Essential Oil Spotlight: Cypress

Cypress essential oil (Cupressus sempervirens) is steam-distilled from the branches of the cypress conifer tree. This oil is known for its fresh, herbaceous, slightly woody aroma with evergreen undertones.

Cypress was used anciently for its benefits to the urinary system and other fluid loss such as diarrhea, perspiration, and menstrual flow. The Chinese value cypress for its benefits to the liver and the respiratory system.

This essential oil contains the following health properties: antibacterial, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, mucolytic, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, diuretic, lymphatic and prostate decongestant, refreshing, relaxing, and a vasoconstricting. Cypress is known for its effects on the cardiovascular system, muscles, and bones.

Common uses of cypress essential oil include aneurysm, carpal tunnel, concussion (brain), deodorant, hemorrhoids, herniated disc, Lou Gehrig’s disease, muscle fatigue, nosebleed, shingles, stroke, tuberculosis, and varicose veins. Other possible uses of cypress are asthma, reducing cellulite, circulatory system functioning, colds, spasmodic coughs, diarrhea, edema, fever, gallbladder, hemorrhaging, influenza, laryngitis, lung circulation, nervous tension, ovarian cysts, skincare, scar tissue, whooping cough, and wounds.

Application of Cypress Essential Oil and Safety Data:

Topical Application: Can be applied directly to the skin without dilution. Apply to reflex points and directly to the area of concern.
Aromatic Application: Cypress influences and strengthens and helps to ease the feeling of loss. It creates a feeling of security and grounding, and it helps to heal emotions.
Internal Application: Not to be used internally.
Safety Data: This oil should be used with caution during pregnancy.

Ways to Use Cypress Essential Oil:

1. Bed Wetting
Many children have problems with wetting the bed, but no worries—essential oils can help with that! Simply combine 5 drops cypress and 3 drops ylang ylang with 1 oz. (30 ml) water in a small spray bottle. Shake well before use, and mist over pillow and sheets just before bedtime.

2. Diffuse
Diffusing is a great way to reap the benefits of this fantastic oil. You can diffuse the oil alone, inhale directly from the bottle, or add it to some of your favorite oils to make a great diffuser blend! We’ve included some of our favorite blends with cypress to get you started!

    

3. Massage Oil
Because of the wonderful circulatory, skin revitalizing, and relaxation properties of cypress, it makes a great addition to any massage blend. You can add the suggested carrier oil or another of your choice. Here are some simple blends that you’ll love!

4. Roll-on Blends
Roll-on blends are a great way to spread essential oils easily to any location. We’ve created a few blends for you to try out. Just drop these oils into a 10 ml roll-on bottle, and top off with your favorite carrier oil. Roll the mixture on the affected location, and lightly massage in with your hands if necessary.

5. Nosebleeds
Cypress can effectively stop nosebleeds. Combine 2 drops cypress, 1 drop helichrysum, and 2 drops lemon in 8 oz. (240 ml) ice water. Soak a cloth in the water, and apply the cloth to the nose and back of the neck.

Source:
Modern Essentials: The Complete Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils, 9th Edition, pp. 77–78.