Cypress
Cupressus Sempervirens
Made from the twigs, stems and leaves of the cypress tree, the oil is antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-fungal, and can be used to ease stress, regulate blood flow and help the respiratory system. Overall it's a multi-use oil that works well on its own, or blended with other essential oils.
History of Cypress Oil
Cypress Oil, known as Cupressus Sempirivens is derived from the cypress tree, which is native to the Mediterranean. It can be found in France, Sardinia, North Africa and Spain to name a few. Today, most Cypress Oil is distilled in France. It has been used for centuries in aromatherapy, and cypress wood was considered sacred, used by the Ancient Egyptians to make sarcophagus’ and by the Ancient Greeks to make statues of their gods.
The cypress tree was mostly associated with death, as the wood was often used to make coffins. The oil was mostly used in perfumery or in the embalming process for the Egyptians, but today it is still used in perfumery, as well as aromatherapy, beauty products and as a topical treatment to help detoxify the body.
The scent of Cyprus Oil is fresh, slightly herbaceous and woody, making it a perfect companion to those who feel stressed or ‘foggy’ and use the oil to help them feel clear headed and alert. Today, it’s an affordable and easy to access essential oil that helps with a number of issues.
So, why is Cypress Oil still so popular today?
Due to its extensive representation throughout history, and proven benefits in aromatherapy and healing, Cypress Oil is a popular oil because it has worked for thousands of people over the years. Commercially the oil is used extensively in candles, creams, perfumes, ointments and serums, Dior and Jo Malone are just some of the companies that use Cypress Oil in their products. It has a high end feel and scent to it, but bought as an absolute essential oil it is easily accessible and affordable to buy.
Its popularity is also down to the positives that Cypress Oil has on the mind and body. It can be used in aromatherapy to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, and can be an effective treatment for muscle and joint pain too. Its fresh scent which seems to be universally pleasant means that it pairs well with other oils on the market, giving it that additional appeal. Overall, it’s an essential oil that people can rely on due to its use throughout history and popularity across commercial beauty and skincare products.
Extracting Cypress Oil
Like most essential oils, Cypress Oil is extracted via steam distillation. Using the needles and twigs from the tree, they are placed into a steam distiller where steam gently extracts the oil where it condenses in a separate tank, and can be skimmed from the top of the cool water.
This is a commonly used method with many essential oils on the market, as it is a non-invasive and safe way of extracting the oil, with a high yield and maximum quality achieved. One of the largest producers of Cypress Oil is France, and other producers include Italy and Greece. There are variations of Cypress Oil available, but ensure that if you are buying from a supplier that it is 100% absolute, rather than mixed with a carrier oil or an alcohol.
Can I make Cypress Oil at home?
Yes, you can! You’ll need access to a small steam distiller (rented or bought), cypress needles and/or twigs and that’s it! If you are someone who regularly likes to make essential oils at home, we recommend investing into a steam distiller that you can use on a regular basis. This is the best way to make Cypress Oil at home, as other methods that can be used for other oils such as alcohol extraction or cold pressing unfortunately don’t work as well for cypress, and won’t yield you much oil (and the quality will be lacking).
If you decide to not make Cypress Oil at home, that’s fine too. It’s an affordable essential oil which is easy to access, so don’t worry if you’d rather just purchase a bottle for yourself!
What do you think of Cypress Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the Essentially Yours team love to hear how you are using your essential oils, so, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
Can I make Cypress Oil at home?
Yes, you can! You’ll need access to a small steam distiller (rented or bought), cypress needles and/or twigs and that’s it! If you are someone who regularly likes to make essential oils at home, we recommend investing into a steam distiller that you can use on a regular basis. This is the best way to make Cypress Oil at home, as other methods that can be used for other oils such as alcohol extraction or cold pressing unfortunately don’t work as well for cypress, and won’t yield you much oil (and the quality will be lacking).
If you decide to not make Cypress Oil at home, that’s fine too. It’s an affordable essential oil which is easy to access, so don’t worry if you’d rather just purchase a bottle for yourself!
What do you think of Cypress Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the Essentially Yours team love to hear how you are using your essential oils, so, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
Bergamot Oil Varieties
Cypress Oil Varieties
Cypress Oil is extracted from the cypress tree, and has been used for thousands of years in alternative medicine, aromatherapy and beauty.
