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This majestic evergreen, native to the island of Cyprus and revered as a symbol of the goddess Beruth, adorns the landscapes of southern France and Greece. It has long been depicted in art and literature as a symbol of life, death, the eternal soul, and sorrow. Its connection to mortality persists today, with Egyptians crafting coffins from its wood and French and American cultures planting it in cemeteries.
In Greek tradition, cypress is believed to sharpen focus during times of stress and provide solace to those grieving. Known for its ability to stop bleeding, it was even recommended by Hippocrates for treating hemorrhoids. The Chinese valued its resin-rich cones, using them to address bleeding gums due to their astringent properties.
The Chinese also held cypress in high regard, linking it to meditation because its roots resemble the posture of a seated figure. The essential oil, with its greenish hue, is extracted from the tree’s needles, twigs, or occasionally its cones.
Principal constituents of cypress: Pinene, camphene, sylvestrene, cymene, sabinol
Scent of cypress: Its aroma is characterized by a smoky, sharp, pine-like, and slightly spicy fragrance.
Therapeutic properties of cypress: It possesses antiseptic, astringent, and deodorant qualities; eases rheumatic discomfort, soothes muscle spasms and cramps, halts bleeding, and tightens blood vessels.
Uses for cypress: Cypress excels in addressing circulatory issues, including hypotension, poor blood flow, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. Its ability to repair damaged capillaries and reduce fluid retention makes it a popular choice during menopause. For these purposes, mix 8 drops into an ounce of cream or lotion and apply gently to the affected area twice daily. It can also soothe laryngitis, spasmodic coughs, and lung congestion by placing a drop on your pillow.
A traditional European remedy involves inhaling smoke from burning cypress gum resin to relieve sinus congestion, though inhaling a few drops of the essential oil in steam is a safer alternative. Applying a cypress compress to the abdomen can help manage heavy menstruation, urinary infections, or inflammation. Due to its astringent, antiseptic, and deodorant properties, dilute approximately 6 drops of cypress oil in vinegar or aloe vera to treat oily skin or reduce excessive sweating.
To learn more about Aromatherapy and other alternative medicines, see:
- Aromatherapy: Discover the fundamentals of aromatherapy, including its mechanisms, the role of essential oils, and practical applications.
- Essential Oils Profiles: Explore detailed profiles of numerous plants used to create essential oils. These pages provide insights into the properties and uses of the most widely-used essential oils.
- How to Treat Common Conditions With Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy offers solutions for various ailments, such as asthma, depression, and skin issues. Learn how to address common health concerns using aromatherapy techniques.
- Home Remedies: Access a collection of over a hundred safe and proven home remedies for managing a broad range of health issues on your own.
- Herbal Remedies: Herbal remedies share similarities with aromatherapy and have historical connections. This section includes comprehensive herb profiles and guidelines for using herbal treatments to address medical conditions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kathi Keville serves as the director of the American Herb Association and edits the American Herb Association Quarterly newsletter. With over 25 years of expertise in aromatherapy and herbal medicine, she is a renowned writer, photographer, consultant, and educator. Her published works include Aromatherapy: The Complete Guide to the Healing Art and Pocket Guide to Aromatherapy, alongside contributing over 150 articles to magazines like New Age Journal, The Herb Companion, and New Herbal Remedies. This content is intended for informational purposes only and DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, nor the publisher assume responsibility for any outcomes resulting from treatments, procedures, exercises, dietary changes, actions, or medication applications derived from this information. This publication does not substitute professional medical advice, and readers should consult their physician or healthcare provider before pursuing any treatment.
