Cypress

Part of plant used: needles and twigs

Origin: Spain

Extraction method: Steam distillation

Cypress essential oil Cypress essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the Italian or Mediterranean cypress tree. The oil is extracted 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 is therefore useful to have during major life changes. This essential oil works as a vasoconstrictor, helping varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is said to work well to relieve all conditions of excess fluid, such as heavy menstruation, excessive sweating, coughing, 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 diluted in a cold compress to stop nosebleeds.

The cypress Cypress is considered a mourning tree 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 boats and houses. The Egyptians made sarcophagi from it and the Greeks carved statues of their gods. Legend has it that the cross of Jesus Christ was made from this wood, another reason why the cypress is associated with death. Ironically, the botanical name for cypress is derived from the Greek 'Sempervirens', which means 'living forever'.

Essential Oil 10ml