What is the Best Substitute for Cypress Essential Oil?

From improving circulation and lymphatic drainage to easing respiratory issues and helping you to de-stress, cypress essential oil offers a host of therapeutic benefits.

But if you are looking for an essential oil substitute for cypress oil, what options are available?

One of the best things about essential oils is their versatility, so if one doesn’t produce the desired results, there is always an alternative to try or a way to combine it with another oil. We’ve put together a few suggestions to help you find the best substitute for cypress essential oil that can benefit you.

What is the best cypress essential oil combination?

The earthy, natural tones of cypress essential oil make it easy to blend with a wide range of other essential oils:

• Lemon essential oil: If you need a mood changer to give you some energy, combine cypress essential oil with lemon oil which can prove to be invigorating.
• Eucalyptus essential oil: Cypress essential oil offers strong antiseptic properties, but when combined with eucalyptus oil it helps to enhance this benefit whilst also being anti-inflammatory.
• Lavender essential oil: The woody scent of cypress essential oil balances well with lavender oil to create a calming and soothing effect, helping you to unwind and relax in your downtime.
• Bergamot essential oil: Another popular blend used by many people is with bergamot essential oil. You can enjoy the aromatherapeutic benefits that are great for the mind and body.
• Peppermint essential oil: Like the effects offered by combining lemon with cypress oil, a blend containing peppermint essential oil can prove to be cooling and invigorating to lift your energy levels.
• Frankincense essential oil: Diffuse or apply topically to your skin by blending with frankincense oil, which can give you more control over stressful or anxiety-led thoughts.

Cypress essential oil blends particularly well with almond oil or coconut oil, so try these as a dilution base to safeguard your skin and enhance the benefits for your wellbeing.

What is the best substitute for cypress essential oil?

If you are looking for a cypress essential oil substitute, the following may be a good fit, depending on what kind of effect you want to achieve:

Cedarwood essential oil is perfect for diffusers and massages

Cedarwood Essential Oil is a great alternative to cypress essential oil, with its woody and subtle sweet aroma offering a sense of calm and serenity when used in a diffuser or as a massage oil. People also rely on the oil to ease digestive issues and to treat skin conditions, complementing any existing medication they may have been prescribed. And because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties, you can also use cedarwood oil in homemade cleaning products.

Try rosemary essential oil to ease muscle aches and respiratory issues

If you have asthma or bronchitis, Rosemary Essential Oil can be inhaled or added to a steam inhalation bath to ease any respiratory issues you may be experiencing. The oil is great at helping to soothe aching muscles after a long day and there are also suggestions that its herbaceous aroma may be able to boost memory power when diffused.

Juniper berry essential oil contains similar properties to cedarwood

Not only does Juniper Berry Essential Oil have a similar aroma to cedarwood, but it also contains some of the same properties. Using it to soothe sore muscles, reduce inflammation and improve circulation and regular application may also help restore a youthful look and feel to your skin. People with varicose veins and spider veins apply juniper to reduce fluid retention as it can stimulate lymphatic drainage in the legs. The aroma can prove to be very calming, so whether applied topically or diffused, it can help you to relax and de-stress.

Use Pine Needle Essential Oil as an antiseptic and a mood booster

Another cypress alternative is Pine Needle Essential Oil, which also has an earthy aroma with a hint of sweetness. Pine oil has strong antiseptic properties, so if you need relief from muscle aches and pains, dilute it with a carrier oil and it can help you to relax. And like cypress essential oil, it can be used to ease light respiratory issues. If you need a quick pick-me-up, pine oil can work as a good mood lifter to put you in a better place emotionally.

Are there any risks to using cypress essential oil or its substitutions?

There are no specific risks that have been highlighted regarding the use of cypress essential oil. However, whether you are using cypress oil or any of the suggested substitutions, they must be handled with care due to their high concentration levels.

Always dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil before application and if you are using it for the first time, complete a patch test to check that it is compatible with your skin type.

To complete a patch test, apply a small amount of the diluted oil to the inside of your elbow and cover with a plaster for 24 hours. If you experience any redness, pain, burning, inflammation or itching, wash the oil off your skin right away and do not use any further. 

Whilst cypress essential oil has a lot to offer – from soothing aching muscles to calming respiratory issues and helping you to relax – if you don’t have access to it or simply want to try an alternative, there are plenty of substitutions that can work just as effectively. Pine, juniper berry, rosemary and cedarwood essential oils can be a great addition to your daily beauty and aromatherapy routine, giving you lots of options to experiment with so you can find the right balance that suits you.