Hyssop cineole essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Hyssopus officinalis, a species in the Labiatae family.

Native to southern Europe, the Middle East, and the Caspian Sea, hyssop is used both as an aromatic herb and for its medicinal properties, such as antitussive, expectorant, and antiseptic effects.

This herbaceous plant grows as a lively shrub or subshrub, reaching 30 to 60 cm in height. Its stem lignifies at the base, and numerous straight branches sprout from it, hairy at the tips.

Hyssop’s leaves are opposite, linear to lanceolate, and about 2 to 2.5 cm long. They are dark green, sessile or barely petiolate, and sometimes pubescent on both sides.

In summer, hyssop produces dense terminal spikes of very fragrant blue flowers, which later give rise to oblong achenes as fruits.

As a hardy species, hyssop resists droughts well and thrives in clay-sandy, loamy, and calcareous soils, provided good drainage is present. It requires plenty of sun and warm temperatures.

It can be propagated by seed from mid-autumn to early spring. First, plant in seedlings, and then transplant them 70 x 60 cm apart. Alternatively, it can be propagated via division or stakes.

For stakes, separate branches that are already lignified and have several buds shortly before flowering. Plant these in well-fertilized, humid beds until they root. Once developed, transplant the outer buds to their final location.

Hyssopus officinalis is typically harvested in September and October.