Cypress, Wildcrafted

Product Details

Botanical name

Cupressus sempervirens

Extraction method / Source

Steam distillation of the leaves and twigs

Aroma

Sweet balsamic

Note

Base

Key constituents

Delta-3-carene, alpha-pinene, terpinolene, cedrol, camphene, sabinene

Plant description

Botanical family: Cupressaceae (Cypress)

Cypress is a very old species of evergreen tree that is indigenous to the Mediterranean, and now grows in coastal areas of Europe, North Africa and the Balkan countries. The trees can reach a height of up to 150 feet, and are remarkably long-lived. Some cypress trees are thought to be over 2000 years old! The trees produce dark green foliage and male and female cones that turn brown when mature.

Regions of Production

Spain, France

Growing Practices

Plants indigenous to the region are harvested from the wild, away from pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Replanting is done yearly to ensure the availability of the species.

History / Fun Facts

The Greek word sempervivirens means "live forever". The ancient Cretins and Phoenicians used the wood for ship building. Cypress was used to build sarcaphagi in ancient Egypt. The Greeks used cypress wood to carve statues of their gods. According to some legends, the cross of Jesus was made of cypress.

Properties

Antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, deodorant, vasoconstrictor

Please refer to the Glossary for terms which may be new to you.

Uses / Benefits

Beneficial in the management of oily skin, oily hair and dandruff. Helps strengthens blood capillaries, and visibly reduce varicose veins. Can help in reducing cellulite and improve the appearance of the skin. Useful in the prevention of hair loss. Helps reduce fluid retention (edema), beneficial in the management of diabetes. Improves breathing, soothes cough and minor chest discomfort, helps in the management of asthma. Helps regulate female hormones/menses. Promotes relaxation and helps relieve muscle tension. Can be used as a fixative for natural perfume making.

Fragrant influences

Calming, uplifting, grounding, purifying, balances the nerves. Helps create a sense of security, improves ability to manage emotional trauma, soothes anger, and eases stress, promotes concentration and focus, promotes restful sleep. Helpful in the management of grief and bereavement, providing spiritual comfort and encouraging letting go. In the same way, Cypress is useful for depression by supporting the process of letting go of that which is no longer useful for our lives (Battaglia, 2003; Mojay, 1997).

Blends well with

Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Juniper, Lemon, Lavender, Lime, Mandarin, Marjoram, Orange, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood

Safety

Avoid using while pregnant or breast feeding.

Notice

This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease, and should not take the place of evaluation by a qualified health professional. Although we strive to provide information which is accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

Precautions

Pure essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. Do not use them undiluted, or in the eyes or mucus membranes. If applying an essential oil to the skin, always dilute it with a proper carrier oil and test on a small patch of skin before applying to a large area. Do not take them internally except under the direction of a qualified professional trained in Aromatherapy. Always familiarize yourself with the safety, contraindications and proper preparation of each essential oil before use. Note that when using essential oils for children and the elderly, very low concentrations should be used. Keep all essential oils away from children and pets.

References

Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Second Edition, 2003. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia

Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, Aromatherapy: Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate and Heal, 2002. Prentice Hall Press, New York, New York

Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, Aromatherapy: A Holistic Guide to Natural Healing with Essential Oils, 2015. Floramed Publishing, The Woodlands, TX.

Hampton, Aubrey, Natural and Organic Hair and Skin Care, 1987. Organica Press, Tampa, FL.

Mojay, Gabriel, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, 1997. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.

Schnaubelt, Kurt, Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy (English translation), 1998. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.

Schnaubelt, Kurt, The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy, 2011. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.

Tisserand, Robert and Young, Rodney, Essential Oil Safety, 2nd edition, 2014. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, New York, NY

TIMELESS Essential Oils guarantees the purity and quality of all our therapeutic oils.  The current Certificate of Analysis is available upon request.  All essential oils are best stored in an airtight container away from heat and light.