Hyssop | Niu Xi Cao

Hyssop is one of the more ancient magical and medicinal herbs, proposed to have been in use since classical antiquity (between the 8th century BCE and the 6th century CE). It is referenced several times in the bible (though due to its native habitat -Southern Europe- it is suggested by researchers that these references are actually referring to a species of either caper or savory). The most widely known bible reference of Hyssop is David’s Prayer- Psalms 51:7 – “Cleanse me with Hyssop, and I will be clean“, though another reference that illustrates its uses and associations is that of John 19:29 – where Jesus is given a drink of vinegar via a sponge on a hyssop branch during his crucifixion.

Knowing these references, as well as a few other notable ones (hyssop being used to purify people and homes in Leviticus, as well as being used as protection during the Passover), we can see the historical value of the herb’s purifying and protective qualities. In modern times, Hyssop is used frequently in baths, sachets, and talismans, particularly when purging negativity from one’s self or home.