Apothecary Mama Teaching on Hyssop ~ A Plant of the Bible

HYSSOPAnd God said, Behold, I have given you
every herb bearing seed, which is
upon the face of all the earth, and
every tree, in the which is the fruit of a
tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for
meat.
Genesis 1:29

© 2014 ~ Cynthia Hillson
Precious Oils Up On The Hill®
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ~ WORLDWIDE
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Hyssop
A Plant of the Bible
Total KJV Occurrences: 10
Exo_12:22, Lev_14:4, Lev_14:6, Lev_14:49, Lev_14:51-52 (2), Num_19:6, Num_19:18, 1Ki_4:33, Psa_51:7
The Precious Oils & Plants of the Bible:
Ancient Secrets ~ Modern Uses
by Apothecary Cynthia Hillson

The Hebrew Word Picture for Ezob ~ Hyssop link
can be found at the end of this presentation.

© Precious Oils Up On The Hill® ~ Apothecary Cynthia Hillson
Hyssop
Strong’s Word H231
'êzôb (ay-zobe‘)
Probably of foreign derivation; hyssop: - hyssop.
5

Etymology: The name “hyssop” comes from the
Greek word ὕσσωπος “hussopos” and the Hebrew
word “ezob”, both mean “the holy herb”, thus
describing its use in the Bible as a plant that is
associated with holiness, cleanliness and purity in
sacred places, and people. With the Arabic word
“zūfā” there clearly isn’t any practical identification
of what the plant really was.

Etymology: Officina, a noun, is a Medieval Latin
word derived from the noun opificina that was
later shortened to officina. It referred originally to
a workshop, later to a monastic storeroom, then
to an herb store and finally to a pharmacy. The
adjective, officinalis, in all of its declined forms is
used in botanical Latin to mean “used in
medicine” in the sense of used in the practice of
medicine. Officinalis, officinale, officinarum, all adjectives, are the
same word with different endings and they all mean used in medicine.

Hyssop is the most puzzling of all plants named in
the Bible. Much has been written about hyssop but
the disagreement to the real plant continues, even
to this day. Celsius wrote about 18 different plants
that possibly could be hyssop ~ it only took 42 pages
for him to explore which plants that could have
been hyssop, and that was in 1745.
Celsius, O. Hierobotanicon, sive de plantis sacrae scripturae dissertationes breves
2 volumes 1188 pages Upsala 1745 & 1747

One theory is that the hyssop of the Old Testament
readers and non-botanical writers as well as Linnaeus,
who named hyssop officinalis L., is the common garden
herb we know today as “hyssop”.
The problem with this plant is that it isn’t native to the
Holy Land, or Egypt; only to Europe. The plant doesn’t
fit the requirements found in the Bible in I Kings 4:33.

And he (Solomon) spoke of trees,
from the cedar tree that is in
Lebanon even unto the hyssop that
springs out of the wall: he spoke
also of beasts, and of fowl, and of
creeping things, and of fishes.
I Kings 4:33
Solomon’s botanical knowledge and references to plants from woody trees, to herbs, to flowers
can be found extensively in the Bible. The GNB writes the thought of this verse in a clearer fashion
“He spoke of trees and plants, from the Lebanon cedars to the hyssop that grows on walls”.

Some of the plants thought to
be hyssop includes caper,
sorghum, mint, oregano, sage,
rosemary, savory, thyme, or the
marjoram plant?

The uses of hyssop in the Bible varied.
• In the sprinkling of the blood soaked hyssop
before applying to the lintel and side-posts of
the door in the Passover ritual. Exodus 12:22
• In the ceremonial cleansing of the leper
where hyssop was dipped in the blood of a
sacrificed bird, and a living bird, cedar and
scarlet. Leviticus 14:4,6

• The same ritual followed in homes where a
fungus, wood-dry rot or mildew was found.
Leviticus 14:49-52
• It was thrown into the fire when the red
heifer was offered as a burnt sacrifice
during Temple times. Numbers 19:6

• The sealing of the Covenant at Sinai is described
here with hyssop, blood, water and scarlet,
although in Exodus we don’t read the same
details. Commentators tell us these details
aren’t found in Exodus 5 or 24 and the mention
of them in Hebrews may possible be a summary
of the events.

