CYPRESS

Botanical Name: Cupressus sempervirens

Family: Coniferae

Parts Used: Leaves & Fruit

Principal Constituents: tannins analogous to those of the bark and leaves of Hamamelis; an essential oil: d-pinene, d-campene, d-sylvestrene, cymene, a ketone, sabinol, a terpenic alcohol, valeric acid, camphor of cypress (Valnet, 1992)

Description:

Cypress is an elegant and distinctive tree that occurs in many varieties/species. It is a member of the conifer Family (Coniferae) and is a relative of Pine and Cedarwood.

Cypress oil is clear and light with a dry ‘wood smoke’ aroma and is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and twigs.

Uses in Natural Skin Care Products:

It is particularly good for oily skins and has a refining effect on oily and spongy complexions and a tightening effect on enlarged pores. It can also be used on mature and sensitive skin where there are broken superficial capillaries.

Cypress has been added to the Wildcrafted's

• Mandarin Toning Lotion and
• Ginseng Hydrator for Men (Oily Skin Blend).

Uses in Traditional Medicine:

Cypress has been used in conditions such as haemorrhoids, varicose veins, ovarian dysfunction and to relieve menopausal symptoms and is considered almost miraculous in its effects.

When used in Massage and Bath Oil Blends it calms restlessness and agitation, helps overcome anxiety and depression and decreases the severity of mood swings. It is especially good for people who find it difficult to stop talking and/or thinking.

Properties

Cypress has a number of properties which include: Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antisudorific, Astringent, Deodorant, Diuretic, Hepatic, Sedative and Vasoconstrictor in local area.