The slender tree of Mediterranean cemetery gardens. A refreshing, dry aroma that people like in massage blends and in foot care.
Where it comes from
Plant part used: ág és tűlevél. Extraction method: steam distillation. Typical origin: Spain, France.
Steam distillation means that hot steam passing through the plant carries the volatile compounds with it. The steam is cooled, and the water and the oil separate on their own — the oil floats on top.
What it smells like
Aroma notes: clean, dry conifer, faintly balsamic.
If you are meeting it for the first time, do not sniff straight into the bottle. Hold it a few centimetres from your nose and waft the aroma towards you — that way the stronger oils will not hit you, and you will pick up the finer notes too.
How people use it
- Stirred into massage oil for the legs and calves.
- In a foot bath, mixed with a handful of salt.
- In the diffuser with citrus.
- Diluted on the chest.
Recipes
The ratios are worked out, and one drop is roughly five hundredths of a millilitre. Where a companion oil is listed, feel free to swap it for whatever you have at home — the drop counts stay the same.
Steam bowl
What you get: one session.
- Pour a litre of hot — not boiling — water into a bowl.
- Add 2 drops of Cypress, and no more than that.
- Lean over the bowl so your face is about thirty centimetres above it.
- Drape a towel over your head and breathe for five minutes with your eyes closed.
Keep your eyes closed throughout. Steam inhalation is not always a good idea for people with asthma — ask your doctor first.
Chest balm
What you get: 30 ml, enough for a whole season.
- Melt 25 g of shea butter and 5 g of beeswax over a water bath.
- Take it off the heat and let it cool to lukewarm.
- Stir in 12 drops of Cypress and 6 drops of Siberian Fir — that is about two per cent.
- Pour into a jar and let it set. Apply to the chest and back in the evening.
It works without beeswax too, it will just be softer: in that case use forty grams of coconut oil as the base.
Massage oil after movement
What you get: 30 ml, several sessions.
- Measure sweet almond or grapeseed oil into a 30 ml bottle.
- Add 15 drops of Cypress and 8 drops of Siberian Fir — that is roughly a four per cent blend.
- Close it and turn it over a few times.
- Warm it in your palms and massage into shoulders, back or calves.
Four per cent is for adults and for a specific area. For whole-body use, mix it at half the strength.
What to pair it with
These suit the same situations, so they sit well together in a blend:
- Siberian Fir — shared topic: Muscle comfort after movement
- Lemon Eucalyptus — shared topic: Easy breathing
- Lemongrass — shared topic: Muscle comfort after movement
Safety and storage
Avoid during pregnancy.
In dark glass, somewhere cool, tightly closed. Heat, light and air all age it: citrus oils keep for roughly one to two years, woods and resins for years. It does not need to go in the fridge, but the bathroom windowsill is the worst place for it.
Questions
How much should I use?
For adults, daily whole-body use usually works out at around two per cent: that is roughly twelve drops in thirty millilitres of carrier oil. For sensitive skin and for children, considerably less. The dilution helper on the home page works out the number of drops for your bottle.
What should I dilute it with?
Fractionated coconut oil is the easiest, because it stays liquid, has no scent of its own and does not go rancid. Sweet almond, jojoba and grapeseed oil are good choices too. Essential oil does not mix with water, so for a bath always disperse it in something fatty or in salt first.
What should I watch out for with this oil?
Avoid during pregnancy.
How long does it keep?
In dark glass, somewhere cool, tightly closed. Heat, light and air all age it: citrus oils keep for roughly one to two years, woods and resins for years. It does not need to go in the fridge, but the bathroom windowsill is the worst place for it.
Official product information
The section below comes from dōTERRA’s own product information page. It is the manufacturer’s wording — the summary above is ours.
Primary benefits
- Cypress oil can help improve the appearance of oily skin.
- Along with its countless applications, Cypress helps oil has a renewing and uplifting aroma.
- Stimulating yet grounding effect on emotions, making it helpful for mood management.
The manufacturer’s description
Derived from the branches of the tall evergreen tree, Cypress essential oil has a clean aroma that’s energising and refreshing. Cypress is frequently used in spas and by massage therapists because of its many benefits to the skin. It has a grounding, yet stimulating effect on the emotions, making it a popular oil for massages. The fresh, woody aroma of Cypress promotes relaxation.
Uses
- Prior to a long run, apply Cypress oil to feet and legs for an energising boost.
- Place ½ cup Epsom salt and one drop Cypress in a warm bath to promote relaxing feelings.
Directions for use
Topical use: For massage, mix 5 drops with 10 ml carrier oil. For bath, mix 5 drops with 5 ml carrier oil. For perfuming, mix 1 drop to 10 drops carrier oil. For topical use only.
Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
