Can cypress essential oil help heal wounds?

One of the oldest uses of cypress oil was in the prevention of infection.

Open wounds can become easily infected, but cypress oil has antiseptic qualities that prevent harmful microbes gathering around the area, which in turn can help keep the wound clean.

A study in 2014 found that cypress oil has antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of a range of bacteria, making it useful both for the body and as a natural preservative for food.

Whilst it is important to be cautious and seek medical advice before applying essential oils directly to open wounds, a diluted solution of cypress oil can be used in the area surrounding the wound to keep it free from infection.

Does cypress oil soothe muscle pain?

Cypress oil is known to have antispasmodic qualities that can help with muscle cramps or pulls. By preventing spasms in the muscle, these properties can soothe tightness as well as relieve the pain that accompanies it.

Cypress oil can also help to reduce restless leg syndrome by reducing the number of muscle spasms, leading to a better quality of life for sufferers.

There’s even a suggestion that cypress oil can work as a natural treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, reducing the inflammation in the wrist and decreasing fluid retention - both of which are useful in relieving pain.

Is cypress essential oil good for treating cough symptoms?

A natural expectorant, cypress oil can help to clear phlegm build-up in the chest, and its previously mentioned anti-spasmodic qualities can help to inhibit coughing fits by soothing chest muscles.

The antibacterial qualities of the oil are also useful for treating chest infections caused by bacterial overgrowth.

These antibacterial qualities are so potent, in fact, that a study in 2004 found that a component present in cypress oil called camphene was able to inhibit the growth of nine different bacteria.

Using cypress may reduce the appearance of varicose veins

Varicose veins, or spider veins, are enlarged red or purple veins that are visible under the skin.

It has been suggested that cypress oil’s ability to stimulate blood flow can reduce the appearance of these veins.

When blood flow is stimulated in this area, blood in the legs is able to flow to the heart properly. This means that the veins don’t stretch and widen due to lack of pressure, and their appearance under the skin is lessened.

Similarly, a 2017 review article pointed out cypress as one of the most commonly used essential oils for cellulite, however further research on this is yet to be conducted.

Can cypress oil help with stress?

Cypress has become more frequently used among spiritual practitioners and aromatherapists for its soothing, mind-focusing, and stress-relieving effects.

A widely cited 2005 study on the benefits of essential oils during massages indicates a significant correlation between the inhalation of the oil and reduced levels of stress, as well as an uplift in general mood. 

While scientific evidence as to the strength of this benefit is still ongoing, many people enjoy the scent of cypress to relax in spite of these particular effects.

Does cypress essential oil work as a natural deodorant?

The pleasantly refreshing scent of cypress is known to be added to many commercial deodorants, and its natural antibacterial qualities make it an ideal alternative for combating body odour.

Try adding a few drops of cypress oil with a carrier oil and applying daily. Remember to always perform a patch test before using essential oils on the skin.

How to use Cypress Essential Oil

Aromatherapy

If you’re feeling stressed after a long day, or you’re wanting to create a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home, cypress could be a good option for diffusing into your spaces.

Its lightly sweet but distinctly refreshing scent is considered objectively pleasant and can help clear up respiratory symptoms as well as provide an uplifting atmosphere.

Try adding 5-7 drops of cypress into a diffuser or oil burner to feel the full weight of these effects.

Bath

The expectorant properties found in cypress can be elevated further still when added to a warm bath.

Both the steam and the refreshing scent combined can help shift mucus in the respiratory tract and inhibit stubborn coughs, as well as clear the airways.

Massage

Conducting a massage using cypress is possibly this oil’s most popular application, largely due to its increased inclusion in commercial spas.

Aside from this, however, cypress oil is known to help reduce muscular aches, and can be an effective remedy against tension in the body.

Combine a few drops of cypress with your chosen carrier oil and apply as needed.

History of Cypress Essential Oil

Cypress’ connections with spirituality, immortality, and hope, are all said to have derived from Etruscan tribes in the Mediterranean, who cultivated the plant from ancient Persia.

The ancient Egyptians were also said to have been familiar with cypress, using it to purify the air in the temples as well as utilising the wood to carve out coffins.

From Greek and Roman societies through to the Middle Ages and the Victorian era, cypress was used to adorn graves and church years as a continued sign of immortality and bereavement.

Cypress oil’s association with immortality is still relevant today, as its inclusion in the medicine cabinet can help us to live long, healthy lives.

Even if that wasn’t the case, its fresh, woody scent is revitalising in and of itself.