There are multiple varieties of cypress trees, but the most common used to make the essential oil is Cupressus Sempervirens. There are other ‘true’ oils that can be made from other types of cypress tree, and these are Cupressus Lusitanica, Cupressus Macrocarpa and Cupressus Arizonica. These are their botanical names, but are also known as Portugese cypress, Monterey cypress and Arizona cypress.
There will be certain distributors who may use other variations, but will not be considered a true essential oil. From our research, there are no major differences between the variations of oil produced in terms of their properties, but with most variations of essential oils you may notice a slightly different scent, which may influence your purchasing decision.
So, which variety of Cypress Oil should I pick?
In this circumstance, the differences between the varieties will most likely just be their smell. What we do recommend is checking that the essential oil is a ‘true’ essential oil and is made from the aforementioned cypress leaves/plant to ensure that you can feel the benefits. There are multiple essential oil distributors on the market, but it’s imperative to check that you are buying something that isn’t blended or mixed with other components that will damage the true essential oil.
Watch out for brands that don’t provide this type of information on their website, and avoid buying from third party sellers that have very little information disclosed on where the oil is sourced. In summary, you may find that a particular variation of Cypress Oil works best for you due to its scent, or you may just respond to that type better than others. Doing your research on essential oils before purchasing is important, so ensure that you are vigilant on the above points before buying!
What do you think of Cypress Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Does a particular variation work wonders for you? We are always keen to learn and develop our knowledge to serve our essential oil community. So, if you want to email one of the team today - feel free to! We’d love to hear from you.
There will be certain distributors who may use other variations, but will not be considered a true essential oil. From our research, there are no major differences between the variations of oil produced in terms of their properties, but with most variations of essential oils you may notice a slightly different scent, which may influence your purchasing decision.
So, which variety of Cypress Oil should I pick?
In this circumstance, the differences between the varieties will most likely just be their smell. What we do recommend is checking that the essential oil is a ‘true’ essential oil and is made from the aforementioned cypress leaves/plant to ensure that you can feel the benefits. There are multiple essential oil distributors on the market, but it’s imperative to check that you are buying something that isn’t blended or mixed with other components that will damage the true essential oil.
Watch out for brands that don’t provide this type of information on their website, and avoid buying from third party sellers that have very little information disclosed on where the oil is sourced. In summary, you may find that a particular variation of Cypress Oil works best for you due to its scent, or you may just respond to that type better than others. Doing your research on essential oils before purchasing is important, so ensure that you are vigilant on the above points before buying!
What do you think of Cypress Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Does a particular variation work wonders for you? We are always keen to learn and develop our knowledge to serve our essential oil community. So, if you want to email one of the team today - feel free to! We’d love to hear from you.
Benefits of Cypress Oil
Cypress Oil is a popular essential oil due to its properties when used in aromatherapy, as well as blending well with a number of other essential oils on the market! It’s a woody and refreshing essential oil, and its pleasant scent has won the hearts of many because of this!
What are the benefits of Cypress Oil?
Works on acne-prone skin
Whether you want to integrate it into your standard skincare routine, or use it in serums and home made masks, Cypress Oil can be a great addition to your regime if you suffer from acne. Consult with your dermatologist if you are on any prescription medicines or ointments for your acne before using an essential oil on the affected area.
Soothes muscle pain
Like most essential oils, Cypress Oil possesses pain relieving properties that can soothe aching joints and muscles when applied topically. Mix with a carrier oil to create a soothing rub in seconds.
Soothes infections
Due to its antibacterial properties, Cypress Oil can work to soothe infections and can be a great natural alternative if you don’t like using chemical based products!
Antibacterial and antimicrobial
Cypress Oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, meaning that it can be used on warts, grazes, cuts and other fungal issues such as athletes foots and sometimes verrucas.
Relieves respiratory issues
Whether it’s via inhalation, or used as a rub, Cypress Oil can be used on its own or combined with other essential oils who have the same benefits to relieve respiratory issues such as coughs or a congested feeling when sick.
