Cypress

Cupressus sempervirens

A member of the Cupressaceae family, cypress is distilled from leaves, flowers and sometimes twigs in Germany and France and produces an oil which can be compared with witch hazel and horse-chestnut in its effects. It is said to be superior to witch hazel (Hamamelis). The oil is slightly yellow. Cypress oil is also produced in Kenya and Spain from Cupressus lusitanica and this too is used medicinally.

General properties

• vasoconstrictor
• cooling
• anticancer
• astringent
• anti-spasmodic

Blends well with

• juniper
• lavender
• pine
• sandalwood

General uses

• varicose veins
• broken capillaries
• menopause
• coughs and bronchitis
• frigidity
• impotence
• asthma
• grief
• laryngitis
• cellulite
• whooping cough
• diarrhea
• glandular fever
• gum infection
• hemorrhoids
• irritability
• jealousy
• liver
• lymphatic congestion
• mature skin
• menstrual problems
• mylagic encephalomyelitis
• nervous tension
• oversensitivity
• oily and open pores
• perspiration
• poor circulation
• urinary infections

Caution

Not to be used during the first four months of pregnancy, or with hypertensives.