Hyssop herb (Hyssopus officinalis) is a wonderful ancient herb. Recognized not only for its ability to heal but for its protective and purification properties as well. It has been used for medicinal, culinary, and decorative purposes since biblical times.
Its name is said to originate from the Greek ‘ezov’ and/or Hebrew ‘azob’ both essentially meaning ‘holy herb’ and was widely used for purifying and cleansing sacred places and objects.
Hyssop meaning, a herb related to the Lamiaceae or mint family, is a beautiful addition to any garden. It is a perennial, almost evergreen, bushy shrub that grows up to 60 cm high, and has woody stems, small spike-like leaves, and purplish-blue flowers.
Native to the Mediterranean and Asia it is now grown throughout the world. There are four main sub-species of hyssop, but Hyssopus officinalis is the main essential oil-producing variety.
What is hyssop used for?
Hyssop herb can be used fresh, dried or distilled as an essential oil. The flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant can all be utilized, depending on their intended use. It can be made into salves, tinctures, balms, bouquets, incense, diffusers, infusions, massage and bath oils, body lotions and creams, and anointing oil.
Hyssop has a long history of use as an expectorant in respiratory conditions and for improving digestion. It has also been used in eye drops and mouthwash and used externally to treat cuts, bruises, earaches, toothaches, and muscular pains.
Hyssop meaning. The ancient Romans used Hyssop prepared as a medicated wine, to guard against the plague. Hyssop tea infusion and tincture were used to treat jaundice. Native Indians used Hyssop to heal wounds, and bruises, and relieve muscular pains.
The Celts used it as a poultice to treat cuts and wounds. During the Middle Ages, a decoction was used to bring relief against the symptoms of lung and upper respiratory problems like the common cold, bronchitis, and asthma.
Although it is still grown and cultivated throughout the world, its use is not as widespread as it once was. It has a fresh, intense, spicy, almost camphor-like herbaceous aroma and is still used as a fragrance for cosmetics, skincare, perfumes, flavour sauces and seasonings, and alcoholic beverages such as chartreuse.
A quick and easy Hyssop bath recipe to aid relief from fatigue, anxiety, and/or viral and respiratory infections, add 3 drops of Hyssop essential oil to your bath. Bathing prior to bedtime is also said to encourage a peaceful night’s sleep, assist with mental clarity, soothe sore muscles, and calm nerves.
To reduce swelling, inflammation and rheumatic pain, add 3 drops of Hyssop essential oil to a carrier oil and gently massage onto the afflicted area. Massaging your stomach is said to assist with flatulence and indigestion. Massaging your feet can help treat fevers.
Hyssop Spiritual Meaning
Hyssop is still highly regarded in herbal remedies, rituals, and spells and is a must for the Green Witch and Herbalist due to its ancient and sacred origins. It is still widely used for purification purposes while providing protection from negative energies to people, tools, and consecrated spaces.
It is a classic Voodoo ingredient, particularly for a house blessing, house dressing, and uncrossing as it brings luck and blessing and protects from evil spirits. Growing Hyssop provides protection and allows positive energy to flow throughout your garden and, as an added bonus, bees and butterflies love it too.
Hyssop spiritual meaning. Like ancient times, Hyssop is still today widely renowned for its purification and protective purposes and one of the more popular uses of Hyssop is a spiritual bath.
Make a sachet of dried and fresh herbs and add to the running water of your bath. Anoint a white candle with hyssop oil and burn the candle as you soak in the cleansing and purifying properties of the herbal bath. The hyssop bath, a personal ritual, is said to remove sin and negativity in your life.
Hyssop Spiritual Spells: To dispel negativity and deflect any unwanted energy from entering your home, hang a bouquet at the front door. Display dried leaves anywhere you wish to provide extra protection, such as in a car, bedroom or workplace. Combine other purifying and cleansing herbs such as White Sage and Rosemary to smudge and clear unwanted energies, bringing peace throughout your home.
Make an infusion of Hyssop and water to spray on people in need of purification. Sprinkle over magickal tools and objects to cleanse, particularly before ritual work. Add to a charm bag and pin it to the inside of your clothes, or carry it in your pocket to provide protection from negative energies. © Sentient Metaphysics