Essential Oil - Aromatherapy

Mediterranean Cypress

The tree of the south: Venotonic, astringent, and hormonal regulator

Latin name

Cupressus sempervirens L.

Family

Cupressaceae

History & Botany

The common cypress is native to the eastern Mediterranean (likely Persia and Anatolia), where it has been cultivated since antiquity. A sacred tree in many civilizations, it symbolizes immortality and mourning for the Greeks and Romans, hence its traditional presence in Mediterranean cemeteries. Its rot-resistant wood was used in the construction of sarcophagi and temples; Greek mythology tells of the young Cyparissus, transformed by Apollo into an eternal cypress.

In traditional Arab and Persian medicine, its cones (galbuli) were used to treat coughs, venous disorders, and hemorrhoids. Avicenna, in the 11th century, recommended it for diarrhea and respiratory conditions. Dr. Valnet, a pioneer of French aromatherapy in the 20th century, integrated it into his prescriptions for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and spastic respiratory conditions, laying the foundations for its modern use in aromatherapy.

Morphology

Large evergreen tree with a strictly columnar and slender shape, reaching 20 to 30 meters in height. Very dense scale-like blue-green foliage. Female cones (galbuli) are globular, 2 to 4 cm in size, initially green then gray-brown at maturity. Deep rooting allows it to withstand violent winds like the Mistral and Tramontane.

Distilled part & method

The leafy branches and young cones are steam-distilled. Yield: 0.3 to 1.5% depending on the season. Main producing countries: France, Spain, Morocco. Harvesting outside the flowering period maximizes the alpha-pinene content.

Cupressus sempervirens L.

Slender columnar shape and characteristic cones (galbuli)

Active Principles & Biochemistry

Organoleptic Properties

Appearance

Essential oil

A fluid and clear liquid, mobile. Color: colorless to pale yellow with a slight greenish tint. Absence of turbidity or sediment in a quality essential oil.

Odor

Pure and diluted EO

Woody, resinous, dry, and balsamic, evoking the garrigue of the south. Slightly smoky and peppery notes. Fresh and persistent scent, evocative of the Mediterranean landscape.

Taste

Diluted internal use

Resinous, slightly acrid, and camphorated, warm and persistent in the mouth. Slightly pungent note linked to monoterpenes. Internal use reserved for adults under supervision.

Olfactory Note

Perfumery & Diffusion

Woody base note, fixative in perfumery. Widely used in masculine, oriental, and woody compositions. In diffusion, it purifies the air and creates a soothing and meditative atmosphere.

Solubility

Pure EO

Lipid-soluble (vegetable oil, alcohol). Insoluble in pure water. Miscible with ethanol (90% alcohol) for dilution in tinctures. Density close to water: 0.87 to 0.89.

Medicinal Properties & Traditional Use

Venotonic & Decongestant

Reference essential oil for venous disorders in aromatherapy. Reduces the sensation of heavy legs, relieves varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Vasoconstrictive and tonic action on the venous wall, complementary to red vine and butcher's broom extracts.

Respiratory Antispasmodic

Calms bronchial spasms in dry coughs, whooping cough, and asthma. Mild mucolytic and atmospheric antiseptic action. Particularly indicated for nighttime coughs and convulsive coughing fits in adults.

Astringent & Secretions Regulator

Reduces excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), night sweats, and menopausal hot flashes. Astringent properties on oily skin and dilated pores. Regulates sebum and reduces skin redness.

Hormonal Balancing

Moderate progesterone-like and androgen-like properties. Used in perimenopause to alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, and menstrual cycle disorders. Regulatory action on hormonal imbalances during menopause.