Cypress

Latin name: Cupressus Sempervirens
Used part: Needles and twigs
Source: Spain
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Use: for external use only (never ingest), suitable for fragrance burner/diffuser, dilute in a fragrance-neutral base oil in the (foot)bath and on the skin (undiluted essential oil can irritate sensitive skin). 

This Cypress essential oil is obtained by steam distillation from  the Italian or Mediterranean cypress. The oil is extracted from the needles and twigs of young branches of these trees that became famous through the paintings of Van Gogh. Cypress essential oil is said to calm strong emotions such as anger and is therefore useful to have during major changes in someone's life. 

This essential oil acts on the vasoconstrictor (nerve) and helps with varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It helps relieve all conditions caused by excess fluid, such as heavy menstruation, excessive sweating, coughing, bronchitis, bleeding, and fluid retention. This oil relieves muscle cramps, helps regulate the menstrual cycle, and relieves arthritis and rheumatic pain.

Use this oil in a diffuser to calm the mind and for respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough. It can be diluted in a cold compress to stop nosebleeds. 

According to Greek mythology, the cypress tree is considered a mourning tree and is therefore often grown in cemeteries. It is also associated with the god of the underworld, Hades. Phoenicians and Cretans used the wood of this tree to build ships and houses. Egyptians made sarcophagi from it, and the Greeks carved statues of their gods from it. According to legend, the cross of Jesus Christ was made from this wood, yet another reason why cypress is associated with death. Ironically, the botanical name of cypress is derived from the Greek 'Sempervirens', which means 'always living'.