Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a member of the Laminae mint plant family. They grow wild in many areas of the world including Mediterranean counties and Asia. The plants grow to approximately 60 cm tall with narrow leaves, and distinctive blue flowers in the summer.  This plant has been used for centuries in folklore to support relaxation* and skin health *, especially when used topically. There is a lot of confusion surrounding the differences between true hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) and Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum). One reason is that the flowers of both true hyssop and Anise hyssop look and taste quite similar, but they come from different roots. True Hyssop comes from Europe, while Anise is native to North America. True hyssop is the plant that has been utilized to support wellness* and is a better choice. To further complicate matters, another popular herb, Bacopa, is also often referred to as “water hyssop”.
 
St Hildegard of Bingen was a Benedictine Nun and master herbalist. She considered Hyssop  an extraordinary remedy containing powers that provide happiness *. She suggested that Hyssop was a wonderful addition to wine to alleviate melancholy*. She also suggested using a strong infusion (tea) made from hyssop as a topical applicant on the skin. *  Hyssop is included in many Biblical references, including Exodus 12: 22. Leviticus 14: 4, 6, 51, 52 Numbers 19: 6 I Kings 4: 33. It is the plant that was used to paint the doorways on Passover to keep away the angels of death. * Romans believed it was a strong protection.* There is also a tradition of  hanging dried hyssop on the front door to keep negativity at bay.*

The main components of hyssop oil include monoterpenes (cis-pinochamphone, trans-pinocamphone and beta-pinene) and sequiterpenes (germacrene and elemol). An analysis published in the Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin indicated that there are at least 20 compounds in hyssop oil. Apigenin 7-O-β-D-glucuronide was isolated as the major flavonoid, along with myrtenylacetate, camphor, germacrene and spathulenol.