In, both, Modern ِArabic and in Classical Arabic the plant is called za'atar, which was formerly used in ceremonial functions, such as for sprinkling the waters of purification mixture made by the ashes of burned Red heifer on those persons defiled by the dead.

sinaicum is a very rare plant that grows on stony ground in Sinai Peninsula including the coastal Mediterranean strip.

[11] Wild hyssop and sage are protected under Israeli law as endangered plants, but no major studies on their status have been conducted since 1977.

Origanum syriacum is harvested in the wild for use in preparing za'atar, a mixture of dried herbs, sesame and sumac for flavoring and garnish.

It is a common practice to mix za'atar with olive oil at home, creating a spread that is then applied to flatbreads called manakish.