Cypress essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh leaves and twigs after pruning C. sempervirens in autumn. Originating from countries in the eastern Mediterranean, C. sempervirens is found along the coast of southern France, Italy, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, North Africa, Spain, Portugal and the Balkans. Cypress essential oil is clear to pale yellow in colour with a fresh, medicinal aroma true to the conifer family.
A species which dates back to the Pliocene era, C. sempervirens lives a very long time - more than a thousand years.
From Salvatore Battaglia's The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy:
In history:
The Egyptians were well-acquainted with cypress, and the ancient Greeks dedicated the tree to Pluto, god of the underworld, hence the use of the trees in cemeteries. Hippocrates recommended cypress in severe cases of haemorrhoids with bleeding. For bladder infections and internal bleeding, Dioscorides and Galen recommended macerating the leaves in wine with a little myrrh for a fortnight.
Culpeper says of cypress:
The cones, or nuts, are mostly used, the leaves but seldom; they are accounted very drying and binding, good to stop fluxes of all kinds, as sitting of blood, diarrhoea, dysentery, the immoderate flux of the menses, involuntary miction; they prevent the bleeding of the gums, and fasten loose teeth: outwardly, they are used in styptic restringent formentations and cataplasms.
Cypress's main actions are as an astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, haemostatic, hepatic, styptic, vasoconstrictor and as a venous decongestant and tonic. * See below for meanings.
For the nervous system, cypress essential oil aids transition and change, internal cohesion, letting go of control, including during grief, and is said to be helpful for those with verbal diarrhoea.
Cypress aids the reproductive system as a menstrual regulator, and can be used to relive painful perids, heavy bleeding, break through bleeding, after child birth and to treat endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and menopausal problems - particularly hot flashes.
For the respiratory system, cypress is known for treating congestion and coughs during cold, flu, bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma.
In skin care, cypress essential oil is used for its astringent properties and is recommended for acne, oily and over-hydrated skin, and is also known for its usefulness with excessive sweating - this also applies to excessively sweaty feet.
For the musculoskeletal system, cypress is helpful in the treatment of swollen joints.
It aids the digestive system by easing haemorrhoids, diarrhoea and bleeding gums.
One of the best oils to reach for when coping with transition, change or grief, particularly when blended with comforting oils, cypress is renowned for its ability to help you let go, grow and move forward.
Cypress is generally accepted as non toxic, non irritating and non sensitising, when diluted as is recommended for all essential oils, when applying it to the skin.
Cypress blends well with the citruses, clary sage, fennel, frankincense, juniper berry, the eucalyptuses, lavender, geranium, lemongrass and sweet marjoram.
Terms:
astringent - contracts, tightens and binds tissue
diaphoretic - promotes perspiration
diuretic - increases the secretion and expulsion of urine
haemostatic - arrests bleeding
hepatic - stimulates and aids liver function
styptic - astringent, specifically preventing external bleeding
vasoconstrictor - causes contraction of blood vessel walls
venous decongestant - relieves or reduces congestion in the veins
venous tonic - strengthens and improves the performance of the veins
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Always take care when choosing your essential oils. Look for botanical names and expiry dates on the label. They should come in dark coloured glass bottles to protect them, and have dripulator tops. Price can be an indicator - if it seems too cheap it probably is, but also be aware some sellers are overpriced - the most expensive oil won't necessarily be the best. Following these guidelines will help to ensure you're buying good quality, pure essential oils.
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