How to Use Cypress Essential Oil

Cypress oil is an essential oil that is steam distilled from the branches of the cypress tree, which is part of the conifer family.

In the ancient world, the oil was used to treat the loss of fluids from the body, mainly in China. This could have been from something as simple as perspiration and menstruation to more severe fluid loss from diarrhea. The Chinese saw that cypress oil had benefits for the liver and respiratory system. It is hard to know if either culture was correct, but it is fun to know some of the history behind the oil!

What are the Medicinal Uses of Cypress Oil?

There are many uses for cypress oil to help the body. In fact, some of the uses I am going to outline, I have actually used myself.

Hemorrhoids

One of the most popular ways to use cypress oil is for the treatment of hemorrhoids. This is an embarrassing and common condition that I have suffered from off and on for years. I tried everything from the wipes in the store to diet changes and nothing seemed to help. One day I searched online for natural hemorrhoid relief and up popped cypress oil.

To use it for this condition, you will want to put a couple of drops on a cotton ball or Q-tip and apply it to the problem area. The cooling effect will help to give temporary relief from the itching and burning. I have used it this way without a carrier oil and have not had any adverse reactions, however, I still recommend a carrier oil be used if you have not used this oil before.

Carpal Tunnel

If you rub this on the area affected with carpal tunnel, it may help alleviate the pain associated with the disorder. I recommend using a light carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.

Jock Itch

Many of us have suffered from this frustrating condition from time to time. It is one that many athletes have to contend with. However, if you mix a few drops of cypress oil into some talcum powder and mix it up, you have a cooling and inexpensive way to help keep the condition under control or potentially prevent it altogether.

Asthma

Due to its woody and herbaceous scent, it is thought that this oil may be helpful to those suffering from asthma when diffused into the air or inhaled. It may help to open up the airway for the person struggling.

Toxin elimination

If you have been experiencing circulation issues or are feeling a bit under the weather, you may have free radical toxins in your system. Cypress oil may help to eliminate some of those toxins for you. This can be done by either applying the oil topically or putting a few drops in a bath and soaking. Just make sure to use your hand to spread the oil around in the water before getting in!

Scientific Research about Cypress Oil

There have been numerous studies off essential oils as of late. However, I was unable to find a plethora of medical documentation on the science behind this oil.

One study from 2012 considers the immunological and psychological effects of essential oils and mentions cypress oil specifically in the text of the article.

Other Uses of Cypress Oil

Muscle Cramps

The oil can be used topically to help calm cramped muscles. A simple rub on the affected area may release the tension inside the muscle being treated.

Liver Disorders

Due to its cleansing properties, cypress oil may be helpful in clearing the toxins from the liver. Again, this would be done topically as I do not recommend ingesting cypress oil. There is simply not enough evidence for the safety of the oil when taken as a dietary supplement.

Cellulite

One of the most popular uses of the oil is to control cellulite. Many women and even some men suffer from this condition. If you put a few drops of the oil into your body cream, it may help to reverse some of the problems associated with the condition.

Varicose Veins

Along the same lines as cellulite, cypress has been shown to aid in the elimination of varicose veins. As mentioned before, rubbing the oil or a lotion with the oil in it may help to diminish the look of the varicose veins.

Cautions

While cypress oil is generally regarded as safe there are a few precautions worth noting. If you have a particularly sensitive skin type you will always want to test the oil out on a small patch of skin to see if there is a reaction. This is also why I strongly suggest using a carrier oil alongside this particular oil.

If you are pregnant or nursing, this oil should be used with caution. Honestly, if you are pregnant or nursing I would suggest checking with your doctor before using the oil as you would with any other essential oil. Due to this oil being used for hemorrhoids, I can understand a pregnant woman wanting to use the oil. I do think it can help based on my experience with using the oil, however; checking with your doctor beforehand is always the best course of action.

A Final Note

There is not much else to say about this particular oil. I have used it for a variety of ailments and had wonderful results. As I was preparing this article, I even found some new ways to use the oil that I had never even thought of before. It was very exciting!

Do I think this oil is one that you need in your starter kit if you are a beginner? The simple answer to that is no. The longer answer to that is not at this time, but it may be useful to you later on in your practice.

I hope this article was informative and helpful to you. I encourage you to research the many uses of cypress oil and talk with your healthcare provider about possibly adding this to your health regimen. As always, to your health!

Additional References:

• Higley, Alan & Connie. “Reference Guide to Essential Oils” 14^th Edition Copyright 2013 Abundant Health Inc.
• Health Benefits of Cypress Essential Oil. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/cypress-essential-oil.html

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