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Cypress oil is an essential oil made from the twigs, stems, and leaves of the cypress tree.

Most cypress essential oil is made from Cupressus sempervirens, also known as Mediterranean cypress. The majority of studies focus on essential oil made from this particular tree.

Cypress oil has many health benefits, as it has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.

According to a 2014 study on Cupressus sempervirens, cypress has antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits. A 2013 paper also found that cypress oil may have antifungal properties.

Following are some of the reported uses of cypress essential oil.

Cough

Many people use essential oils to treat coughing.

Cypress oil contains camphene, a molecule which is often found in herbal cough suppressants. However, cypress essential oil hasn’t directly been studied for its effects on coughing.

You could inhale cypress oil by using it in a diffuser. Try adding a few drops of the essential oil diluted with a carrier oil to a warm bath, and then breathing in deeply.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins around the rectum and anus, can be treated with certain essential oils.

When added to a carrier oil and applied to hemorrhoids, cypress oil may soothe the area and kill certain bacteria.

Warts

Cypress oil is a common treatment for warts, which can be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

The antibacterial properties of cypress oil make it an excellent treatment for many skin conditions. Since it’s also an antiviral, it may help control warts.

A 2009 paper found that cypress oils were effective against the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Also known as oral herpes, this virus can cause warts and cold sores.

If you have warts and aren’t sure of the cause, it’s best to speak to a doctor. You might need medical attention.

Cuts, wounds, and infections

Because cypress essential oil is antimicrobial and antibacterial, it can help clean and heal cuts and wounds. Be sure to dilute the oil in a carrier oil before applying it to a wound.

Pimples and acne

Pimples and acne are often caused or worsened by bacteria.

According to a 2017 review on essential oils, cypress oil is commonly recommended for treating acne because it’s antimicrobial. This means that applying cypress oil topically can reduce the severity of acne by killing bacteria.

Remember that essential oil is extremely concentrated. It should be diluted in a carrier oil if you plan on using it on your skin, especially if your skin is sensitive.

Varicose veins

Many people use essential oils to treat varicose veins.

Varicose veins are usually caused by poor circulation, weak veins, and blood pooling.

So it’s often recommended that massage be used to soothe the pain and swelling associated with varicose veins. This could include aromatherapy massage using diluted cypress oil.

However, there is no evidence that proves that cypress oil is an effective treatment for varicose veins.

Muscle pain

If you experience muscle soreness, essential oils may help you find some relief.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), massage therapy can be an effective way to relieve pain, especially back and neck pain.

Cypress oil is one of the many essential oils used to relieve muscle pain. While it’s often called an antispasmodic, meaning it can reduce muscle pain and cramps, studies have yet to confirm that cypress oil is particularly good at soothing muscle pain.

Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying to the skin.

Cellulite

Essential oils are often recommended to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

A 2017 review article published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine indicates that cypress is one of the most commonly recommended essential oils for treating cellulite.

However, there is no scientific evidence showing that cypress oil reduces cellulite.

Body odor

Because cypress essential oil has a pleasant aroma, it’s often added to natural deodorant because it can reduce unpleasant body odor.

Before using any new deodorant on the sensitive skin under your arms, do a patch test on your inner forearm.

Anxiety and stress

A widely cited 2005 study on the benefits of aromatherapy massage looked at the effects of massage that involved lavender, cypress, and sweet marjoram oil mixed with sweet almond oil.

It found that massage had significant psychological and physical benefits on the test subjects. In particular, it reduced self-reported anxiety and depression levels. That said, there were only 11 participants in the study.

Beyond that, there is very little research on whether cypress oil alone reduces anxiety.

However, if you find the smell relaxing or enjoyable, there’s no harm in adding cypress oil, or a massage oil that contains it, to a diffuser .

There are a number of different ways to use cypress essential oils.

how to use cypress oil
  • Mix it with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or coconut oil, and then apply it to your skin.
  • Add a few drops of the diluted mixture to your bath water.
  • Use it in a diffuser.
  • Try products like deodorants and soaps that include cypress oil.
  • Add cypress oil to homemade soap, washes, and deodorant.

Shop for cypress oil.

Essential oils are very concentrated and potent, which means that many people can have sensitivities to these oils.

For this reason, it’s essential that you mix any essential oil you want to use with a carrier oil. This dilutes it a little.

Here is a list of popular carrier oils:

common carrier oils

Before using a new essential oil on your skin, be sure to do a patch test. Patch tests are necessary even when the essential oil is mixed with a carrier oil.

To do a patch test, apply a few drops of the essential oil and carrier oil mix to your inner forearm. If this results in burning, stinging, rashes, or redness, don’t apply the mixture to your skin.

Research shows that it’s best to avoid ingesting essential oils.

Certain essential oils, including cypress oil, can be poisonous when ingested, even when safe to inhale or use topically.

It’s often thought that essential oils are safe because they’re natural. While essential oils have a wide range of benefits, they can be dangerous when misused.

As mentioned before, most essential oils shouldn’t be ingested, including cypress oil. If you or someone you know has ingested cypress oil, call a poison hotline immediately.

It’s possible to be allergic to essential oils. The symptoms of an allergic reaction could include:

  • rash and redness
  • pain or burning
  • swelling
  • itching
  • hives

If you think you’re having an allergic reaction to an essential oil, discontinue use immediately. If the symptoms of your reaction are severe, seek immediate medical attention.

Bear in mind that the FDA doesn’t regulate essential oils. Always choose high-quality essential oils from reputable brands.

If you’re pregnant or nursing, avoid using essential oils.

You should also avoid using essential oils on babies, small children, or pets unless recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Don’t diffuse essential oils in public places.

Cypress essential oil has a number of health benefits and useful medical properties.

As always, it’s important to exercise caution when applying essential oil to your skin or using it to treat any ailment.

If you have any adverse reactions to cypress oil, avoid using it.