Cypress Essential Oil

Latin (Botanical) Name:  Cypressus sempervirens

Plant Family:   Cupressaceae

Common Extraction Method:   Steam distillation

Typically Used Plant Part:   Cone

Color:   Pale yellow

Aromatic Characteristic:   Fresh, herbaceous, woody and slightly coniferous aroma

 

Cypress oil is derived from coniferous, evergreen trees in the botanical family Cupressaceae, which are naturally distributed in the warmer temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. Known for their dark green leaves, rounded cones and small yellow flowers, cypress trees typically reach 25-30 feet tall.

It is estimated that cypress trees originated in ancient Persia, Syria or Cyprus and were brought to the Mediterranean region by Etruscan tribes. Among the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean, the cypress has become a symbol of death and mourning. Because with their characteristic shapes, they symbolized immortality and hope while standing upright and rising towards the sky. “Sempervirens” in the botanical name of cypress means “live forever”. The Etruscans often planted the tree in their burial sites because they believed that the cypress could drive away demons. The ancient Egyptians used cypress wood to carve coffins and decorate sarcophagi, while the ancient Greeks used it to carve statues of gods. Carrying a cypress branch throughout the ancient world was a common sign of veneration for the dead.

Throughout the Middle Ages, cypress trees, representing both death and the immortal spirit, continued to be planted around tombs. Continuing throughout the Victorian era, the tree continued its association with death and continued to be planted around cemeteries in both Europe and the Middle East.

Cypress trees are popular ornamental plants today. Cypress cone oil is also used as a popular ingredient in alternative medicine, natural perfumery, and cosmetics.

It offers many benefits thanks to the active ingredients it contains.

      KEY COMPONENTS / ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

• alpha-Pinene
• delta 3 Carene
• Terpinen-4-Ol
• alpha-Terpinyl Acetate
• Cedrol
• Sabinene

      BENEFITS

• Skin friendly:

 

• Natural deodorant

The pleasant aroma of cypress oil has made it a popular essence in natural deodorants and perfumes, shampoos and conditioners, especially in masculine varieties.

• It helps stabilize mood:

Cypress cone oil helps reduce stress levels [3]. It is also known to have an energizing and uplifting effect on mood. There are also studies showing that it helps to improve self-confidence, willpower, perseverance and motivation [4].

• It shows antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal characteristics [1] [5] [6].

• It shows anti-inflammatory characteristic [7] [8]:

Cypress cone oil shows anti-inflammatory characteristic thanks to the alpha-pinene component it contains. Because it promotes healthy circulation, it is popular in aromatherapy massages for tired, restless or aching muscles.

      WARNINGS

• IT IS AN ESSENTIAL OIL, DIRECT APPLICATION MAY CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying topically. You can do a patch test before using the oil if you want to make sure it doesn't irritate your skin.
• FOR EXTERNAL USE, NON-DRINKABLE.
• Avoid contact with eyes, in case of contact rinse with plenty of water.
• Do not use the product if you have a known allergy to any of its ingredients.
• It is recommended that children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people using medication should consult their doctor before using cypress oil.

      ACADEMIC STUDIES

[1] A. Orchard, S. van Vuuren (2017). Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017; 2017: 4517971.

[2] S. A. Emami, Z. Tayarani-Najaran, M. S. Ghannad, P. K. Karamadini, M. K. Karamadini (2009). Antiviral Activity of Obtained Extracts from Different Parts of Cupressus sempervirens against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, Vol. 12, No. 3-4, Autumn 2009, 133- 139.

[3] Q. Li, M. Kobayashi, Y. Wakayama, H. Inagaki, M. Katsumata, Y. Hirata, K. Hirata, T. Shimizu, T. Kawada, B.J. Park, T. Ohira, T. Kagawa, Y. Miyazaki (2009). Effect of Phytoncide from Trees on Human Natural Killer Cell Function. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol, Oct-Dec 2009;22(4):951-9.

[4] Peter Holmes LAc, MH, Aromatica Volume 2: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Applications and Profiles (London and Philadelphia: Singing Dragon, 2019, 186-187.

[5] S. A. Selim, M. E. Adam, S. M. Hassan, A. R. Albalawi (2014). Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil and methanol extract of the Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.). BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014; 14: 179.

[6] A. İsmail, L. Hamrouni, M. Hanana, S. Gargouri (2013). Chemical composition, bio-herbicidal and antifungal activities of essential oils isolated from Tunisian common cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.). Journal of Medicinal Plant Research, May 2013 7 (16) : 1070-1080.

[7] M. Sepehrimanesh, N. Samimi, O. Koohi-Hosseinabadi, M. Mokhtari, S. Amiri-Zadeh, M. Farjam (2018). Effects of Cupressus sempervirens extract on the healing of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rat. Journal of coloproctol (rio j). 2018;38(4):309–313.

[8] H. Özbek, B. S. Yılmaz (2017). Anti-inflammatory and Hypoglycemic Activities of Alpha-pinene. Acta Pharm. Sci. Vol 55 No: 4. 2017.