Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is one of the most ancient herbs, used in folk medicine, cuisine, chemistry, magic and spirituality. Hyssop is native to the regions from the east Mediterranean to central Asia and Mongolia and naturalized throughout the world.
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Among the best known species is herb hyssop (H. officinalis), introduced with great success outside its indigenous area. Hyssop is edible, related to the mint plant. It forms spikes of white, pink or purple toned flowers.
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Along with yarrow, juniper, oregano, sage and rosemary, in magic and spiritual use hyssop has mild psychoactive properties. The narrow leafy stem is studded with purple or blue florets, favorites of bees and butterflies.
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Hyssop is related to mint, sage, thyme, lavender and rosemary, all of whom have aromatic and medicinal benefits. Taste ranges from minty to licorice, as in the anise hyssop. Leaves and flowers of hyssop are used to flavor soup, salad, stew and mixed greens.
In magic and nature lore, hyssop is a plant of cleansing and healing. It can be used to banish evil spirits. Protect a home by hanging a bunch over the door. In Christianity hyssop plays a strong spiritual role. The plant symbolizes a chance to be washed clean of sin.
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Hyssop can be ingested as tea or in food, or used as a cleansing smudge to banish interference energies. In aromatherapy it clears the mind. This plant opens the third eye chakra, located between the eyebrows.
The third eye chakra relates to memory, imagination, daydreams or fantasy, images, archetypes, intuition and awareness. The third eye chakra is a guiding force of meaning and psychic awareness.
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It's not recommended to take hyssop if pregnant or nursing. As a medicine hyssop can be used to treat:
throat problems
common cold
lung ailments
lethargy
flatulence
phlegm accumulation
nervous disorders
toothache
digestive problems
uterine, urinary infections or ailments
asthma
colic
roundworms
Hyssop helps balance intellect and intuition. It can give confidence and help resist overthinking or over-analyzing a situation. It relates to the sixth sense and gut feelings. It's considered to facilitate contact with the dead.
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Hyssop repels cabbage moths and flea beetles. It's a hermaphrodite plant with both male and female sex organs. Apollo himself is a bi-sexual god. As a hermaphrodite hyssop relates to primordial rhythms and hermaphrodite gods who self-form at the time of creation.
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Hyssop attracts creatures of the sun such as hummingbirds, butterflies and honeybees. Honey of hyssop is rich and fragrant. In mythology hyssop relates to Greek and Roman Sun God Apollo and Asclepius, Greco-Roman God of Medicine.
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Hyssop is a plant of Asclepius, a half-mortal son of Apollo taught medicine by the centaur Chiron. His healing powers strengthen until he can resurrect the dead. Hades, God of the Underworld, complains to Zeus, king of the Olympian Gods.
After some thought Zeus concludes Asclepius has too much power as a healer. Fearing Asclepius will close the gap between humans and Gods, Zeus kills him with a thunderbolt. After his death, Asclepius becomes a divine judge.
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Chemicals thujone and phenol are active in hyssop essential oil and give it antiseptic properties. Components such as pinocamphone and cineole can stimulate nervous system but may provoke epileptic seizures. Two to three drops can cause convulsions in children.
Hyssop is part of the recipe for Chartreuse, a strong pungent green liquor whose name is used for the color bright glowing green. It's also a primary component in absinthe.
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Hyssop is resistant to drought, and tolerant of chalky, sandy soils. It loves full sun and warm climates. Hyssop is considered to give magical protection against the evil eye.
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