Eliminates body odor
Struggling with your current deodorant? There are a number of essential oils that can alleviate body odor, and Cypress Oil is one of them! Make sure that you are never applying an essential oil to cracked or broken skin on your armpit, as it could be quite uncomfortable.
Please note that the benefits of Cypress Oil can vary from person to person, and if you are someone who struggles with sensitive skin, ensure that you are mixing your essential oil with a carrier oil before applying topically. If you suffer with any further irritation, always consult a dermatologist before any further use!
Uses of Cypress Oil
Cypress Oil has been used for thousands of years, as well as the wood from the cypress tree being popular in the mediterranean for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Today, Cypress Oil is an essential oil that can work well on its own or blended with others, and its multiple properties position it as a true staple in our eyes!
Aromatherapy
Cypress Oil can be used in aromatherapy to clear the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. When combined with other essential oils it can create powerful blends that target a number of issues. Whether it’s to aid restful sleep or help you concentrate, it compliments a number of other essential oils giving it multi-faceted benefits.
Moisturising and massaging
Whether you are looking to moisturise and soothe your skin, or alleviate muscle and joint pain, Cypress Oil can combat both of these issues. With antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, it can be used with carrier oils and moisturisers to not just target dry skin, but it can also be used to keep warts and other skin growths at bay. It relieves pain when massaged into sore muscles, so it's a great essential oil to keep to hand if you find that you struggle with muscle pain regularly.
Self care
Whether you’re adding a couple of drops into your bath, or putting some into a candle to burn, Cypress Oil can give you a touch of luxury and calm without stretching your budget too far. We like adding Cypress Oil into a hot bath with some epsom bath salts to create a little slice of heaven!
Home cleaning
Wood polish, linen sprays and detergent can be made using a little Cypress Oil! Whether it’s to scent or clean, essential oils can add value to your cleaning routine.
Beauty and skincare
Essential oils such as Cypress Oil can work well with a carrier oil to create a serum or moisturising oil blend that nourishes your skin without causing breakouts. We recommend blending Cypress Oil and Jojoba Oil together to create a before bed moisturiser.
Pefume
You can mix the oil with other essential oils to create your own perfume, or you can scent a room by putting a few drops in an electric diffuser and filling your home with its gorgeous scent!
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we love sharing our tips, tricks and knowledge with you so you can get the most out of your essential oil collection. Whether it’s understanding the history behind an oil, or finding out the benefits of using essential oils - our website has all the information you’ll need. In this blog we are going to talk about Cypress Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Coconut Oil
A thick, luxurious carrier oil, Coconut Oil is great as it can be used as a base to create many at home products when combined with an essential oil. Use this to create massage lotions, soaps and serums. Remember, that when combining with Cypress Oil you’ll have to heat the oil first, as Coconut Oil is solid at room temperature!
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Almond Oil
Sweet and silky, Almond Oil is a lightweight carrier oil that is perfect for everyday use. It’ll give your skin and hair a boost, so if you are looking to integrate Cypress Oil into your daily routine - think about using a carrier oil like almond.
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Jojoba Oil
The holy grail of carrier oils, Jojoba Oil is excellent to blend with an essential oil like cypress because the makeup of jojoba is similar to your skin's natural oils. Therefore, if you struggle with blemishes and acne- prone skin, using an oil like Jojoba Oil won’t cause breakouts or build ups.
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Cedarwood Oil
Woody, fresh and slightly citrusy, Cedarwood Oil and Cypress Oil blend well together to create a massage balm or calming aromatherapy blend. The musky and woody contrast isn’t overpowering, but still smells and feels great.
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Lavender Oil
One of our favourites, Lavender Oil is one of the few essential oils that seemingly goes with every single one on the market! Floral, complex and soothing, it can be used to create a blend to aid restful sleep, or a clothing/ linen spray, too.
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Clary Sage Oil
Great for menstrual pain and balancing hormones in women, Clary Sage Oil and Cypress Oil can create a great topical rub relieving pain and stress, or can be used in aromatherapy to calm the mind and relieve stress and anxiety.
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Orange Oil
Warming and zingy, Orange Oil and Cypress Oil is like a hug in a bottle. Use this blend in a hot bath to relieve stress, and soothe sore muscles and other archives and pains. You can also use this blend mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba and some sugar granules to create a body scrub packed with moisture.
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