Essential Oil 50ml - Cypress

Latin name: Cupressus Sempervirens

Plant parts 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 made famous by Van Gogh's paintings. Cypress essential oil is said to calm strong emotions such as anger and is therefore helpful to have during major life changes.

This essential oil works as a vasoconstrictor, helping varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is supposed to work well in relieving all excess fluid conditions such as heavy menstruation, excessive sweating, cough, bronchitis, bleeding, and fluid retention. This oil relieves muscle cramps, helps regulate the menstrual cycle, and relieves arthritis and rheumatic pain. Use this oil in a vaporizer 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 stop nosebleeds.

The cypress tree is considered a tree of mourning according to 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. The Egyptians crafted sarcophagi and the Greeks carved statues of their gods from it. Legend has it that the cross of Jesus Christ was made from this wood, another reason why the cypress tree is connected to death. Ironically, the botanical name of cypress is derived from the Greek ‘Sempervirens’, meaning ‘to live forever’.