Cypress Essential Oil

Latin Name: Cupressus SempervirensPart of the plant used: needles and twigsSource: SpainExtraction method: steam distillationCypress essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the Italian or Mediterranean cypress. The oil is taken from the needles and twigs of the young branches of these trees that were made famous by Van Gogh's paintings. Cypress essential oil is said to calm strong emotions like anger and is therefore helpful to have during major life changes. This essential oil works as a vasoconstrictor, helping varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is supposed to work well to relieve all conditions of excess fluid, such as heavy menstruation, excessive sweating, coughing, bronchitis, bleeding, and fluid retention. This oil relieves muscle cramps, helps regulate the menstrual cycle, and relieves arthritis and rheumatic pain. Use this oil in a vaporizer to calm the mind, as well as for any respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough. It can be used in dilution in a cold compress to stop nosebleeds. The cypress is considered a mourning tree according to Greek mythology, and for this reason, it is often grown in cemeteries. He is also associated with the god of the underworld, Hades. The Phoenicians and Cretans used the wood of this tree to build boats and houses. The Egyptians made sarcophagi and the Greeks carved statues of their gods with it. Legend has it that the cross of Jesus Christ was made of this wood, another reason why cypress is connected to death. Ironically, the botanical name for cypress is derived from the Greek 'Sempervirens', meaning 'to live forever'.