In Jewish tradition, and Scripture, we read
how hyssop is related to pride. It is
symbolized by the majestic cedar of
Lebanon and the lowly hyssop, which
represents modesty and humility.

The symbolism of the humility of hyssop
versus the cedar helps us understand the
plea of King David in Psalm 51.

This is the Psalm that David
cried out after his sin with
Bathsheba. The most quoted verse of this psalm
is found in Psalm 51:7
“Purge me with hyssop, and I
will be clean: wash me and I will
be whiter than snow.

David’s prayer for forgiveness can be understood
like the plea of the leper also cleansed by hyssop. “I
was proud and haughty like the cedar, and now I
beseech you to make me humble like this hyssop
with which I ask to be cleansed.” Levitcus 14:2-4
It is important to point out that it wasn’t the “hyssop” or “cedar” that
cleansed, it was in the mercy and grace that God gave David when he
repented and asked forgiveness.

Apothecary Mama’s Precious Oils publications and
teachings often point to Biblical accounts where
the ancient plants are written about. The
understanding of the plants character and how it
can be used in our lives becomes more apparent.
This is true for “hyssop” and the story of Passover
(Pesach) as this is the first occurrence of the word
“hyssop”.

Hyssop was often gathered in bunches and used
as a brush or sprinkler for purification rituals, as
it was in the story of Passover. The branches of
many of the plants thought to be hyssop have
straight, slender, leafy stalks with small heads.
Several stalks grow from one root which allows
breaking a pieces off more suitable, especially
for sprinkling and the leaves hold water until
shaken.

In the story of the Passover we
find it wasn’t water on the
hyssop, it was the blood of the
slain lamb. And ye shall take a bunch
of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that
is in the bason, and strike the lintel
and the two side posts with the blood
that is in the bason; and none of you
shall go out at the door of his house
until the morning.
Exodus 12:22

In the New Testament, a sponge soaked in sour
wine or vinegar was stuck on a branch of hyssop
and offered to Yeshua (Jesus) on the cross (John 19:29).
Some varieties of the hyssop plant branches can be
as tall as 2 feet and would indicate that the cross
was near street level and not on a high hill as we
often think. Alternatively, many Bible scholars tend to agree that the
hyssop of Crucifixion is sorghum.
Sorghum Photo is from Flora of Israel Online

George Edward Post thinks of all varieties the
Origanum maru, a special variety of marjoram
which favors terrace walls and rocks, is the most
probable to be the Biblical Hyssop.
Hyssop is identical with the Arabic zat`ar, a name
applied to a group of aromatic plants of the mint
family as marjoram and thyme are.

In the botanical world today writers agree with Post
that Biblical hyssop is Origanum syriacum, a/k/a/the
true hyssop and Majorana syriaca (also Origanum
maru, which is the hybrid).
Biblical hyssop is often known by its common name,
Lebanese Oregano. Other names include Egyptian
Marjoram, Syrian Hyssop, Ezov or Ezob, White
Oregano and Za’atar.

Hyssop/oregano/marjoram is a wild plant that
grows abundantly in the mountains of Lebanon,
Syria, Jordan and Israel. Due to increased demand
for the herb, it is now being cultivated.
You will find the wild plant among dwarf shrubs on
stony grounds throughout Israel, and it is one of
the plants growing out of the Western Wall in
Jerusalem.

A fun fact about marjoram is that all marjoram's
are oregano’s, but not all oregano’s are
marjoram's.
One author tells us that more than fifty species, in
six plant families, that are in the “oregano” family.
All of these writings adds to the confusion of what
the hyssop plant really was (and is).

“Hyssop Tea” is another name for the herb. In
Spanish, hyssop is “hisopo” while in Italian it is
“issopo.” The French call hyssop “hyssope”
and “herbe sacree” where as in German the
herb is “ysop.”

In the “Language of Flowers”, hyssop
symbolizes cleanliness and sacrifice. The
symbolism is associated with the ancient
usage of the plant for ritual cleansing of holy
places.

Ancient Secrets
Hyssop
Herb Plants Hyssop and Marjoram
are interchangeable for this study.

