Cupressus sempervirens is considered to be a medicinal tree that has many specific botanical features. According to research published in BMC Complementary &Alternative Medicine, these special features include tolerance to drought, air currents, wind-driven dust, sleet and atmospheric gases. The cypress tree also has a well-developed root system and the ability to flourish in both acidic and alkaline soils.
The young twigs, stems and needles of the cypress tree are steam-distilled, and the essential oil has a clean and energizing aroma. The main constituents of cypress are alpha-pinene, carene and limonene; the oil is known for its antiseptic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, stimulating and antirheumatic properties.
8 Cypress Essential Oil Benefits
1. Heals Wounds and Infections
If you’re looking to heal cuts fast, try cypress essential oil. The antiseptic qualities in cypress oil are due to the presence of camphene, an important component. Cypress oil treats both external and internal wounds, and it prevents infections. A 2014 study published in Complementary & Alternative Medicine found that cypress essential oil possesses antimicrobial properties that inhibited the growth of test bacteria. The study noted that cypress oil can be used as a cosmetic ingredient in soap-making because of its ability to kill bacteria on the skin. It is also used to treat sores, pimples, pustules and skin eruptions.
2. Treats Cramps and Muscle Pulls
Because of cypress oil’s antispasmodic qualities, it inhibits problems associated with spasms, such as cramps and muscle pulls. Cypress oil is effective in relieving restless leg syndrome — a neurological condition characterized by throbbing, pulling and uncontrollable spasms in the legs. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, restless leg syndrome can lead to difficulty falling asleep and daytime fatigue; people who struggle with this condition often have difficult concentrating and fail to accomplish daily tasks. When used topically, cypress oil reduces spasms, increases blood circulation and eases chronic pain.
It is also a natural treatment for carpal tunnel; cypress oil effectively reduces the pain that is associated with this condition. Carpal tunnel is inflammation of a very smell opening just below the base of the wrist. The tunnel that holds the nerves and connects the forearm to the palm and fingers is very small, so it is prone to swelling and inflammation caused by overuse, hormonal changes or arthritis. Cypress essential oil decreases fluid retention, a common cause of carpal tunnel; it also stimulates blood flow and reduces inflammation.
Cypress essential oil improves circulation, giving it the power to clear up cramps, as well as aches and pains. Some cramps are due to a buildup of lactic acid, which is cleared away with cypress oil’s diuretic properties, thereby relieving discomfort.
3. Aids Toxin Removal
Cypress oil is a diuretic, so it helps the body flush out toxins that exist internally. It also increases sweat and perspiration, which allows the body to quickly remove toxins, excess salt and water. This can be beneficial to all systems in the body, and it prevents acne and other skin conditions that are due to toxic buildup.
This also benefits and cleanses the liver, and it helps lower cholesterol levels naturally. A 2007 study conducted at the National Research Center in Cairo, Egypt, found that isolated compounds in cypress essential oil, including cosmosiin, caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid, showed hepatoprotective activity. These isolated compounds significantly decreased glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, cholesterol levels and triglycerides, while they caused a significant increase in the total protein level when given to rats. The chemical extracts were tested on rat liver tissues, and the results indicate that cypress essential oil contains antioxidant compounds that can rid the body of excess toxins and inhibit free radical scavenging.
4. Promotes Blood Clotting
Cypress oil has the power to stop excess blood flow, and it promotes the clotting of blood. This is due to its hemostatic and astringent properties. Cypress oil leads to the contraction of blood vessels, which stimulates the flow of blood and promotes the contraction of skin, muscles, hair follicles and gums. Its astringent properties allow cypress oil to tighten your tissues, strengthening hair follicles and making them less likely to fall out.
The hemostatic properties in cypress oil stop the flow of blood and promote clotting when needed. These two beneficial qualities work together to heal wounds, cuts and open sores quickly. This is why cypress oil is helpful in reducing heavy menstruation; it can also serve as a natural fibroid treatment and endometriosis remedy.
5. Eliminates Respiratory Conditions
Cypress oil clears up congestion and eliminates phlegm that builds up in the respiratory tract and lungs. The oil calms the respiratory system and works as an antispasmodic agent — treating even more severe respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Cypress essential oil is also an antibacterial agent, giving it the ability to treat respiratory infections that are caused by bacterial overgrowth.
A 2004 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that a component present in cypress oil, called camphene, inhibited the growth of nine bacteria and all yeasts studied. This is a safer alternative than antibiotics that can lead to damaging side effects like leaky gut syndrome and loss of probiotics.
6. Natural Deodorant
Cypress essential oil has a clean, spicy and masculine fragrance that lifts the spirits and stimulates happiness and energy, making it an excellent natural deodorant. It can easily replace synthetic deodorants because of its antibacterial properties — preventing bacterial growth and body odor. You can even add five to 10 drops of cypress oil to your house-cleaning soap or laundry detergent. It leaves clothes and surfaces bacteria-free and smelling like fresh foliage. This can be particularly comforting during the winter season because it stimulates feelings of joy and happiness.
7. Relieves Anxiety
Cypress oil has sedative effects, and it induces a calm and relaxed feeling when used aromatically or topically. It is also energizing, and it stimulates feelings of happiness and ease. This can be particularly helpful for people who are undergoing emotional stress, having trouble sleeping, or have experienced recent trauma or shock. To use cypress essential oil as anatural remedy for anxiety and anxiousness, add five drops of oil to a warm-water bath or diffuser. It can be especially helpful to diffuse cypress oil at night, beside your bed, to treat restlessness or symptoms of insomnia.
8. Treats Varicose Veins and Cellulite
Because of cypress oil’s ability to stimulate blood flow, it serves as a varicose veins home remedy. Varicose veins, also known as spider veins, occur when pressure is placed on blood vessels or veins — resulting in the pooling of blood and bulging of veins. According to the National Library of Medicine, this can be caused by weak vein walls or a lack of pressure exerted by tissues in the leg that allow the veins to transport blood. This increases the pressure inside of the veins, causing them to stretch and widen. By applying cypress essential oil topically, blood in the legs continues to flow to the heart properly.
Cypress oil can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite, which is the appearance of orange peel or cottage cheese skin on the legs, butt, stomach and back of the arms. This is often due to fluid retention, lack of circulation, weak collagen structure and increased body fat. Because cypress oil is a diuretic, it helps the body remove excess water and salt that can lead to fluid retention. It also stimulates circulation by increasing blood flow. Use cypress oil topically to treat varicose veins, cellulite and any other condition that is caused by poor circulation, such as hemorrhoids.