Health Benefits and Proper Application of Cypress Essential Oil
No Ordinary Tree
There are many species in the cypress tree family called Cupressaceae, but there is only one kind from which the potent cypress essential oil can be extracted. This source of the therapeutic oil is Cupressus sempervirens variety, a tall, imposing evergreen but with slender branches. The therapeutic potency of the tree is indicative in its Greek scientific name sempervirens which translates to “lives forever.”
Semperviren flowers are small and yields seed cones that are round and brownish grey in color. This specific tree species is native to Mediterranean countries but also grows in many other areas of the world. When it comes to cultivation for its essential oil, most are centered in France although some extracts are also produced in Spain and Morocco. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the trees’ twigs and needles. The resulting extract is greenish olive in color with a sweet balsamic essence. Such distilling process will enable a yield ranging from 1.3 to 1.5 percent.
Therapy for Many Ailments
Cypress oil extracts have been used for centuries with aromatherapy as its main application. This therapeutic remedy is especially helpful for those suffering from menstrual loss, diarrhea, coughing, bronchitis, asthma or heavy perspiration. The oil is also used in as an ingredient in spa baths to reduce cellulite, promote blood circulation, and enhance fluid retention.
The therapeutic effects of this oil extract can be achieved by using vaporizers or burners. The resulting vapor in the procedure can relieve difficulty in breathing that is brought about by emphysema and asthma. This protocol can also serve as a remedy against bronchitis and whopping cough. Another positive effect is relieving anger or stress as well as easing tension.
Blending with Other Essential Oils
Healthful benefits can also be achieved by blending the cypress extract to massage oil or in bath water. Any of these methods is supposedly an effective way to deal with varicose veins, menopause, menstruation, sweaty feet, diarrhea, cramps, cellulite, asthma, and arthritis. Specifically added in a foot bath, the cypress oil deodorant and astringent properties can be effective agents against excessive perspiration.
Corollary cypress oil applications are in lotions and creams incorporating the extract as one of the ingredients. Such topical treatments can be applied to broken veins as well as for congested and oily skin. A cold compress with the extract can also supposedly help stop a nosebleed immediately.
What Makes it Potent
The therapeutic effects of cypress oil are ascribed to several chemical components contained in the extract. Among these are cedrol and cadinene, bornyl acetate, linalool, terpinolene, a-pinenene, sabinene, camphene, d-3carene, and myrecene. These chemicals are the source of the oil’s potency as a deodorant, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, and other therapeutic properties.
Cypress essential oil is generally safe to use in vaporizers, baths, ointments and its other applications. It can also be safely used in conjunction with other oils like bergamot, lavender, juniper, pine, and sandalwood. While the extract is non-toxic, it would be wise to first apply a test patch on the skin before using this oil essence.
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References
Cypressessentialoil.com - https://www.cypressessentialoil.com/
Essentialoils.co.za - https://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/cypress.htm
