Cypress is an evergreen tree or shrub with a conical or spreading crown (depending on the species). This plant is considered to be decorative and is very popular in the park and garden landscapes. There is also large-fruited dwarf cypress. It is quite suitable for growing at home. Cypress comes from the northern coast of the Mediterranean.
But today it can be found in the Middle East and the Balkans, in the Crimea and the Caucasus, in China and the USA, in the Himalayas and North Africa. About 25 plant species are considered to be a cypress family. However, for those who are able to appreciate natural medicines and biocosmetics, only one of them is most interesting. This is a Mexican cypress, from the young shoots and needles of which they make essential oil. The product obtained by steam distillation retains in its composition all substances useful to the body and has many positive properties.
A bit of history
To mankind, cypress has been known since ancient times. Moreover, many parables and legends were created about the appearance and origin of this amazing plant by people. One of them came from the pen of the Roman poet Ovid. In one of his many works, he told a legend telling us about the youth of Cypress. The young man begged the gods to turn him into a tree. This allowed him to forever yearn for his deer, whom he inadvertently killed while hunting. Thanks to this legend, cypress has long been considered a symbol of sadness, sadness and longing. However, after the advent of Christianity, people's attitudes toward the tree changed dramatically. Cypress began to mean eternal life. It is known that this tree was used in the foundation of the first Christian church on earth.
Cypress is also mentioned in the Bible as one of the plants found in the Garden of Eden. It is believed that Noah's ark and the cross of Jesus were made of it. The needles of cypress and its resinous cones helped the ancient healers to relieve patients from severe chronic ailments. The oil obtained from this tree was mentioned in his writings by Avicenna. He claimed that this remedy has excellent hemostatic, absorbable and astringent properties. Chinese healers used cypress essential oil to boost liver function. In Greece they were treated for ulcers, wounds and lungs. In Tibet, cypress essential oil was considered an excellent cleanser. In Crete and in Ancient Phenicia, this tree was used for the construction of buildings and ships. In Egypt, sarcophagi were made from such material. The Greeks used cypress to create statues of the gods. This amazing tree is often found in the famous paintings of Van Gogh and Cezanne, displaying Mediterranean landscapes. The oldest cypress on the planet grows in the village of Oaxaca, which is located in Mexico. It is believed that at the moment he is two thousand years old.
Chemical composition
In the needles of cypress there are terpene alcohols adjacent to aromatic hydrocarbons:
- camphene;
- sabinol;
- cymol;
- cadinene;
- terpinopen;
- terpene;
- myrcene;
- pinene;
- terpineol.
Effect on the body
The many positive properties of cypress essential oil are manifested due to its remarkable chemical composition. All components of the product contribute to the therapeutic effect, and in some cases it exceeds that of fir and cedar, juniper and pine.
Cypress oil is used for:
- treatment of ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract;
- normalization of metabolic processes in the body;
- regulation of the lymphatic system;
- elimination of problems of the prostate and pancreas;
- strengthening venous walls and often bursting vessels;
- assistance with numbness of the limbs;
- eliminate pain in renal and hepatic colic;
- reduce fluid retention in the body;
- stop bleeding;
- prevent the development of atherosclerosis;
- getting rid of flu, bronchitis and colds, as well as coughing attacks with whooping cough and asthma;
- strengthening blood capillaries and improving the functioning of the entire circulatory system;
- relieving pain with rheumatism and arthritis;
- getting rid of menopausal problems;
- relieving spasm and cramps;
- regulation of the menstrual cycle and reduction of copious discharge during the critical days;
- strengthening the body's immune defenses;
- providing a diuretic effect;
- elimination of fungal skin lesions, bruises, cuts and wounds.
Judging by the reviews, cypress essential oil can calm irritation and anger, relieve stressful situations. The use of a medicinal product allows you to effectively deal with insomnia and improve concentration.
Cosmetic effect
The use of cypress essential oil is effective in the presence of acne, acne and dermatitis. The therapeutic product is used for cosmetic purposes:
- for sensitive and oily skin;
- to get rid of cellulite;
- to strengthen hair roots;
- to improve the condition of the skin;
- to relieve excessive sweating of the legs;
- as a natural deodorant;
- to improve the structure of hair;
- to get rid of dandruff;
- to stimulate hair growth and prevent baldness.
Consider the properties and application of cypress essential oil in more detail.
From varicose veins
The properties of cypress essential oil allow it to narrow the blood vessels of the circulatory system. Such an effect effectively eliminates varicose veins. In this case, the cypress essential oil is used to massage the legs. It is used in combination with some base oils, such as olive or almond, macadamia or avocado, as well as peach. Combine the product obtained from the needles of cypress and solid butter oils (shea, coconut, cocoa). The healing mixture is applied to the legs in the area of strongly protruding veins. Further, limb massage is performed with smooth and light movements.
