Calming and cooling, oil from the Mediterranean cypress tree is valued for its refreshing and astringent actions. The essential oil is stem-distilled from the leaves, twigs and cones of the evergreen tree and has a sharp, clear, slightly spicy aroma, with green resinous undertones.
Cypress calms and comforts your nervous system. At the same time, it invigorates and fortifies your emotions. It can soothe irritation and anger and is strengthening during times of transition and upheaval.
A versatile healer
Cypress's vasoconstricting action can improve your circulation, especially with varicose veins and oedema. Cypress is astringent and balances body fluids. Combined with juniper and citrus, it can help to reduce cellulite and excessive perspiration. Colds, coughs and respiratory infections can benefit from cypress's antispasmodic properties and it's also a valuable oil for relieving aches and pains.
Active Ingredients of Cypress Oil
Cypress oil is composed of monoterpenes and a small percentage of alcohols.
Monoterpenes
Various types of monoterpenes make up a maximum of 70% of the content of cypress oil. These include camphene, cymene and pirene. This chemical family is stimulating and balancing to the mind as well as to the body.
Alcohols
Cypress oil also contains about 10% alcohol which are toning, energising and stimulating.
Using Your Cypress Oil
Make good use of the versatility of cypress oil by sing it in healing, to tone and detox, to soothe period pains and as an antibacterial cleaning fluid.
Deodorising
Curb excessive sweating with the clean, fresh aroma of cypress oil.
Combat sweating feet by blending:
10 drops cypress oil
12 drops peppermint oil
8 drops citronella oil
100g unscented talcum powder
Leave for a few days, then add to sports shoes or trainers.
Kitchen cleaner
Use cypress's antibacterial action and clean, sharp scent in the kitchen. Add several drops of cypress oil to a bowl of water to rinse down surfaces.
Respiratory Healer
Cypress's antispasmodic and antiseptic properties make it a useful oil for treating respiratory complaints.
For a spasmodic cough
Massage the chest and neck with 5 drops of cypress oil and 2 drops of cedarwood oil in 30ml of grapeseed oil. This will have a drying effect on phlegm, and cedarwood is an expectorant.
Congestion
Add 1-2 drops of cypress and rosemary oil to a room vaporiser at night when suffering from congestion. This will aid breathing and act as a decongestant.
To Tone Circulation and Fluids
Cypress has a balancing action on the body's fluids and tones the circulation.
Flush away toxins with a full body massage containing 4 drops each of cypress and fennel oil and 2 drops of juniper oil blending in 30ml of sweet almond oil.
Try a pebble footbath for an effective remedy for swollen feet and ankles. Place smooth, round pebbles in a bowl of warm water, adding 1-2 drops each of cypress and lavender oil.
Cypress for the Monthly Cycle
Cypress is tonifying on the uterus, giving relief from painful periods.
Painful flow
Reduce excessive and painful menstrual flow by gently massaging the abdomen and lower back during the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle.
Use a blend of:
4 drops cypress oil
3 drops geranium oil
4 drops rose oil
30ml carrier oil
Hot flushes
Make a comforting massage blend to combat menopausal hot flushes by combining:
5 drops rose oil
3 drops cypress oil
30ml sweet almond oil
Use this to massage the back and abdomen.
Cypress Folklore
This long-lived evergreen signified everlasting life to Mediterranean peoples for thousands of years.
According to legend, Pluto, god of the Underworld in Greek mythology, lived beside a great cypress tree.
Pagan Mediterranean tribes carved gods from cypress wood because it was remarkably resistant to decay.
Ancient Phoenicians and Cretans planted cypress trees next to graves to give eternal life. They are still planted next to homes to bless the occupants with a long and healthy life.
During energy work and incantations, vaporise cypress oil to focus creative thoughts and increase your energy.