Hyssopus officinalis or hyssop is a herbaceous plant of the genus Hyssopus native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region surrounding the Caspian Sea. Due to its properties as an antiseptic, cough reliever, and expectorant, it is commonly used as a medicinal plant.
In herbal medicine hyssop is believed to have soothing, expectorant, and cough suppressant properties. 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 Hyssop can stimulate the gastrointestinal system.
The fresh herb is commonly used in cooking. Za'atar is a famous Middle Eastern herbal mix which has dried Hyssop leaves as one of the main ingredients (sumac being the other). 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 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.
