Cypress Oil
Cypress is a wonderful deciduous tree that can live for more than 2,000 years. It is worshiped for its long life and supernatural powers in the island of Cypress. The name Cypress is extracted from the Greek word ‘Sempervirens’ means ‘lives forever’. This tree is a member of the Cupressaceae plant family. Cypress is indigenous to Persia, Syria and Southern Europe. The cultivation of this tree slowly spreads to North America, Morocco, Spain, North Africa and France. These trees generally grow up to a maximum height of 45 m. Cypress trees are found growing in the cemeteries of the Mediterranean region. Cypress essential oil is extracted from this evergreen tree. Most of the deciduous trees tend to lose their leaves in winter but Cypress is an exception to this and stays with its full strength. The special power of this tree makes it a supernatural power in the eyes of the tribes. Cypress tree has dense dark green foliage. The leaves of this tree are needle shaped. Cypress tree also contains cones or nuts that are brownish-grey in color. This conical-shaped tree bears slender branches and small flowers. The reddish-yellow colored Cypress woods are durable and hard in nature.
The Cypress essential oil is extracted by steam distillation method from the needle- shaped leaves and twigs of the Cypress tree. Cypress oil blends well with Cardamom oil, Lemon oil, Sandalwood oil, Cedarwood oil, Juniper oil, Pine oil, Bergamot oil, Lavender oil, Orange oil and Clary sage oil.
Latin name: Cupressus sempervirens.
Alternative names: Mediterranean cypress, Italian Cypress.
Cypress trees require full sun with well-drained soil. It can also manage to grow in partial shade. This tree can tolerate heavy and thick Tuscan clay. A continuous feeding with animal manure at regular intervals will support the fertile growth of this plant. Cypress oil contains camphene, cedrol, linalool, b-pinene, d-3carene, sabinene, a-pinene, terpinolene, myrcene, cadinene and bornyl acetate. It has diuretic, hepatic, anti-infectious, haemostatic, astringent, anti-bacterial, nervine, antispasmodic, antiseptic, deodorant, antimicrobial, sudorific, vasoconstrictor, respiratory, sedative and tonic properties.
Uses: Cypress oil can also be called as woman-friendly oil as it is often used to treat womanly problems like dysmennorhea and menorrhagia. These effects are possible with the special quality of regulating and assisting the flow of blood. This oil tones the veins and is used to treat varicose veins with a combination of other oils. Cypress oil has also been proved effective in treating respiratory problems like whooping cough, cold, influenza, bronchitis and asthma. This oil gives calming and soothing effects to the mind and body. Cypress oil is also diluted in the bath or used as massage oil for treating diarrhea, muscular cramps, arthritis, cramps, menopause and rheumatism.
