From early times, cypress trees were associated with the transition of the soul crossing over from this life to the afterlife...

Cypress is a purifying and balancing oil with a smoky, sweet-balsamic tenacious scent.

Nature: balancing, purifying

Its strong astringent properties are highly effective in the treatment of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, wounds, oily and over hydrated skin and in the control of excessive perspiration.

Ideal in massage or a bath for cellulitis, muscular cramps and poor circulation.

Principal Actions: Anti-spasmotic relieves muscle tension; contracts weak connective tissue, astringent for oily and blemished skin.

Practical Uses

Methods of use: application, aroma lamp, bath, diffusor, inhaler, lightbulb ring, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation, steam room, sauna

Skin Care with Cypress

Cypress has many properties that make it valuable for use in skin care. It is a strong astringent for acne, oily and over-hydrated skin. Cypress is used for conditions such as pyorrhea (bleeding gums), broken capillaries and wounds. The deodorant properties of cypress make it ideal to help curb excessive perspiration. Cypress can be combined in a skin blend to be used as a safe and effective insect repellent.

For Oily or Blemished Skin: Mix 4 drops cypress, 4 drops bergamot and 2 drops sandalwood in 20ml/4tsp of a light carrier oil such as grapeseed and apply to affected areas.

For Broken Capillaries: Mix 3 drops cypress, 4 drops lemon and 3 drops helichrysum (everlasting) in 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and massage on to affected areas.

Deodorant: Mix 3 drops cypress, 3 drops lavandin, 1 drop lemon, 1 drop juniperberry, 1 cup vodka and 2 tablespoons witch hazel. Combine all the ingredients in a sterilized pump bottle. Shake before each use. This blend can be used for both men and women.

Excessive Perspiration: Mix 4 drops cypress and 4 drops citronella in ½ cup of baking soda and lightly dust on to the skin.

For Balding: Mix 4 drops cypress, 3 drops rosemary, 4 drops geranium, 4 drops lavender, 2 drops ginger in 50 ml warm water. Massage gently into scalp. Repeat daily.

For Dandruff: Mix 4 drops cypress, 4 drops rosemary, 4 drops thyme and 3 drops sage in 20ml/4tsp light carrier oil such as grapeseed and massage gently into the scalp. Repeat daily.

Rinse for Oily Hair: Mix 3 drops cypress, 3 drops thyme, 2 drops basil and 2 tsp cider vinegar in 1 litre of warm water. Use as a final rinse after shampoo.

Circulation, Muscles & Joints

Cypress contracts weak connective tissue, relieves muscle tension, and promotes circulation; it aids in the reduction of cellulite, fluid retention (edema), rheumatic complaints, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, nervous tension and muscle aches.

To Improve Poor Circulation: Mix 3 drops cypress, 3 drops West Indian Bay and 4 drops orange in a bath or add to 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and use in a massage.

Bath Blends: Mix together the following oils in a small dark glass bottle. Add 6 drops of these blends to an average bath.

Oily Skin: 8 drops cypress, 10 drops lemon, 8 drops jasmine and 5 drops neroli

Purifying: 7 drops cypress, 10 drops lemon, 6 drops juniperberry and 4 drops

Fatigue/Muscle: 5 drops cypress, 5 drops thyme, 10 drops rosemary, 10 drops grapefruit

Muscles/Tired: 4 drops cypress, 4 drops thyme, 9 drops rosemary, 9 drops eucalyptus

Respiratory System

Cypress is clearing as an inhalant and can be used for respiratory disorders, asthma, coughs, colds, laryngitis and bronchitis.

Genito-Urinary System

Cypress contains a hormone that normalizes the female sex hormones and can help alleviate menopausal symptoms and heavy and painful menstruation.

For Painful Menstruation: Mix 5 drops cypress, 5 drops lavender, 10 drops peppermint, 10 drops nutmeg in a small dark glass bottle. Add 10 drops of this blend to 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and massage into the abdomen and lower back. Use 6 drops of the neat blend in a bath.

Nervous System

Cypress is balancing to the nervous system; calming, relieves stress, nervous tension, gloominess and promotes a restful sleep. Mood uplifting; refreshing, improves mental clarity and alertness.

For Burnout: Mix 5 drops cypress, 6 drops grapefruit, 5 drops sandalwood and 3 drops geranium in a small dark glass bottle. Use as an inhalant; add 6 drops of this blend in a bath; 4 – 6 drops of the blend on a burner.

Computer Fatigue: Mix 5 drops cypress, 4 drops bergamot, 2 drops petitgrain in a small dark glass bottle. Use as an inhalant; add 6 drops of this blend in a bath; 4 – 6 drops of the blend on a burner.

To Enhance Creativity: Mix 3 drops cypress, 3 drops rosemary, 2 drops coriander and 5 drops lemon in a small dark glass bottle. Use as an inhalant; add 6 drops of this blend in a bath; 4 – 6 drops of the blend on a burner.

Cypress in Aromatherapy

Botanical Name: Cupressus sempervirens

Note: Middle - 30

Source: Steam distillation of the needles, twigs, and cones of the tall conifer tree native to the eastern Mediterranean region. Most of the oil is produced in France, Spain and Morocco

Description and Odor Effect: a pale yellow liquid with a woodsy-balsamic odour. Its odour effect is cooling and calming

Blends well with: bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, frankincense, juniperberry, lavender, lemon, marjoram, orange, pine, rosemary, sandalwood

Applications: massage, facial, bath and shower oil, local application, compress, steam inhalation, steam room and sauna, vaporization, mist spray

Therapeutic Properties: antiseptic, anti-spasmotic, astringent, calmative, diuretic, relaxant, tonic, deodorant, skin care, insect repellent

Safety Data: Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.

Caution: Flammable. Avoid during pregnancy.

Cypress – Quick Reference

Skin: hemorrhoids, oily and over-hydrated skin, excessive perspiration, insect repellent, pyorrhoea (bleeding of the gums), varicose veins, wounds

Circulation, Muscles & Joints: cellulitis, muscular cramp, edema, poor circulation, rheumatism

Respiratory: asthma, bronchitis, spasmodic coughing

Genito-urinary: dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation), menopausal problems, menorrhagia (excessive menstrual discharge)

Nervous: nervous tension and stress-related conditions

Keyword: Circulation

Magical Properties: use to create a safe home environment

Metaphysical Properties: brings you comfort and joy

Cypress Harmony

Add these essential oils to 20 ml / 4 teaspoons carrier oil

To help improve the appearance of cellulite:

• 4 drops Cypress
• 4 drops Grapefruit
• 2 drops Juniper Berry