Cypress Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Cupressus sempervirens

A tall evergreen tree with slender branches and a statuesque conical shape, the Cypress grows to a height of 25-45 meters (75-147 feet), bearing small flowers and round brownish-grey cones or nuts. Native to Southern Europe, this Italian varietal (Cupressus sempervirens) has spread to North Africa and North America and is now cultivated in France, Spain, and Morocco.

This essential oil is steam-distilled from the fresh dark green needles and twigs of Cypress trees, organically grown in France.This Cypress oil has a distinct musty and citrus-like top note with a crisp, pine-like middle note and sweet balsamic undertones.

It blends well with Cedarwood, Pine, Juniper, Clary Sage, Lavender, Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Benzoin, Cardamom, and Sandalwood.

First used in ancient Egypt for medicinal and ceremonial purposes, Cypress oil was also employed by the ancient Assyrians for its astringent properties. The Greek physician Galen (165 AD) used it for stopping internal bleeding and diarrhea.

It has also been employed for centuries to slow or regulate fluid loss in cases of menstruation, the urinary system and diarrhea.

Antidepressant, Antirheumatic, Antiperspirant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Deodorant, Diuretic, Hepatic, Styptic, Sudorific, Vasoconstrictive. (See Definitions.)

Cardiovascular:

• Increases and balances blood flow
• Repairs and tones veins
• Promotes healthy circulation (detoxifying)

Lymphatic System:

• Flushes and removes toxins

Genito-Urinary System:

• Treats dysmenorrhoea (severe menstrual pain)
• Helps control menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding)

Psychological:

• Helps balance during periods of transition and transformation
• Promotes renewal and rejuvenation
• Evokes a stable mental state
• Helps to draw repressed feelings into consciousness allowing then to be processed

Dermatological:

• Counteracts oily skin
• Treats acne
• Calms excess perspiration.
• Lessens scar tissue formation
• Aids in the healing of acne scars
• Can reduce cellulite

Topical:

The essential oil may be combined with Clary Sage, Lemon, and Geranium and applied as a salve or ointment to varicose veins. It also blends well with Helichrysum, for an extra-potent formula for muscle and joint aches and pains.

Inhalation:

The cooling effects of Cypress oil effectively balance nervous, unstable mental states. It can be used in a diffuser or inhaled periodically on a tissue or handkerchief.

Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing, Cypress oil is safe when used in proper dosages. Consultation with a physician is recommended if regular internal ingestion is intended.