Cypress Essential Oil

Latin name: Cupressus Sempervirens

Part of plant used: needles and twigs

Source: Spain

Extraction method: steam distillation

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

This essential oil works as a vasoconstrictor, aiding varicose veins and haemorrhoids. It is purported to work well to ease all conditions of excess fluid such as heavy menstruation, excessive perspiration, coughs, bronchitis, haemorrhage and fluid retention. This oil eases muscular cramps, helps regulate the menstrual cycle, and eases arthritis and rheumatic pain. Use this oil in a vaporizer to soothe the mind, as well as for any respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough. It can be used in dilution on a cold compress to stop nosebleeds.

Cypress is considered to be a tree of mourning in Greek mythology, and for this reason, it is often grown in cemeteries. 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 has it that the cross of Jesus Christ was made from this wood – another reason why Cypress is connected to death. Ironically, the botanical name for cypress is derived from the Greek 'Sempervirens', which means 'to live forever'.