic honey.

Herb hyssop leaves are used as an aromatic condiment. The leaves have a lightly bitter taste due to its tannins, and an intense minty aroma. Due to its intensity, it is used moderately in cooking. The herb is also used to flavor liqueur, and is part of the official formulation of Chartreuse. It is also a key ingredient in many formulations of absinthe, where it is the main source of the green colour.

Herbal medicine

In herbal medicine hyssop is believed to have soothing, expectorant, and cough suppressant properties. [16] Hyssop has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in order to increase circulation and to treat multiple conditions such as coughing and sore throat. [17] Hyssop can stimulate the gastrointestinal system. [18]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marjoram</span> Perennial herb

Marjoram is a cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavours. In some Middle Eastern countries, marjoram is synonymous with oregano, and there the names sweet marjoram and knotted marjoram are used to distinguish it from other plants of the genus Origanum. It is also called pot marjoram, although this name is also used for other cultivated species of Origanum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oregano</span> Species of flowering plant

Oregano is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It was native to the Mediterranean region, but widely naturalised elsewhere in the temperate Northern Hemisphere.

<i>Hyssopus</i> (plant) Genus of flowering plants in the mint and sage family Lamiaceae

Hyssopus (hyssop) is a genus of herbaceous or semi-woody plants in the family Lamiaceae, native from the east Mediterranean to central Asia as far east as Mongolia. They are aromatic, with erect branched stems up to 60 cm long covered with fine hairs at the tips. The leaves are narrow oblong, 2–5 cm long. The small blue flowers are borne on the upper part of the branches during summer. By far the best-known species is the herb hyssop, widely cultivated outside its native area in the Mediterranean.

<i>Salvia officinalis</i> Species of plant

Salvia officinalis, the common sage or sage, is a perennial, evergreen subshrub, with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae and native to the Mediterranean region, though it has been naturalized in many places throughout the world. It has a long history of medicinal and culinary use, and in modern times it has been used as an ornamental garden plant. The common name "sage" is also used for closely related species and cultivars.

<i>Artemisia absinthium</i> Species of plant

Artemisia absinthium, otherwise known as common wormwood, is a species of Artemisia native to North Africa and temperate regions of Eurasia, and widely naturalized in Canada and the northern United States. It is grown as an ornamental plant and is used as an ingredient in the spirit absinthe and some other alcoholic beverages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Za'atar</span> Levantine herb or herb blend

Za'atar is a culinary herb or family of herbs. It is also the name of a spice mixture that includes the herb along with toasted sesame seeds, dried sumac, often salt, as well as other spices. As a family of related Levantine herbs, it contains plants from the genera Origanum (oregano), Calamintha, Thymus, and Satureja (savory) plants. The name za'atar alone most properly applies to Origanum syriacum, considered in biblical scholarship to be the ezov of the Hebrew Bible, often translated as hyssop but distinct from modern Hyssopus officinalis.

<i>Origanum</i> Genus of flowering plants

Origanum is a genus of herbaceous perennials and subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae, native to Europe, North Africa, and much of temperate Asia, where they are found in open or mountainous habitats. A few species also naturalized in scattered locations in North America and other regions.

<i>Tanacetum balsamita</i> Species of herb

Tanacetum balsamita is a perennial temperate herb known as costmary, alecost, balsam herb, bible leaf, or mint geranium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ezov</span> Plant mentioned in the Bible

Ezov is the Classical Hebrew name of a plant mentioned in the Bible in the context of religious rituals. In some English-language Bibles, the word is transliterated as ezob.

<i>Origanum syriacum</i> Species of flowering plant

Origanum syriacum; syn. Majorana syriaca, bible hyssop, Biblical-hyssop, Lebanese oregano or Syrian oregano, is an aromatic perennial herb in the mint family, Lamiaceae.

<i>Officinalis</i>

Officinalis, or officinale, is a Medieval Latin epithet denoting organisms—mainly plants—with uses in medicine, herbalism and cookery. It commonly occurs as a specific epithet, the second term of a two-part botanical name. Officinalis is used to modify masculine and feminine nouns, while officinale is used for neuter nouns.

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to herbs and spices:

<i>Polygala senega</i> Species of flowering plant

Polygala senega is a species of flowering plant in the milkwort family, Polygalaceae. It is native to North America, where it is distributed in southern Canada and the central and eastern United States. Its common names include Seneca snakeroot, senega snakeroot, senegaroot, rattlesnake root, and mountain flax. Its species name honors the Seneca people, a Native American group who used the plant to treat snakebite.

