CYPRESS Essential Oil

Cupressus sempervirens France, Organic, young tips & needles, steam distilled.
 

This is one of my favorites among the 'evergreen' oils. Young green tips are pruned, and lovingly distilled to yield a truly unusual oil. I love cypress oil, and I especially love this fresh new specimen!

Cypress is a known astringent, excellent for oily skin, and may be useful for circulatory and respiratory problems.

It is often used in blends to ease arthritis pain. Can ease the pain of aching muscles or menstrual cramps. Stimulates circulation. I have seen it recommended in a compress to treat hemorrhoids.

Emotionally, Cypress Oil is comforting in case of loss and grief; the traditional oils used to treat grief are Rose and Jasmine. Adding a touch of Cypress to either or both of them can cut the sweetness of a grief blend, and, in my mind, add a freeing note. A wonderful blend for a man who is struggling with losses. It is a wonderful oil for helping us survive times of overwhelming transitions, moving, changes in jobs or in relationships.

It is also alleged to increase concentration and might be a worthwhile addition to a study blend.  

Blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Fennel, Pink Grapefruit, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Pine, Rosemary. Sandalwood, Rose and Cypress can be a lovely blend

Australian Blue Cypress

Totally different from the "needle oil" described above, the Australian Blue Cypress oil is a wood oil, with the depth and resonance of most woods.

This is an interesting oil. Distilled from the bark and wood of Callitris intratropica, plantation grown (and hence a renewable resource) in northern Australia. (Yes, many sources say it is distilled from needles, or from heartwood, but when the distiller says bark and wood, I believe him.)  The trees are grown completely without chemicals and meet the criteria for Organic status however the producer has not applied for it at this time.

Mark Webb, in Bush Sense, describes the aroma as "rich, resinous, woody, smoky, honey-like, and grounding."  Although some sources compare the aroma to Sandalwood, Vetiver or Guiacwood, we find it much more balsamic and less sweet.  It is said to be an amazing fixative for blends and perfumes.

The blue color comes from the content of guaiazulene in the bark (oil distilled from heartwood only is clear, not blue.)  In addition to the guaiazulene (like all azulenes, a powerful anti-inflammatory) Blue Cypress is composed mostly of sesquiterpenoids.  It is said to be extremely useful in wound healing, and as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.  Emotionally it is said to be extremely grounding, calming and reassuring.

It is often recommended for immediate pain relief from bee or wasp or other insect stings.  Christy has used it to banish wasps who used to nest near her door.