Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a herbaceous plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to Southern Europe and the Middle East. Known for its vibrant flowers ranging from blue to violet, hyssop grows as a bushy herb with slender, woody stems, reaching up to 60 centimeters in height. Its leaves are dark green, lance-shaped, and aromatic.
Hyssop's scent profile is complex and highly fragrant, characterized by a strong, sweet, and slightly musky aroma with herbal, camphorous, and woody undertones. The essential oils extracted from its leaves and flowers contribute to this distinctive scent, which is often described as similar to but more intense than other mint family plants. Hyssop's aroma makes it popular in aromatherapy and the production of perfumes and scented products, where it is valued for both its smell and its purported soothing and purifying properties. The herb is also used in culinary contexts, where its pungent, slightly bitter flavor adds a unique layer to dishes.