Cypress - Cupressus sempervirens var. stricta
9:41 AM Posted by jo
Origin
The
branches, leaves, and cones are steam distilled to make the essential
oil. It originated in France, Italy, Germany, and Algeria.
History
Cypress
was used by the Romans and the Greeks. Sempervirens means ever living,
and the tree was dedicated to the gods of the underworld by the Greeks
and the Romans.
The chemical constituents of Cupressus sempervirens var. stricta are:
- Esters
- The monoterpenes a-pinene, b-pinene, a-thujene, camphene, sabinene, and myrcene.
- Alcohols
- The ketone cymene.
- Sesquiterpene.
Cypress has a bitter, acidic, sharp, spicy and balsamic-woody top note. It is a clean and refreshing smell. The middle note is balsamic-woody, sweet and spicy. The base note smells more like cypress with a forest scent and it is not as sweet. The dry out note is sweet, woody, and mild. The aroma of cypress is calming and balancing, but also very refreshing and clearing.
Characteristics
Cypress
oil is yellow to green in color and it dries quickly on the perfume
blotter. It didn't leave any residue. It dries quickly when rubbed
between the fingers.
Indications
Cypress is useful in anger and it will also restore calm.
According to Battaglia, cypress
has vaso-constrictor and astringent properties, and has traditionally
been useful in circulatory problems such as varicose veins and
hemorrhoids.
In
France, Dr.Valnet used cypress for bronchitis and coughs at the
hospital. The coughs were stopped when cypress oil was dropped under the
pillows. According to Battaglia. cypress is useful. in asthma and spasmodic
coughs due to its antispasmodic action. Battaglia also says it regulates the
menstrual cycle.
According
to Gary Young, ND, cypress reduces scar tissue and he consider it
outstanding when used in skin care.
Cypress
blends well with
Bergamot, clary sage, fennel, grapefruit, juniper,
lavender, lemon, lime, orange, pine, rosemary, tangerine.
Safety
Cypress
should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is considered
non-toxic but it contains thujone- like compounds, so therefore use with
caution. Avoid in hypertension.
Before you leave:
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
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