Essential Oil 50ml - Cypress

Latin name: Cupressus Sempervirens

Part of the plant used: needles & twigs

Source: Spain

Extraction method: steam distillation

Cypress essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the Italian or Mediterranean cypress. The oil is taken from the needles and twigs of the young branches of these trees which were made famous by Van Gogh’s paintings. Cypress essential oil is said to calm strong emotions such as anger and so is useful to have around during major life changes.

This essential oil works as a vasoconstrictor, helping varicose veins and haemorrhoids. It is supposed to work well to relieve all conditions of excess fluid, such as heavy menstruation, excessive perspiration, coughing, bronchitis, haemorrhage and fluid retention. This oil eases muscular cramps, helps to regulate the menstrual cycle, and eases arthritis and rheumatic pain. Use this oil in a vaporiser to calm the mind, as well as for any respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough. It can be used in dilution in a cold compress to stem nosebleeds.

Cypress is considered a tree of mourning in Greek mythology and for this reason it is often planted in graveyards. It is also associated with the god of the underworld, Hades. The Phoenicians and Cretans used the wood of this tree to build ships and houses. Egyptians made sarcophagi and the Greeks carved statues of their gods out of it. Legend says that the cross of Jesus Christ was made from this wood – another reason why the cypress is connected to death. Ironically, the botanical name of cypress is derived from the Greek ‘Sempervirens’, meaning ‘ever-living’.