For the treatment of varicose veins, a mixture should be prepared consisting of 1-2 drops of cypress oil added to 15 ml of the basic composition. Such a massage product is applied to the skin 2-3 times throughout the day. To obtain a greater effect, it is recommended to add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the mixture. This will allow the procedure to provide not only a firming and tonic effect, but also lighten the skin. The course of such massage is designed for a month and a half. After this, a break should be taken during which the massage should be replaced with foot baths. With the help of cypress essential oil, spider veins on the legs can also be eliminated. To do this, use warm (not hot) baths. To prepare them, mix 50 grams of salt with one liter of water and leave the resulting solution for five minutes. After that, 1-2 drops of cypress oil are added to it. After thoroughly mixing the solution, the legs are lowered into a container for 15 minutes.
From hemorrhoids
Cypress essential oil can also be used to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of this disease. A simple compress will help get rid of itching and pain caused by hemorrhoids. To prepare it, take 5 drops of cypress oil and add them to a teaspoon of water. A swab is moistened in the resulting mixture, which is then applied for 10-15 minutes to the inflamed nodes.
With bronchitis, asthma and the common cold
Inhalation is recommended with cypress oil.
They perfectly reduce nasal congestion, remove sputum and ease the condition during a cold. Having breathed in pairs of cypress, you can get rid of cramps with bronchitis and asthma, however, before using this healing product, it is important to exclude the presence of allergies to it.
From sweat
A wonderful product is cypress essential oil for the body. It produces an excellent deodorizing effect, as it can significantly reduce the number of bacteria. How to apply cypress oil from sweat? To do this, it should be taken in a volume of 2-3 drops and diluted in water (1 tbsp. L.). The resulting mixture is applied using a cotton pad to those areas of the body that are characterized by increased sweating. You can also place the product in the spray gun and spray it under the armpits and feet.
For cramps and cramps
Cypress ether is able to restore muscle tone. This property is used to eliminate spasm in conditions when pulsating convulsions occur, as well as with restless legs syndrome. In this case, it is recommended to apply to the skin a mixture prepared from cypress oil diluted in water. Such actions will relieve pain and improve blood circulation. In case of tunnel syndrome, cypress oil is diluted with water (1: 1). The mixture is applied twice daily to the wrists. A similar procedure can eliminate sharp pain and relieve stress.
To eliminate edema
The properties of cypress essential oil make it suitable for fluid retention in the body. To do this, you will need to massage with a product prepared from 10 drops of the tree product of “eternal life” and taken in a volume of 90 milliliters of olive oil. The resulting mixture is applied either to swollen legs, or to the lower abdomen. Next, smooth massage movements are made towards the heart.
To enhance blood coagulation
Cypress essential oil will help with small cuts. It will stop the blood. In this case, prepare a solution of 1 tbsp. tablespoons of water, in which add 10 drops of cypress oil. This means wash the wound.
For face
The product obtained from the needles and shoots of cypress, allows to eliminate a large number of cosmetic problems. It is used to relieve redness and irritation of the skin, with rosacea, sagging epidermis, etc. When using cypress essential oil for the face, the following is achieved:
- skin calms down;
- capillaries are strengthened;
- the surface of the skin is leveled;
- the number of facial wrinkles decreases;
- contours of the face are tightened;
- pores are narrowed;
- warts, acne, acne and dermatitis disappear.
To eliminate sagging and swelling of the eyelids, dark circles under the eyes, as well as age spots, it is recommended to remove makeup, cleansing the skin with a lotion that you can prepare yourself. It consists of 5 milliliters of coconut and cypress oil, as well as a drop of incense and lavender.
For problem skin
Cypress essential oil is an excellent helper to eliminate regularly occurring painful rashes and inflammations. In this case, the therapeutic product will restore a smooth, beautiful structure, soothe redness and relieve acne. The active ingredients that make up the needles of cypress normalize secretion and prevent the onset of infection.
A mask is recommended for problem skin. It is prepared from a teaspoon of chamomile, the flowers of which are well chopped in a mortar, connected to a tablespoon of rice flour. 4 drops of cypress oil are added to the resulting mixture. If the consistency of the product is too thick, then it should be diluted with a small amount of non-carbonated mineral water. The mask is distributed on the previously steamed face in circular motions and left for approximately 20 minutes. To eliminate heavy rashes, the procedure must be carried out three times a week. When applying preventive measures, it is enough and 2 times for a month.
For hair
Cypress oil can normalize the amount of subcutaneous fat produced. This allows you to restore curls strength and healthy shine. Also, with its help pediculosis is treated and dandruff is prevented. If cypress essential hair oil is used, it is recommended to add it to regular shampoo. For a single serving, 5 drops are sufficient.
Useful for hair is the essential oil of cypress and when applied directly to the comb during combing. How to get the maximum effect? You need to comb the hair with the medicinal product twice a week for ten minutes. Various masks can be prepared with cypress oil. Their application will save hair from dandruff, eliminate brittleness, dryness and strengthen them.
Acquisition
Where can I find cypress essential oil? It is sold by pharmacies, as well as outlets offering natural cosmetics. You can buy cypress essential oil in online stores.