Cypress Oil - Health Benefits

Cypress Oil - Health Benefits

Cypress 
Cupressus Sempervirens
Cupressaceae
Common names : Common Cypress, Italian Cypress, Graveyard Cypress, Tuscan Cypress, Funeral Cypress, Pencil Pine or Spanish Cypress.
The Latin name "sempervirens" can be divided into two parts "semper" - always or ever and "virens" - green. Thus the term can be translated as "evergreen".

This statuesque evergreen conifer is native to the Eastern Mediterranean.  The steam distilled needles, twigs, and cones are often distilled in France, Spain, or Morocco.  It is a common incense ingredient and is still used for its purifying qualities.  Ancient healers used this essential oil to treat arthritis, laryngitis, swollen scar tissue, and cramps.

Today Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens) is used to support the cardiovascular system and promote emotional well being in times of loss or stress.  It also promotes the production of white blood cells and boosts natural defenses.  It is generally massaged along the spine, on armpits and feet, and over the heart and chest.

Great for aiding circulation, mental strength, and balancing oily skin.  Excellent support for the endocrine system.  Use for lower abdominal massage.

Attributes and Benefits: 
1. Skin: Cypress is a vasoconstrictor, used to treat acne, increases circulation in mature skin, a good over-all skin tonic.  It is astringent and helps to reduce overactive sweat glands and excessive perspiration.  Helpful in mixtures for simple water retention, varicose veins, cellulite, and wound healing.  This is a good oil to be added to mixtures for oily hair, oily skin, or sweaty palms and feet.  Stimulates skin circulation.

2. Respiratory:  With its antiseptic, anti-infectious, and antispasmodic qualities, Cypress helps with sore throats, flu, colds, sinus infections, asthma, throat infection, whooping cough, laryngitis, bronchitis, and pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR).  Its antispasmodic quality is helpful during asthma attacks.

3. Muscular/Skeletal:  Soothing to muscle aches and pains, rheumatism, cramps, arthritis, and edema; its ability to harmonize the flow of bodily fluids makes it an important aid to simple water retention, excessive bleeding, and menstrual cramps.

4. Cardiovascular/Lymphatic: Ancient Assyrians would use this application for circulatory problems, varicosities, and hemorrhoids (both internal and external).  

5. Immune: Strengthens and simulates the immune system.

6. Digestive: Helps with bleeding gums, colitis, gut infections, stimulates and aids sluggish intestines, and hepatopancreatic stimulant.

7. Endocrine: Can act as a female hormonal stimulant.

8. Genitourinary/Reproductive: Its ability to harmonize the flow of body fluids makes it a powerful aid for menstrual problems.  Induces menstruation, eases painful periods, reduces menopausal hot flashes, cramps, regulates menstrual cycle, decongests prostate with mastic, diuretic, increases urine flow, and eases simple water retention.

9. Nervous Brain/Mind:  Lack of concentration, sexual pre-occupation, nervous breakdown, nervous tension, fatigue, and stress related disorders.

10. Emotional/Energetic:  Anger, uncontrolled crying or talking, squandering energy, spiritual aid for transitions (death), cleanses spirit, purifies and cleans psychically and physically.  Aids sluggish intestinal conditions and is a good oil for rehabilitation during convalescence when the system has been slowed down.  Beneficial in weight-loss programs and assists with excessive fluid and water retention.

11. Inhalation: Can be soothing and relaxing if inhaled just before bedtime, it is particularly useful to diffuse and inhale for respiratory problems, asthma, whooping cough, sinus infections, colds, and congestion.  Inhale the fragrance for strength and comfort.

12. Topical:  Apply neat, on location.
Mix 3-5 drops with 1 Tablespoon Message oil and massage over abdomen to ease heavy
menstrual flow and cramps.
Add 2 drops per ounce to personal care products to regulate oil production, help oily skin and hair; also an effective deodorizer.
Diffuse overnight or use as a chest rub with Message oil for relief from congestion and coughing spells.
Mix 1-2 drops with 1-2 drops of Lemon oil to soothe tired, swollen feet and help treat foot perspiration.
13. Massage:  Mix with Message oil and use for aching muscles and cramps.
14. Baths:  Use in baths for aching muscles, abdominal or menstrual cramps.
Always avoid contact with eyes while in bath water.
Gargle:  A drop in ½ glass of water can be gargled for sore throat, coughing, or laryngitis.

Cautions: 
For topical and aromatic purposes only.  Keep out of reach of children and avoid the eye area.  Do not apply directly to skin without diluting.  Store at room temperature and avoid sunlight.