Exclusive Guide to Cypress Essential Oil
Cupressus semperivens L.
Origin: France
Distilled part: Leafy branches
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Cultivation: Certified Organic farming
Botanically and Biochemically Defined Essential Oil (HEBBD), chemotyped (HECT)
Color: Light yellow
Scent: Balsamic, woody, and a little harsh.
Note: Base note
Plant Family: Cupressaceae
SUPER POWERS
Antispasmodic
- prevents or relieves spasms
Antirheumatic
- alleviating or preventing rheumatism
Antitussive
- prevents or relieve cough
Astringent
- tightens the tissues, reduces fluid loss
Diuretic
- helps to increase the production of urine
Hepatic
- strengthens the liver
Restorative
- ability to restore health, strength, or well-being
USAGE TIPS
Insect Repellent
During daytime, when you need to keep insects at bay; mix it with lavender in a carrier oil and massage on your skin (3 drops cypress and 3 drops lavender in 15ml/1 tablespoon of carrier oil), or fill a small spray bottle (30ml) with lavandin/lavender hydrosol and add 6 drops of Cypress essential oil. Shake well before spraying over your body.
Respiratory Help
Diffuse 4 drops or inhale from a tissue or inhaler, 2 drops. Cypress helps to relieve respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
Edema and Fluid Retention
Cypress oil is diuretic, so use this oil to flush out internal toxins. Apply it topically in a carrier oil to your wrist, the back of your neck, abdomen and the soles of your feet. Use a roll-on bottle: 4-5 drops in 10ml carrier oil.
Helps with Hemorrhoids
An effective oil for reducing and preventing hemorrhoids. Apply 3-4 drops of cypress oil on a cotton ball, and dab the area of concern. Or use a sitz bath; dilute 5 drops in 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil, and add to a warm sitz bath. Soak for 20 minutes. Repeat 3-4 times a week.
Sweaty Feet
Since Cypress is both deodorant and astringent and reduces both the amount of
perspiration and unpleasant odor, use it in a footbath as needed. Add 3-5 drops to
your footbath.
Sore Throat
For soothing a sore throat, dilute 1 drop of cypress essential oil with 1 drop of carrier oil to be very effective. Simply apply the mixture to your throat and repeat a few times throughout the day. You may feel the soreness gradually diminish.
Urinary Incontinence
For urinary incontinence, you can add 4 drops to 1 teaspoon (5ml) jojoba oil and massage onto the lower abdomen before going to sleep.
Asthma
Cypress oil can help calm muscle spasms and soothe nerve endings in the respiratory system, reducing the likelihood of an asthma attack. Diffuse 4 drops of this wonderful oil.
Bleeding Gums
Cypress oil helps slow excessive bleeding. Simply add 2 drops to a small glass of water and use it as a mouth rinse. Remember not to swallow!
Diarrhea
Cypress oil helps to decrease the excessive flow of fluids. Mix 4 drops with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil, and massage into the abdomen using clockwise, circular movements.
Dandruff
Cypress oil is an effective treatment for dandruff as it helps regulate oil production in the skin. Mix 6 drops with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and massage into your scalp. Leave it on for 1 hour to absorb, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat this treatment 2-3 times per week.
Coughs
Add 4 drops to a diffuser and let the clearing aroma fill the room. Cypress oil helps relax the nerve endings in the respiratory system and expel mucus.
Cystitis
Dilute 4 drops of Cypress oil in 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil and add to a warm sitz bath. Cypress oil's powerful diuretic properties can help speed up the recovery from cystitis.
Emotional Upset
Diffuse 5 drops of the oil, or place 2 drops on a tissue and inhale regularly. Cypress oil works wonders on the nervous system, helping to restore calm and ease crying spells.
Excessive Perspiration
Regular treatment with Cypress oil will significantly ease excessive perspiration. Dilute 5 drops of Cypress oil in 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil and add to a warm bath. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, mix 8 drops with 2 tablespoons (30ml) of carrier oil and massage over your entire body. If applying to your face, use coconut oil.
Fluid Retention
Cypress oil is known for its excellent diuretic properties, making it perfect for addressing fluid retention. Mix 6 drops with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil and massage over the affected area, always moving in the direction of the heart. Repeat twice daily until symptoms improve.
Heavy Menstruation
Cypress oil's powerful astringent properties help contract blood vessels, reducing abnormally heavy menstruation. Mix 4 drops with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil and massage into your abdomen and lower back.
Hot Flashes
Cypress oil has soothing and cooling properties and helps balance the female reproductive system, making it ideal for treating menopause symptoms. Blend 5 drops with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil and add to a warm bath. Soak for 20 minutes. You can also diffuse 5 drops to cool the body down.
