Cypress Essential Oil (Cupressus sempervirens)

Overview

It is typically processed using steam distilled as a method for extracting oil from the needles.

Summary

Cypress oil comes from the needles and cones of Cupressus sempervirens trees. It has a woody scent and an astringent effect.

Aromatically, the woody aroma of Cypress Essential Oil blends well with a number of essential oils including other woody oils, mint oils, the citrus oils, especially grapefruit, and it is beautiful when blended in low dilution with florals.

Essential Facts

  • Aroma Description:

    Coniferous Fresh Herbaceous Woody

  • Synonyms(s) for Cupressus sempervirens: Cupressus elongata, Cupressus horizontalis, Cupressus horizontalis var. pendula, Cupressus patula, Cupressus sempervirens f. horizontalis, Cupressus sempervirens subsp. horizontalis, Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis, Cupressus sempervirens var. numidica

  • Botanical Family: Cupressaceae
  • Botanical Genus: Cupressus
  • Chemical Family: Monoterpenes
  • Major Compounds: a-Pinene, delta-3-Carene, Cedrol, a-Terpinyl acetate, Terpinolene, (+)-Limonene
  • Perfumery Note: Middle
  • Consistency: Thin
  • Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium
  • Color: Pale Yellow
  • Indigenous Country: Spain
  • Cultivation: Distiller is Certified Organic
  • Processing Methods: Steam Distilled
  • Part Typically Used: Needles
  • Shelf Life: 3 years
  • Conservation Status:  [LC] Least Concern
    IUCN Red List category abbreviations (version 3.1, 2001)
  • Organic Organic
  • Vegan Vegan

Essential Details

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Cypress:

Don't use Cypress oil if you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure).

Tisserand and Young do not indicate any known hazards for Cypress Oil. However, they precaution to avoid use of the oil topically if it has oxidized as skin sensitization is more likely. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 265.]

Safety Precautions for Cypress:

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities

Articles

Cypress Articles or Publications: