What Is Cypress? A Look at the History of Cypress Essential Oil
What role has cypress essential oil played throughout history? Let's find out. But first, let me ask: do you know what cypress is?
History of Cypress Essential Oil
Legend has it that the cross on which Jesus was crucified was made from cypress wood. In ancient Egyptian and Roman times, people regarded cypress as the finest gift to offer to the god of death and the underworld, as it could give people steady strength. In addition, cypress may have been a plant loved by the famous painter Van Gogh; elements of cypress can be seen in many of his works, such as "Cypresses," "Road with Cypress and Star," and "Wheat Field with Cypresses."
Cypress is native to the Mediterranean region and is a tall, conical perennial tree that bears brown or slightly grayish nuts. Long ago, people discovered that cypress has high medicinal value. By steam distilling the fresh leaves and fruit of cypress, a clear to pale yellow cypress essential oil can be obtained. Cypress essential oil has the woody aroma characteristic of woody plants; it smells very pleasant, somewhat similar to the scent of pine resin, giving a feeling of being in a forest.
Cypress essential oil has a good astringent effect, helping to tighten excess "body fluids," such as sweaty soles, edema, and heavy menstrual bleeding. At the same time, cypress essential oil is also an excellent slimming and detoxifying oil, and many weight-loss formulas include some cypress essential oil. For the skin, cypress essential oil can be used to improve skin that sweats heavily or produces excess oil, providing an antibacterial and astringent effect.
What Is Cypress
Cypress is a very useful tree species with very high economic value. It is a tall, solid, conical tree that can be used for building materials, coffins, and carving; its conical cones are brownish-gray and are the main source for extracting essential oil. Its masculine scent can be used as a men's cologne or aftershave because of its excellent astringent effect.