Cypress Essential Oil

Latin name Cupressus sempervirens – Family Conifera (Cupressaceae)

Cypress is also referred to as Italian Cypress or Mediterranean Cypress.

“…as a diluted essential oil, cypress astringes varicose veins and hemorrhoids, tightening up the blood vessels.” –The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevallier

“It [Cypress essential oil] has a refreshing sweet, woody-spicy odor with a hint of lemon camphor which therapists value for its direct, reassuring effect on conditions of stress, over-tiredness, or weepy irritability. It is included in aftershaves, perfumes, soaps, and creams for oily, mature skins. Cypress oil can be inhaled from a tissue to calm coughs or added to a footbath for sweaty feet.” –Crabtree & Evelyn Fragrant Herbal: Enhancing Your Life with Aromatic Herbs and Essential Oils by Lesley Bremness

Oil Selection Guide

Color – Pale yellow or greenish olive
Viscosity – Watery
Scent – Warm, sweet, balsamy, refreshing, woody, slightly spicy
Perfume Aroma: Middle / base note

Oil Source Information

Plant Type – Tree
Parts Used – Leaves, needles, twigs (and sometimes cones)
Countries of Origin – Mediterranean, France, Spain, Italy, Corsica, Sardinia, North Africa, Britain, Portugal, Silicy
Extraction Method – Steam distillation

Known Chemical Constituents

alpha pinene, delta 3 carene, myrcene, cedrol, cedrine, terpinolene, limonene, camphene, sylvestrene, cymene, sabinol

General Applications and Uses

Cypress oil can be found in aromatherapy, insect repellent, perfumery, pharmaceutical, and skin care products.

Cypress blends well with

Precautions / Contraindications

See Essential Oils Safety and Usage.

References and Resources

See Aromatherapy References and Resources page.

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