Hyssop
Family Labiatae (or Lamiaceae)
Hyssopus officinalis, hyssop (H. officinalis 1), is a low shrub, 30-45 cm tall, with narrow to linear leaves and blue flowers in long whorls (H. officinalis 2), occurring from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia. The leaves, which contain a pungent essential oil, are used as a condiment. The volatile oil is used in liqueurs and perfumes. Hyssop is mentioned in the Bible and was an important medicinal herb in the Middle Ages, especially to cure common cold and influenza.