The Cypress tree (Cupressus sempervirens) belongs to the ancient Cupressaceae plant family; many ancient people used cypress for its medicinal value; in traditional Chinese Medicine, the cypress is used for purifying and cleansing. The ancient Greeks used cypress leaves and cones to treat internal bleeding and wounds; in the ancient Egyptian world, cypress wood was used to make coffins, as it was believed that cypress wood would not rot over time.
Cypress in Folklore and in Death
Folklore legend tells that the cypress tree gained its name from the Greek Cyparissus; Cyparissus could not be consoled after killing a favorite stag in an accident. He asked the Greek God Apollo if he could be allowed to grieve forever and legend tells that Apollo turned Cyparissus into a cypress tree, a place where others could grieve. Today, there are many cypress trees found in European graveyards; it is also thought that the fragrance released by cypress trees helps to comfort the bereaved.
Characteristics of Cypress
The Cypress tree is a tall, evergreen tree which is shaped like a cone; the cypress tree releases a highly fragrant aroma. It also produces small flowers and round gray-brown nuts. Cypress essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the twigs and needles of the cypress tree; cypress oil has a fresh, warm and woody aroma, similar to that of the pine tree.
Cultivation of The Cypress Tree
The Cypress tree is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and is found growing wild in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, the UK and North Africa; the cultivation of the cypress tree for distillation of essential oil is primarily carried out in France, Morocco and Spain.
Use of Cypress Oil in Aromatherapy
Cypress essential oil has many properties including astringent, antiseptic, tonic, deodorant, insect repellent and antispasmodic. Cypress oil can be used in the treatment of stress, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, nervous conditions, bronchitis, asthma, poor circulation, fatigue, oily skin, grief and anger; it also useful to use in times of transition and change such as in death, end of a relationship or an old way of life and moving house.
Cautions for Using Cypress Oil
Cypress essential oil is generally considered to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing; however, as is the advice when using any essential oil, cautions should be taken if unfamiliar with the use of essential oils and the effects of essential oils. Some individuals may present conditions which may be contra-indicated in the use of a particular essential oil.
Identifying Cypress Essential Oil
In aromatherapy, Cupressus sempervirens is considered to be the best essential oil to use; however, other species of cypress which also produce an essential oil include Cupressus lusitanica. It is essential to correctly identify an essential oil by its Latin name, rather than the general English name, to ensure the correct oil is being used for the problems identified.
References:
Harding, Jennie 2005 Aromatherapy Massage for You UK: Duncan Baird Publishers
Lawless, Julia 1995 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils UK:Thorsons
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