<i>Origanum libanoticum</i> Species of plant in the family Lamiaceae

Origanum libanoticum is a species of herbaceous flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to the mountains of Lebanon and Syria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spice use in antiquity</span>

The history of spices reach back thousands of years, dating back to the 8th century B.C. Spices are widely known to be developed and discovered in Asian civilizations. Spices have been used in a variety of antique developments for their unique qualities. There were a variety of spices that were used for common purposes across the ancient world. Different spices hold a value that can create a variety of products designed to enhance or suppress certain taste and/or sensations. Spices were also associated with certain rituals to perpetuate a superstition or fulfill a religious obligation, among other things.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nathan ben Abraham I</span> 11th century commentator on the Mishnah

Nathan ben Abraham, known also by the epithet President of the Academy in the Land of Israel, was an 11th-century rabbi and exegete of the Mishnah who lived in Ramla, in the Jund Filastin district of the Fatimid Caliphate. He was the author of the first known commentary covering the entire Mishnah.

<i>Satureja thymbra</i> Species of plant

Satureja thymbra, commonly known as savory of Crete, whorled savory, pink savory, and Roman hyssop, is a perennial-green dwarf shrub of the family Lamiaceae, having strongly scented leaves, endemic to Libya, southeastern Europe from Sardinia to Turkey; Cyprus, Lebanon and Israel (Palestine). The plant is noted for its dark-green leaves which grow on numerous, closely compacted branches, reaching a height of 20–50 cm. The plant bears pink to purple flowers that blossom between March and June.

References

  1. ↑ Prof. Dr. Otto Wilhelm Thomé, Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz 1885, Gera, Germany
  2. ↑ "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species" . Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  3. ↑ Pérez Maté, P. (2002). Especies aromáticas y medicinales (in Spanish). Buenos Aires: INTA. .
  4. ↑ Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd Edition, 1989, s.v. hyssop
  5. ↑ Based on the Judeo-Arabic translation of the word in the works of Rabbi Saadia Gaon (in his Tafsir, a translation of the Pentateuch, Exodus 12:22), David ben Abraham al-Fasi (in his Hebrew–Arabic Dictionary of the Bible, known as `Kitāb Jāmiʿ al-Alfāẓ`, vol. 1, s.v. אזוב), Rabbi Jonah ibn Janah (Sefer HaShorashim – Book of the Roots, s.v. אזב – aleph, zayn, bet), Maimonides (in his Mishnah Commentary, Nega'im 14:6) and Nathan ben Abraham I in Mishnah Uktzin 2:2. The problems with identification arise from Jewish oral tradition where it expressly prohibits Greek hyssop, and where the biblical plant is said to have been identical to the Arabic word, zaatar (Origanum syriacum), and which word is not to be associated with other ezobs that often bear an additional epithet, such as zaatar farsi = Persian-hyssop (Thymbra capitata) and zaatar rumi = Roman-hyssop (Satureja thymbra). See: The Mishnah (ed. Herbert Danby), Oxford University Press: Oxford 1977, s.v. Negai'im 14:6 (p. 696); Parah 11:7 [10:7] (p. 711).
  6. ↑ Fleisher, A.; Fleisher, Z. (1988). "Identification of biblical hyssop and origin of the traditional use of oregano-group herbs in the Mediterranean region". Economic Botany. 42 (2): 232–241. doi:10.1007/bf02858924. S2CID   45220405.
  7. ↑ R. K. Harrison (1954). "The Biblical Problem of Hyssop" (PDF). The Evangelical Quarterly. 26 (4): 218–224. doi:10.1163/27725472-02604004. S2CID   256487464. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-31. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
  8. ↑ "Origanum syriacum Bible Hyssop PFAF Plant Database". pfaf.org.
  9. 1 2 Balfour, John Hutton (1866). The plants of the Bible, trees and shrubs. p.  34 . Retrieved 27 August 2019.
  10. ↑ "HYSSOP - JewishEncyclopedia.com". www.jewishencyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2016-05-28.
  11. ↑ John 19:29
  12. ↑ From Chaeremon's History of Egypt, as quoted by Porphyry, De Abstinentia IV.6.9.
  13. ↑ van Wyk, Ben-Erik; Wink, Michael (2004). Medicinal Plants of the World (1 ed.). Timber Press, Incorporated. ISBN   978-0-88192-602-6., p 177.
  14. ↑ Pierre R. Burkhard; Karim Burkhardt; Charles-Antoine Haenggeli; Theodor Landis (1999). "Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem". J Neurol. 246 (8): 667–670. doi:10.1007/s004150050429. PMID   10460442. S2CID   20996610.
  15. ↑ Hyssop, WebMD
  16. ↑ Grieve, M. "Hyssop: A Modern Herbal". Botanical.com.
  17. ↑ "Hyssop". livertox.nih.gov.
  18. ↑ Crellin, John; Philpott, Jane (1997). A Reference Guide to Medicinal Plants: Herbal Medicine Past and Present. Duke University Press. ISBN   978-0-8223-1019-8.
  19. ↑ Marcin Latka. "Portrait of Christoph von Suchten". artinpl. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
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