The Power of Cypress

“. . .The morning drizzle does not conceal these three Cypresses on the slope. Their details belie their sameness, their radiance confirms it.” –Poem by Mourid Barghouti

Ancient Romans popularized the cultivation of the cypress tree throughout the Roman Empire, though the Egyptians had used the bark of the cypress to make their sarcophagi, and the Phoenicians and Cretans used the wood for their ships. Shakespeare famously writes of coffins made of cypress in his play Twelfth Night. In Latin, Sempervirens (Cypress) means ever-living or evergreen, which is symbolic of life after death.

Cypress is associated with mourning because, as it still is today, the cypress tree was used as ornamental decoration in cemeteries. However, the cypress tree is much more useful outside of its decorative purpose. Historically, cypress leaves were used by steeping the leaves to make a tea for all sorts of health benefits. The essential oil from the branches can be benefited from in many ways.

Even though it can only be used topically or aromatically, and not internally, Cypress possesses no fewer benefits. If you’ve never used Cypress, it’s time to find out why it can be a great addition to your collection.
 

1. Promotes vitality and energy. By breathing in the scent of Cypress, your energy can naturally increase. This is achieved by breathing in the oil when diffused or from the palms of your hands.
    
2. Relieves anxious thoughts. Cypress can also help when you need to meditate because it can help reduce anxious feelings. Try keeping a diffuser at your desk while working, or in your work area.
   
   
3. Use on your skin pre-workout. Massage several drops of Cypress essential oil into any muscles before you plan to do any serious working out for a boost in energy.
    
4. Calms emotions. The fragrance of Cypress is said to be calming to the mind and eases emotions—like anger. Diffusing Cypress oil after a stressful day can help calm you.
    
5. Improves the appearance of your skin. If you’ve ever been to a spa, you may have recognized the scent of evergreen. This is because Cypress oil is good for the skin and often used in spas during facials and massages to help balance oily skin, and relax you.
    
6. Natural deodorant. The fragrance of Cypress is fresh, green, wood-like, and herbaceous, making it a great scent for soaps, deodorant, and even as a masculine note in some men’s colognes.

Because of the herbaceous scent of Cypress, blending with citrus oils—like Lime, Lemon, and Wild Orange complements the scent well. Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, and Lavender are also great choices.

Get your bottle of doTERRA Cypress essential oil here.