In the Mediterranean region marjoram was used in
healing and cooking, as it is still today.
The Greeks called marjoram “joy of the mountain”
and used it to make wreaths and garlands for
weddings and funerals. It was symbolically was
given to newlyweds as token of good fortune
During the Middle Ages, European ladies used
marjoram in nosegays (tussie-mussies).

Theophrastus tells us in his book, Enquiry into Plants,
Volume II ~ Concerning Odours, that sweet marjoram
was used in perfumery. Theophrastus' Enquiry into Plants was first published
in 1926. It is now in the public domain pursuant to the 1978 revision of the U. S. Copyright Code,
since the copyright expired in 1954 and was not renewed at the appropriate time, which would
have been that year or the year before. This books is full of insight of ancient plants.
The leaves of hyssop were a strewing herb for dirt
floors. Strewing herbs were important for pest
control, keeping snakes out and keeping the house
smelling fresh.

A tea made from fresh hyssop/marjoram leaves was
thought to cure a cold and treat bronchitis.
Hyssop tea soothe the nerves and is calming.
Hyssop provokes menstruation.
Hyssop is in the mint family (Labiatae/Lamiaceae).
Chewing fresh leaves soothed toothaches.

Another ancient use of this plant was as an
insecticide, insect repellent, and pediculicide (lice
eradicator).
Extracts of the hyssop plant have been used as a
fragrance in soaps and perfumes, and to flavor
liqueurs, sauces, puddings, and candies.
European women are said to sniff hyssop flowers
pressed in their psalm books to help them stay awake
during church services.

Making a poultice by macerating hyssop leaves
and blending with olive oil into a paste and then
gently rubbing it into the skin would ease
rheumatism, sprains and headaches.
Today these uses for hyssop/marjoram are still
employed in Lebanon, Syria and other countries
in the Middle East region of the world.

Modern Uses
Hyssop
Tea, Herbs, Tinctures
Essential Oils ~ Hyssop Officinalis L.,
Hyssop Officinalis Decumbens variety,
Majorana syriaca and Origanum maru
(Lebanese/Syrian Oregano and Marjoram)

Precious Oils, Apothecary Mama Cynthia Hillson
isn’t your doctor, so please consult your health
professional before you begin exploring the
world of herbs, teas and tinctures, and essential
oils for your health. The information provided
here is information only and should not be
interpreted as a remedy or cure for any disease.

Hyssop Constituents
Hyssop contains terpenes (including marubiin, a diterpene), a
volatile oil (consisting mainly of camphor, pinocamphone, and
beta-pinene), flavonoids, hyssopin, tannins, and resin.
Marubiin is a strong expectorant. Pinocarriphone is
toxic, and the volatile essential oil of Hyssop
Officinalis L. can cause epileptic seizures.

Hyssop Tea
Hyssop Tea usage dates back centuries to
the days of the Greek and Roman
civilizations. Similar in appearance to
lavender, hyssop tea has a long list of
health benefits.

Safety Issues of Hyssop Tea
Hyssop tea is not recommended for women that are
pregnant, or nursing. Nor is it recommended for
children under the age of two. Use caution or
provide a weak tea when using it with toddlers,
elderly, or the very ill especially for those who are on
medications. As always, consult your health care
provider! Patients with seizure disorders should not
use hyssop in any form.

Hyssop Tea as an Intestinal Cleanser
Intestinal blockages can be flushed can be
achieved when drinking hyssop tea. Overall
digestion is a common benefit. The tea can treat a
range of other intestinal problems; stomach pains,
cramps, and gas. By aiding these intestinal issues,
drinking hyssop tea can lead to easier digestion
and greater comfort.

Hyssop Tea as a Respiratory Aid
The chief use for hyssop tea is for cleansing the
body, and this is no more evident than in the case
of the respiratory system. Drinking the tea can
help the body expel phlegm and other waste
products that can build up in the lungs and cause
breathing difficulties, especially in the cases of
coughs, colds, the flu, bronchitis, and even
emphysema.

Hyssop Tea for Women’s Issues
Drinking hyssop tea can result in multiple benefits. It
can help regulate the occurrence of the menstrual
cycle as well as increase blood flow, allowing periods
to be shorter and less painful. Hyssop tea can also
encourage the onset of menstruation and assist in
relieving pre-menstrual ailments as well. A cup of
hyssop tea can be taken two to three times a day as
needed. You can find hyssop tea at your health food
store.

Hyssop Tincture
You can buy Hyssop Tincture at your health food
store, or make it yourself. The hyssop tincture is in an
alcohol base. To use add 6-12 drops in juice, water or
under the tongue. Herbals tell us that it can be taken
3 times daily. Shake tincture well before using. Store
in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children. Follow
the same safety issues as the tea for pregnancy, babies, the elderly and those
with seizure disorders.

Hyssop Capsules
Find Hyssop Capsules at your health food
store. When you feel a cold or other virus
coming on the anti-viral properties of hyssop
can help. Keep out of reach of children. Follow the same safety
issues as the tea.

We are going to discuss four “hyssops” that are
readily available as essential oils.
It is extremely important to understand the
difference of hyssop varieties when using the
essential, volatile oils. Some hyssop oils are
considered safe, and others have concerns
because of their chemical constituents.

Hyssopus officinalis L.
(common hyssop)
Verses
Hyssopus officinalis Decumbens
(specialty hyssop)

Hyssopus officinalis L. is considered by many
leading aroma therapists to be toxic. Common
hyssop essential oil Hyssopus officinalis L. is high in ketones
which can cause dermal and other health issues.
WARNING: Ketones can be toxic!! Do not use
during pregnancy, children or the elderly. Seizures
often occur when this variety of hyssop is used.
Apothecary Mama doesn’t use this variety of hyssop essential oil because of the ketones.

Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young’s
book, Essential Oil Safety is currently
my favorite go-to book on the safety
of essential oils.
Hyssop officinal L.
This chemo type is so common it is
normally referred to simply as
‘hyssop oil’. Hyssop oil should be
regarded as hazardous oil because
of its potential to cause convulsions,
especially if taken orally.
Robert Tisserand
Essential Oil Safety Second Edition with Rodney Young
page 308

Apothecary Mama suggests the gentler, and
safer Hyssopus officinalis decumbens. You
will pay slightly more for this variety, but it
is a safer essential oil compared to the
common variety.

There are many great therapeutic benefits
associated with hyssop. Most importantly hyssop
decumbens is one of the most potent anti-viral
essential oils available today.
When inhaled, its sweetly medicinal aroma is said to
be very effective in loosening tightness in the chest
and in relieving bronchial spasms. Use sparingly in a
diffuser; blend your favorite citrus or herb or tree oil
with it.

As a massage oil use 1 to 2 drops in 1 Tablespoon of
your favorite carrier oil.
Hyssop decumbens is great for tissue therapy or
Aroma Bottles. Place 1 drop on a tissue or cotton
hanky, or 2 to 3 drops in an Aroma Bottle. Great for
airplane, bus or train travel when the guy next to you
sneezes or has a cold.

Hyssop Essential Oil Healing Properties
Anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, anti-
viral, astringent, carminative, cephalic,
cicatrizant, digestive, disinfectant, diuretic,
emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge,
hypertensive, nervine, sedative, tonic,
vermifuge, vulnerary. The hyssop plant is a bee-
keepers favorite.

Hyssop Blends Well
With These Essential Oils
Bay laurel, Clary sage, Douglas Fir, Geranium,
Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin,
Melissa, Myrtle, Orange, and Rosemary.

The “Other Hyssop” Essential Oils
Hyssop Marjoram
Origanum majorana
a/k/a/Origanum hortensis or Marjorana hortensis
And
Hyssop Oregano
Origanum vulgare

Hyssop Marjoram Properties
Origanum majorana
analgesic, anti-spasmodic, aphrodisiac, anti-septic,
anti-viral, bactericidal, carminative, cephalic,
cordial, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic,
emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal,
hypotensive, laxative, nervine, sedative, stomachic,
vasodilator and vulnerary.

Hyssop Marjoram Blends Well
With These Essential Oils
Origanum majorana
Basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedar wood,
chamomile, cypress, eucalyptus (and other
eucalyptus varieties of radiate (narrowleaf),
peppermint and lemon), fennel seed, juniper,
lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, pine,
rosemary, tea tree, thyme

Hyssop Marjoram is great in a diffuser. Add
citrus, herbs and leaves essential oils to make
a pleasant blend for your diffuser to ward off
infectious diseases.
Hyssop marjoram is great to use as a
compress for bruises. Blend with rosemary
and use 2 to 3 times a day.

