Organic essential oil - Cypress

Latin name: Cupressus Sempervirens

Part of the plant used: Needles and Twigs

Source: Austria

Extraction method: Steam Distillation

Cypress organic essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the Italian or Mediterranean cypress. The oil is taken from the needles and twigs of the young branches of these trees that 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 around during major life changes.

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

Cypress is considered a tree of mourning in Greek mythology and for this reason is often planted in graveyards. 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 from it. Legend has it that Jesus Christ’s cross 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', meaning 'ever-living'.