Traditionally, cypress tree has been associated with signs of grief, mortality and sometimes even with the idea of the immortal soul. But besides these melancholic symbols, this particular tree is also known to be famous for the soothing and fragrant oils that are produced from it. Read on to find more interesting facts about cypress essential oil and its health benefits:
Cypress oil – what it is and where it is found:
Most commonly known to originate from Cupressus sempervirens, cypress oil comes from this easily identifiable evergreen tree which bears small flowers (with brown-gray coloured seed nuts inside them) and has foliage which is dark green in colour. Being native to Southern Europe, it can now also be found in North Africa as well as North America. The history and used of the tree goes back to ancient times – the Phoenicians and Cretans used the tree to make houses and ships, the Egyptians used it for making sarcophagi to bury the dead, and the Greeks used to carve statues of the Greek gods by using the cypress wood. The tree produces extraordinarily strong lumber and oils – a green and yellow colored essential oil which has a refreshing and woody scent and is known be calming and simultaneously energizing. Mentioned below are a few uses and benefits of cypress essential oil:
How to use and what are its benefits?
- Consume vapor form: An easy way to make the best use of cypress essential oil is to inhale it in vapor form. This method of consuming the oil helps you relax and calms your nerves. The fresh and invigorating aroma provides a soothing effect. If you have breathing difficulties or phlegm or disorders such as cough, running nose, asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, inhaling cypress oil can do wonders for you and help soothe any pain that you might be suffering through.
- Use for massage: Consuming cypress essential oil is one of the best home remedies for getting rid of swollen ankles and feet. You can also use cypress essential oil as a massage oil to help relieve and soothe cramps in the muscles. It is best for rheumatic and arthritis patients who suffer through joint pains and muscle spasms. It is also good for varicose and spider veins, and is often used during heavy menstrual flow to help the body relax. The fresh aroma along with the silky texture of the oil soothes your skin and freshens it when used during massage.
- Add to bath: Cypress essential oil is usually added to warm bath water. It is used for young living and helps you feel more fresh and energized after a long day of tiring work, and relaxes your muscles and your mind so that you can have a good night’s sleep later.
- Add to skin lotion and cream: Add a few drops of cypress essential oil to your skin cream and lotion to help repair broken skin and soothe varicose veins. The astringent effects of cypress oil can also help clear up oily or congested skin. In fact, cypress essential oil is universally considered as one of the best natural home remedy for getting rid of broken skin and for reducing varicose veins.
- For nosebleeds: Cypress essential oil is also commonly used to stop nosebleeds. Add some drops of the oil to a cold compress and apply with pressure against the nose to stop the bleeding. This is a very convenient herbal home remedy for quickly getting rid of nosebleeds, without having to use chemicals or medicines.
- Add to foot soak: Cypress essential oil can also be added to your foot soak and acts as a perfume for feet. It has a fresh and woody scent which helps keep your feet deodorized and also cleans off the sweat.
- Add to shampoo or conditioner: Using this particular oil helps prevents your hair and teeth from falling out and its proper use makes the hair roots and gums stronger, owing to its antimicrobial properties. Simply adding 1-3 drops of cypress essential oil to your shampoo, conditioner or face wash is considered one of the best home remedy for getting rid of weak gums and loose, unhealthy hair.
- Apply on stomach for treating bedwetting: Aromatherapy makes use of cypress essential oil to efficiently treat chronic bedwetting. Adding a few drops of cypress essential oil to another massage oil (preferably coconut oil) and applying it to over the bladder or on the stomach and lower abdomen before bedtime has been considered as one of the best and fast acting home remedy for getting rid of bedwetting.
- Used for controlling blood pressure levels: Using cypress essential oil is and easy and highly effective herbal home remedy for getting rid of high blood pressure problems. Correct and supervised consumption of the oil constricts blood vessels and helps regulate the blood flow, especially in case of an open wound.
- Consume for reduced cholesterol: Being diuretic in nature, using cypress essential oil cleanses the liver and lowers cholesterol levels.
- Apply with cotton ball: Using cypress essential oil has been known to be the best home remedy for treating and preventing Simply apply a few drops of the oil with a cotton ball to get the best effect.
- Mix in aroma lamps: Owing to its soothing effects, this oil helps reduce anxiety. Mixing a few drops or using diffused form in aroma lamps has been proved to have a calming effect on many people.
- Blend with other oils: Most essential oils work well with cypress essential oil. Mix a considerable amount with lavender, rosemary, sandalwood, clary sage, bergamot and other citrus oils to get maximum benefits.
- Use as insecticide: The fresh and woody fragrance of this oil helps repel mosquitoes and other insects. Mix a few drops with other room fresheners and enjoy insect-free environment!
- Apply and massage to relieve headache: Simply mixing 1-3 drops of cypress essential oil in your regular hair oil and massaging helps you prevent dryness in your scalp. This reduces the chances of getting dandruff and also helps you prevent headaches.
Following are the health benefits of cypress essential oil:
- Prevents acne.
- Cleans liver.
- Lowers cholesterol levels.
- Controls blood pressure.
- Controls perspiration.
- Stops nosebleeds.
- Clears airways and promotes smooth respiratory function.
- Treats wounds and helps cuts heal quickly.
- Treats cramps and reduces fatigue.
- Naturally treats carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Treats varicose veins.
- Reduces cellulite.
- Relives joint pain.
- Helps reduce and prevent hemorrhoids.
- Relaxes nervous system.
- Provides emotional benefits by helping in treating trauma.
Precautions:
Cypress essential oil at times may have some side effects. Take the following precautions to avoid any adverse effects:
- Cypress essential oil should usually be used with a carrier oil for it might not be the best thing to apply directly on sensitive skin. Apply a few drops to the skin first to check and see if there is any allergic reaction.
- Consult a doctor for the correct dosage before ingesting the oil to help with respiratory or other health related problems.
- It is usually advised to not use this oil on children for it might have some strong effects on the child’s nervous and health system.
- Cypress essential oil must be avoided during pregnancy, owing to its ability to regulate menstrual flow.
- Do not apply cypress essential oil directly on eyes or on mucus membranes.