Menstrual Cramps
Mix 5 drops of Cypress oil with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil and massage into your abdomen and lower back. Cypress oil helps reduce the muscular spasms that cause menstrual cramps.
Nose Bleeding
Mix 4 drops of Cypress oil with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil and massage into the back of your neck, behind your ears, and the sides of your nose. Cypress oil helps reduce excessive bleeding, making it very beneficial for those suffering from frequent nosebleeds.
Oily Skin
Thanks to its astringent properties, Cypress oil is perfect for oily skin. Dilute 4 drops with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and massage into your face. Let the oils absorb into your skin. Repeat daily.
Poor Circulation
Dilute 5 drops of Cypress oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and add to a warm bath. Soak for 20 minutes. Alternatively, blend 8 drops with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil and massage your body, always moving towards the heart. Cypress oil helps improve sluggish circulation.
After a Workout
Cypress oil helps ease muscle tension and reduce pain, making it ideal for post-workout recovery. Mix 6 drops of Cypress oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and massage into large muscle groups in your thighs, back, abdominals, and upper arms.
Varicose Veins
Cypress oil is excellent for treating varicose veins, as it stimulates sluggish circulation, constricts blood vessels, and detoxifies the body. Mix 4 drops of Cypress oil with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil and massage the affected limb, ensuring to massage on either side of the varicose vein, never directly over it. Always massage in the direction of the heart.
Weak Bladder
Cypress oil can help manage an overactive bladder when used regularly. Mix 4 drops with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil and massage into your abdomen and lower back.
Skin type
Cypress can be used alone or in blends for these skin types:
- Balanced/Normal
- Oily
- Blemished skin (pimples, acne)
Skincare
Benefits of Using Organic Cypress Essential Oil in Skincare
1. Astringent Properties: Cypress oil helps to tighten pores and reduce excess oil production, making it excellent for oily and acne-prone skin.
2. Antiseptic: It has natural antiseptic properties, which can help to prevent and treat infections, making it beneficial for minor cuts, wounds, and blemishes.
3. Circulation Booster: Cypress oil improves blood circulation, which can enhance the skin’s appearance and promote a healthy glow.
4. Deodorizing: Its fresh, woody scent makes it a natural deodorizer, helping to reduce body odor and keep the skin feeling fresh.
5. Detoxifying: Cypress oil supports the lymphatic system, aiding in the removal of toxins and excess fluids, which can help reduce puffiness and improve skin tone.
Method of use & Amount to use
Aroma diffusers
Use 5-15 drops in your diffuser or the amount suggested with your diffuser.
Baths, Hot tubs, Jacuzzis
Bath: Diluted 3-8 drops
Start by running your bath as you normally would and keep the bathroom door closed to retain the aroma. Essential oils can be applied directly in their concentrated form or diluted.
For dilution, use a carrier oil, milk, milk powder, vegetable glycerin, seaweed powder, herbal powder, baking soda, salt, or Epsom salts to prevent skin sensitivity.
Add the essential oil to the bathwater, either neat or diluted, then stir the water with your hand to disperse the oil evenly before entering the tub. This method helps distribute the essential oil throughout the bath for a more enjoyable experience.
Hot tubs & Jacuzzis: up to 8 drops
Mix the essential oil into the water thoroughly using your hand. Since essential oils do not dissolve in water, they may leave residues in or around your pipes.
Compresses
3-10 drops in 120 ml of water
Learn more
Face masks, oils, and tonic
Face masks: 1 or 2 drops per 2 tbs. (15ml) of natural facemask.
Face oils: 12 drops in 30ml of carrier oil. For elderly and children use 6 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Use a dark-colored glass bottle, which helps protect your oils from light degradation. First, pour in the carrier oil. If you’re using a single essential oil or a premixed blend, add it directly to the carrier oil. If you’re crafting your own unique blend, mix your essential oils together first, then integrate the desired number of drops into the carrier oil. Remember, a little goes a long way, so only use a small amount for each application. Click here to read more about which carrier oil to choose.
Face tonic: 8-15 drops in 100ml of spring or distilled water or hydrosol.
Combine the oil and water before filtering through an unbleached paper coffee filter.
Our 100% organic and natural hydrosols can be used directly as a tonic. Shut your eyes and spray your face. Or spray a cotton pad and wipe your face with it.
Inhalation from bowl
3-5 drops per bowl of steaming hot water.
To use essential oils in steam inhalation, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and then removing it from the heat. Add a few drops (typically 3-5 drops) of your chosen essential oil to the hot water.
Carefully lean over the pot, drape a towel over your head and the pot to trap the steam, and breathe deeply for several minutes to inhale the aromatic vapors, which can help relieve nasal congestion and other respiratory issues.
