<-- back

Cypress

Botanical Name: Cupressus semperivirens

Anatomical areas: Kidney, sub-cutaneous, ovaries, lungs, circulatory system.

Allopathic uses: Astringent, anti-spasmodic, vaso-constrictor, diuretic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-sudoriphic, stimulant.

Indications: Perspiration, water retention, ovary dysfunction, asthma, whopping cough, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bed-wetting, arthritis.

Holistic uses: In Chinese medicine, cool/dry action, metal and water element, yin energy, enlivens and regulates flow of blood, helps circulate Qi energy, reinforces lung meridian. Facilities feelings of cohesion, stability. Helps deal with and accept change, assists transition of loss of loved one or friend or ending of relationship, dissolves remorse and instills hope, and alleviates self-doubt associated with new directions. Active in the lower pelvic region, correlated with the base chakra. Indicated for the well-rooted person.

Contraindications: Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.

Blending: Blends well with cedarwood, mandarin, clary sage, lemon, cardamom, Moroccan chamomile, ambrette seed, labdanum, benzoin, bergamot, orange, marjoram, sandalwood, lavender, juniper, thyme, pine, other pinaceae family.

Chemical Components: Terpenes (65%) including beta pinene, camphene, sylvestrene, cymene and terpineol, sabinol, cedrol, cypress camphor, some acids and tannin.

Characteristics: Colorless to pale yellow to greenish-olive in color. Smoky, fresh, sweet balsamic, woody, sweet, slightly citrus, hint of spice.

Extraction: Steam distillation from leaves, cones and branches.