The cypress tree, standing dark and silent, is like a finger pointing to heaven! It does not indulge in needless movements, like other trees that stretch out limbs, allowing them to sway in the wind. Cypress trees seem to be of one will, knowing a single direction. Like pure architecture, cypress is a true vertical structure in the landscape. It is the tree of Saturn, the formative, powerful male principle. As I write these words I am sitting under an ancient cypress tree in Bolgheris, a place in the Tuscany Valley. The road that leads to Bolgheris is the longest cypress alley in the world. The word harmony best describes its beauty, which in part comes from the clear, proud structure of the cypress trees. They are representatives of the yang principle, while the soft, gentle forms of the surrounding hills represent the yin principle. In the region farther north it is the pyramid poplar that represents the balancing yang element, in harmony with the open plains and wide rivers.

For the human system the effect of cypress oil is similar, duplicating the principle that the tree represents. It brings to our inner landscape or personality structure, the principle of Saturn which attends to practical matters. The oil is ideal for people with scattered thoughts who have difficulty translating dreams into concrete reality. Cypress oil helps when we avoid reality and become easily distracted. Like a tap on the shoulder, the essential oil suggests that we “get a hold of ourselves.”

The cypress tree has been assigned to the onyx stone, also considered a child of Saturn. The onyx also provides structure and aids concentration when we try to discern the mysteries of darkness.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath, inhaling the fragrance of the cypress tree. The scent is warmly comforting, almost solemn. In the distance I see cypress trees lining the walkways in a cemetery, a familiar sight in the countries of southern Europe. With its fragrance and form, the cypress tree lends reverence and serenity to a cemetery. With its evergreen branches the cypress tree was considered a symbol for life after death, not a small comfort.

When one experiences uncontrollable crying spells, the oil’s fragrance is soothing. Cypress strengthens an overburdened nervous system and restores calm. It acts as a curb to dissolute life-styles and reminds us to pay attention to basics.

Cypress strengthens weak connective tissues. For a massage oil it may be used in a base oil with lemon. Cypress stops bleeding, both externally and internally, such as heavy bleeding during menstruation. Suggested uses are for massages and sitz baths, or it may be taken orally (2 drops twice daily) one week before the onset of menstruation. The oil is helpful for bleeding gum tissues (10 drops mixed in 5 teaspoons of tormentil infusion); bleeding hemorrhoids (add cypress oil mixed with myrtle oil in a 1-to-i ratio to a sitz bath). In addition, mix cypress oil and myrtle oil, 2 percent each in a witch hazel salve, and apply externally. The oil also makes a good remedy for diarrhea; during the acute stage take 10 to 15 drops, three to four times daily, mixed in tormentil infusion. Cypress oil is also helpful for softening walls of hardened arteries and strengthening connective tissue. For varicose veins cypress oil is added to a base oil, then carefully applied to areas requiring treatment. A foot bath with cypress oil and juniper oil soothes tired, swollen feet. Added to a sitz bath, the oil helps treat a weak bladder.
The essential oil also helps balance the Female hormone system. Severe hot flashes during menopause may be reduced with the oil used in combination with clary. Taken orally and topically, it helps inhibit growth of ovarian cysts.

Old herbals give the following advice for treating coughs: “inhale the fragrance created by burning leaves of colt’s foot on top of cypress coal,” apparently aware that it is an expectorant and relieves congestion. The oil has been an excellent remedy for convulsive coughing spells, used as an inhalant, in the aroma lamp, or added to a salve as a chest or back rub. Cypress oil stops everything that flows in excess, which makes it beneficial for colds since body fluids then seem in constant motion—like a never-ending runny nose.

Add cypress oil and lemon oil to a footbath to relieve extreme foot perspiration. Since cypress oil has good astringent properties, it helps treat acne and oily skin. It may also be added to shampoos for oily hair or dandruff. Added to a shower gel, the oil is also very refreshing.