Hysope officinale Bio

Also known as "Sacred Herb" by Greek civilizations, the Hyssopus officinalis has linear, opposite, highly aromatic, matte green leaves that can reach up to 50 cm in height. From July to September, pretty lavender-blue flowers in narrow spikes bloom to welcome bees and butterflies.

As a Mediterranean plant, the Hyssop officinalis will find its place in aromatic plant gardens alongside mint or savory. In flower beds and rockeries, this perennial is not to be outdone by the beauty of its flowering. It thrives in dry, poor, and limestone soils as long as the exposure remains very sunny. It also appreciates fertile soil and accepts a semi-shaded exposure in the south of France.

The harvest of fresh leaves is done as needed, and the flowers are harvested at the beginning of flowering. For preservation, cut the leaf stems before flowering and dry them. Use them to flavor salads, vegetables, soups, and liqueurs. Hyssop is also used in infusion (20g of leaves per liter of boiling water with a little cinnamon and honey) for the bronchi, digestion, and nervous system, but be careful, the essential oil is toxic.

In the vegetable garden: Hyssop officinalis repels ants, slugs, and snails, and its infusion is sprayed against diseases caused by bacteria.