Lotions & Creams
12 drops to each 30 ml of natural, unfragranced lotion or cream.
You can make your own face cream with our neutral face cream as a base. For a 2% (adults) dilution use 40 drops in this 100 ml cream base.
For elderly and children use 20 drops (1%) in 100ml of cream.
Massage oil (for body)
12 drops to each 30 ml of carrier oil.
For elderly and children use 6 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Pillows
Place 1-3 drops of essential oil on the corner or underside of a pillow away from the eyes.
Room sprays
As room purifier: 10-20 drops per 475 ml of water.
As a general fragrance: 8-10 drops per 475 ml of water.
Scalp treatments
Add 6 drops in 15 ml of Jojoba oil or aloe vera gel. Shake well. Use 2-3 drops of your prepared blend for each application. Massage into your scalp. Alternatively, simply add the essential oil to a bottle of final rinse water after washing the hair.
Shampoos
5-10 drops in 100ml.
Essential oils can be added to any unscented shampoo that is composed of organic natural ingredients.
Showers
1-5 drops.
First, complete your usual washing routine. After that, apply a few drops of essential oil onto a washcloth or sponge and briskly rub it over your body while standing under the shower's running water. Inhale deeply through your nose to enjoy the aromatic steam, being careful to avoid applying the oil on your face and sensitive areas.
Sprays & Mists for Face and Body
For body: 10-20 drops to each 475 ml of water or hydrosol.
For face: 2-5 drops to each 240 ml of water or hydrosol.
Add the essential oil to warm water or hydrosol. Shake thoroughly, pour through an unbleached paper coffee filter, and place in a spray bottle. Cool before using.
Shake before each use.
Keep eyes closed when spraying the face.
Washes
15-32 drops in 240 ml of warm water.
A wash is a prepared mixture for washing infected areas such as cuts, grazes, and wounds.
Mix the essential oils and water together in a bottle and shake well. Keep it stored in the fridge for no longer than 14 days. Shake before each use.
Aromatherapy's Base Notes:
Aromas categorized as base notes are usually heavy and soothing. They evaporate slowly, and their scent can last for up to a week. They have a very powerful impact on the mind and emotions, making them ideal when mental and emotional calm is needed. Base notes can heal the body from the inside out and treat a wide range of ailments, from dry skin to circulatory or digestive issues. They can also strengthen a weak immune system and have a sexually stimulating effect.
Typical Base Notes:
Woody oils:
Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Rosewood
Powerful floral oils:
Ylang-ylang, Rose, Jasmine
Resin oils:
Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin
Understand the Notes of Scents
In aromatherapy, the scent of an oil is often referred to as a "note." The secret behind a truly great fragrance is finding the perfect balance between the notes. Aromatherapy is about scents, and with practice, you will be able to recognize an oil's fragrance even if you might not know which plant the oil comes from. For example, you will be able to distinguish between citrus and floral scents or woody and minty fragrances. The scent is determined by the chemicals an oil contains. Because oils that smell alike often contain the same chemicals, they typically have similar properties.
Oils are categorized into so-called base, middle, and top notes. Knowing an oil's note is important when blending oils. A good blend—like most perfumes—normally contains a mix of all three notes, where the ratio between them varies depending on what the blend is used for. Additionally, an oil can contain more than one note—for example, ylang-ylang contains traces of all three notes and is often considered the perfect fragrance.
When creating a new fragrance, whether it's for a perfume or an aroma diffuser, you should use between 4-7 oils per blend. First, decide what type of blend you want to create, such as a refreshing one, and then choose notes with these characteristics to make up the main content of the blend. Dissolve the mixture in a carrier oil if you want to use it on the skin (12 drops in 30 ml of carrier oil).
| Blend | Top note | Middle note | Base note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refreshing | 5 drops | 4 drops | 1 drop |
| Relaxing | 1 drop | 6 drops | 3 drops |
| Sensual | 1 drop | 4 drops | 5 drops |
| Balancing | 2 drops | 5 drops | 3 drops |
| Energizing | 8 drops | 1 drop | 1 drop |
CUPRESSACEAE PLANT FAMILY
The Cupressaceae family, is a diverse group of coniferous trees and shrubs found across various regions of the world. This plant family includes 142 species spread across 27 genera, with well-known members such as cypresses, junipers, and redwoods. These plants are renowned for their adaptability to different environments, thriving in a range of climates from temperate to subtropical regions. Characterized by their evergreen foliage, Cupressaceae plants often have scale-like or needle-like leaves and produce woody cones that contain their seeds.