Migraines and other headaches are eased with
hyssop marjoram compresses. Place the compress
at the base of your neck. Care should be taken
when using essential oils around the eyes.
A massage oil can be used for muscular pains.
Apothecary Mama recommends 3% or less.
(9 to 10 drops of marjoram essential oil in 1 Tablespoon of your favorite carrier oil.

Hyssop Oregano Warning
Origanum vulgare
Hyssop oregano is high in Carvacrol. It is considered a
“hot” oil and should not be consumed or used
without being heavily diluted. Carvacrol has both bacteriostatic
(prevents population growth) and bactericidal (kills bacteria) properties for many strains of
bacteria; Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli (including E.coli O157:H7 and Staph. aureus).
These bacteria are known pathogens, and produce harmful toxins which can cause severe illnesses
such as gastroenteritis, hemorrhagic diarrhea, kidney failure and enteritis that settles in the small
intestine (Chrone’s Disease).

Hyssop Oregano Properties
Origanum vulgare
analgesic, anthelminthic, anti-bacterial, anti-
fungal, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, anti-septic,
antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, cholagogue,
diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal,
tonic

Hyssop Oregano Blends Well With
Origanum vulgare
Use in a diffuser with all citrus essential oils and
Lavender, Rosemary, Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress,
Cedar Wood, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus.
Apothecary Mama suggests <.05% (1 drop essential oil in 1.5
Tablespoons carrier oil if you want to use it for a massage for aches
and pains).

http://ww2.odu.edu/~lmusselm/plant/image.php?type=tn430&id=5892
Culinary Uses

Hyssop had more culinary uses in days gone by
than it does today. Medieval monks made soups
and sauces with it. Its peppery, bitter flavor
disguised spoiled meats, and it was thought to
aid the digestion of fat.
Try small quantities of the chopped fresh leaves
or flowers in broths or sprinkled in salad.

Hyssop honey, by contrast, is sweet-smelling and
delicious; it is said to retain the anti-flatulent
properties of the herb.
The Romans made an herbal wine of hyssop.
Hyssop in still used today in liqueurs and is an
important constituent of Chartreuse and
Benedictine.

In the Middle East hyssop is a popular
herbal mixture of spices. You will find it as
Zatar (herb only) or Za'atar (seasoning).
The zatar herb can be used alone as a
loose tea.

There is a wide variety of Za’Atar herbal
seasonings. Most contain the same ingredients of
toasted, white sesame seeds, ground sumac, wild
oregano (Origanum syriacum (o. maru) and salt.
Za’atar is used on meats and vegetables.

Za’Atar is mixed with olive oil to make a spread or
dip, sprinkled on hummus with a drizzle olive oil.
You can sprinkle it on feta cheese and put in a pita
with fresh tomatoes and Greek olives. Yum! If you travel
to the Middle East be sure to bring back some Za’atar, you should have no
problem bringing it home in your suitcase. Be sure to double bag.

Around the House

Disinfectant Household Cleaner
32 oz Spray bottle (Often found the Dollar Stores)
1 cup White Vinegar
2 cups Water
20 to 30 drops of “hyssop” essential oil
(Or combination of hyssop and your favorite citrus or tree essential oil.)
Combine everything in a spray bottle. Label. Shake
before using.
Do not spray on furniture. Use with care when spraying around children or pets.

The Healing Leaves seminar will be held Sept 2014 in
Mooresville, NC. (date will be posted online soon.) There will
be no charge to attend but reservations will be needed to
ensure that you have a seat. For More information e-mail
TheHealingLeaves@aol.com

For the Hebrew Word Picture
of Ezob go to our blog.
http://preciousoils.blogspot.com/2014/07/hyssop-
hebrew-word-picture-ezob.html

Contact Apothecary Cynthia Hillson
E-Mail ApothecaryMamaCynthia@gmail.com
My General Face Book Page Precious Oils Cynthia Hillson
New Page Apothecary Mama
Precious Oils Page Precious Oils
Page set-up for our on-line
and retail store
Precious Oils Apothecary Shoppe
(looking for location to open in 2015)

Apothecary Mama Teaching on Hyssop ~ A Plant of the Bible

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