The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia

Botanical Name: Cupressus sempervirens
Family: Cupressaceae
The essential oil is obtained from the leaves and twigs.
History and Information
• Cypress is an evergreen tree native to Asia and the Mediterranean area. The tree grows to a height of about 80–160 feet (24–48 meters), has dark-green leaves and cones. Some cypress trees are believed to be older than 3,000 years.
• Early physicians recommended that patients with lung ailments go to the island of Crete, which had dense forests of cypress trees.
• From early times, cypress trees were associated with the transition of the soul crossing over from this life to the afterlife. Ancient cultures burned cypress branches at funerals, and the Egyptians made coffins from the wood. Cypress trees were planted around burial sites.
• Cypress contains a hormone that normalizes the female sex hormones and can be helpful during menopause.
Practical Uses
Purifying; helps in the reduction of cellulite
Balancing to the nervous system; calming, relieves nervous tension and stress; promotes a restful sleep
Helps the breathing