A significant feature of the Cupressaceae family is its economic and ecological importance. Many species within this family are highly valued for their timber, which is durable and resistant to decay, making it ideal for construction, furniture, and outdoor applications. Additionally, the aromatic oils extracted from some Cupressaceae species are used in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and as natural insect repellents. Ecologically, these plants play a crucial role in their habitats, providing shelter and food for wildlife, stabilizing soil with their extensive root systems, and contributing to the carbon cycle through their photosynthetic activity.
Beyond their practical uses, Cupressaceae plants hold cultural and symbolic significance in various societies. For example, cypress trees are often associated with immortality and mourning in many cultures due to their evergreen nature and longevity. They are frequently planted in cemeteries and memorials as symbols of eternal life and remembrance. Similarly, the majestic redwoods and sequoias, some of the tallest and oldest living trees on Earth, inspire awe and reverence, highlighting the wonder and resilience of nature. The Cupressaceae family, with its diverse species and profound impact on human life and the environment, continues to be a subject of interest and appreciation in both scientific and cultural contexts.
Cypress Blends Well With These Essential Oils
Bergamot, cedarwood atlas, chamomile roman, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, juniper berry, lavender, lavandin, lemon, mandarin, manuka, marjoram sweet, orange sweet, petitgrain, pine, ravensara, ravintsara, rosemary.
The Main Chemical Composition of Cypress Essential Oil
Cypress essential oil, derived from the leaves, twigs, and cones of the Cupressus sempervirens tree, boasts a complex and potent chemical composition. The main components of Cypress essential oil include:
1. α-Pinene: This monoterpene is the most abundant component in Cypress oil, known for its anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, and antimicrobial properties. It contributes to the fresh, pine-like aroma of the oil.
2. δ-3-Carene: Another significant monoterpene, δ-3-Carene, possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects. It is also beneficial for respiratory health.
3. α-Terpinyl Acetate: This ester contributes to the oil's calming and muscle-relaxing effects. It also has a pleasant, sweet fragrance.
These compounds work synergistically to provide Cypress essential oil with its distinctive therapeutic benefits, making it a versatile oil for various applications in aromatherapy and natural health.
What are Chemotypes in Essential Oils?
Chemotypes in essential oils refer to the different chemical compositions that can occur in the same plant species due to variations in their growing conditions, harvest times, or geographical locations. These variations lead to the production of essential oils with distinct chemical profiles, each possessing unique therapeutic properties. Understanding chemotypes is crucial for aromatherapy and medicinal applications, as the efficacy and safety of the oils can vary significantly based on their chemical makeup.
Here's a breakdown of what defines a chemotype and why it matters:
1. Genetic and Environmental Influences: A chemotype is often influenced by the plant's environment, such as altitude, climate, and soil composition, as well as genetic factors. These variables can affect which chemical compounds are predominant in the oil.
2. Chemical Composition: Each chemotype of an essential oil will have a dominant chemical compound or set of compounds that characterize it. For example, Rosemary essential oil can be found in several chemotypes, such as cineole, camphor, and verbenone, each named after its principal component, which dictates its therapeutic properties and uses.
3. Therapeutic Properties: The presence of different chemical compounds means that each chemotype can be more effective for different health concerns. For instance, the cineole chemotype of Rosemary is excellent for respiratory issues due to its expectorant properties, whereas the camphor chemotype is more suited for pain relief and circulatory problems.
4. Safety and Application: Some chemotypes may be safer or more appropriate for certain applications than others. For example, an essential oil chemotype high in ketones might be more neurotoxic and thus used with more caution, particularly around children or pregnant women.
Understanding chemotypes allows us to choose the most appropriate and effective essential oil for specific therapeutic outcomes, ensuring both safety and efficacy in their applications.
Cypress is Safe to Diffuse around Dogs
Pet Safe
If you have dogs in the house, these are the recommendations on how to diffuse your essential oils in a safe way: only use 3-4 drops of a particular essential oil in a water based aroma diffuser (UltraSonic).
Use no more than 4-6 drops total if using more than one essential oil, or use the amount in the diffuser recipes.
Be sure your aroma diffuser is in an area where your pet cannot knock it over. Always diffuse in an open area with the door open so your dog can leave the room if desired.
If your dog is sensitive to an oil you are diffusing, stop diffusing and get your dog outside for some fresh air. Contact your veterinarian if you are concerned.
Storage
Essential oils are sensitive to UV: always keep them in their original bottles (amber glass with codigoutte).
We advise you to store them in a cool place without light after opening.
For your mixtures, cosmetic and culinary preparations, always use a new bottle to avoid interactions.
Disclaimer
This information is intended to educate and inform, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or veterinarian before starting any regime with Essential Oils.
