Cypress essential oil is obtained from the needle-bearing tree of coniferous and deciduous regions — the scientific name is Cupressus sempervirens. The cypress tree is an evergreen, with small, rounded and woody cones. It has scalelike leaves and tiny flowers. This powerful essential oil is valued because of its ability to fight infections, aid the respiratory system, remove toxins from the body, and work as stimulate that relieves nervousness and anxiety. Cupressus sempervirens is considered to be a medicinal tree that has many specific botanical features.
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.
Heals Wounds & 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.
Treats Cramps & 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. 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.