Cypress, a beautiful evergreen tree, is eastern in origin but now grows abundantly in large areas of many Mediterranean countries. They are traditionally grown in graveyards and their sprigs are often used as symbols of mourning at funerals. The tree usually has a regular conical shape and often grows to a height of 20 - 30 metres.

The Babylonians were early uses of the tree and were known to import them over 3000 years ago. In the Greek and Roman empires the tree was associated with death and the afterlife and the Latin name for cypress translates as €ever living€. It has been in use regularly since by herbalists, and in modern times by aromatherapists, who have recognised its diverse medicinal properties.

Cypress has a superb masculine fragrance being clear but with a hint of spice and woodiness. This clean subtle smell makes it a popular oil for the perfumery trade. The oil is lightly coloured varying from virtually colourless to a pale yellow and it has a watery viscosity.

The essential oil is extracted from the twigs and needles of the cypress tree by a process of steam distillation. The essence produced blends well with a variety of other oils which include cedarwood, orange, eucalyptus, geranium, frankincense, juniper, pine, patchouli, lavender, myrtle, rosemary, marjoram and sandalwood.

Cypress has a wide variety of uses in aromatherapy; it is a strong astringent, diuretic and an antioxidant, which makes it suitable to ease problems with oily skin, fluid retention, dandruff, excessive perspiration, thread veins and poor circulation. It can also be helpful for people suffering from anxiety, nervous tension and other stress related ailments. Cypress oil has excellent properties as a deodorant and easily blends with other fragrant oils which make it well liked for making perfumes.

A good essential for use in baths, as a massage oil, in perfumes, as a room fragrancer. and as a skin care preparation.