Are Basil and Hyssopus Officinalis in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Lamiaceae.

Can you substitute Basil for Hyssopus Officinalis?

They share the Lamiaceae family, so they can sometimes substitute in recipes — with notable differences in aroma.

Compare · per-herb profile

Basil vs Hyssopus Officinalis

Ocimum basilicum · Hyssopus officinalis

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

D No Clinical Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Primary use: culinary

Basil, also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as Genovese basil or sweet basil. Basil is native to tropical…

Hyssopus Officinalis

Hyssopus officinalis

D No Clinical Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Hyssopus
Primary use: culinary

Hyssopus officinalis or hyssop is a shrub in the Lamiaceae or mint family native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region surrounding the Caspian Sea. Due to its purported properties as an antiseptic, cough reliever, and expectorant, it has been used in traditional her…

At a glance

· Both in Lamiaceae, but different genera (Ocimum vs Hyssopus).
· Both are primarily culinary.
· Evidence tiers — Basil: D; Hyssopus Officinalis: D.