The essential oil of Provence Cypress (or evergreen Cypress) is particularly used for its expectorant and venous decongestant properties. It will therefore be ideal for throat and cough problems as well as to combat circulation problems such as varicose veins and heavy legs. It is also given the surprising property of fighting against enuresis, which is nothing other than a complicated word for bedwetting. Latin name: Cupressus sempervirens L. Distilled part: branches
This article was updated on 29/03/2023Precautions for use
Cypress de Provence essential oil is prohibited for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and young babies. This essential oil is not recommended in cases of hormone-dependent fibroids and mastosis. Be careful not to confuse it with other cypress essential oils which can be very toxic. It contains very few allergenic components.
Authorized users
Possible ways of use
Risks of use
Other precautions
Medical advice
Seek medical advice before use for people with asthma and epilepsy (epileptogenic risk at high doses).
Children over 3 years old can use this essential oil by application to the skin or through the respiratory tract (diffusion and inhalation).
Skin application
Cypress de Provence essential oil is rich in terpenes and therefore very irritating to the skin. It must be diluted to 20% in a vegetable oil before any skin application (20% essential oil and 80% vegetable oil).
This essential oil can also be used as a diluted skin application in pregnant women, on medical advice.
Ingestion
The oral route should only be used for a very short time, with medical supervision in case of resistance to treatment. No prolonged use without the advice of a therapist.
This essential oil can be nephrotoxic after ingestion of a large dose and over a long period of time.
In broadcast
Cypress de Provence essential oil can be used in atmospheric diffusion for pregnant women and babies.
Contraindications
Cypress de Provence essential oil is not recommended if users have a history of hormone-dependent cancers (breasts, uterus, testicles, etc.) or in cases of mastosis or fibroids.
Allergenic components
Cypress de Provence essential oil contains two allergenic biochemical components.
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limonene (≤ 5%)
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linalool (≤ 2%)
Note: It is preferable to test the essential oil before using it (dilute a drop of essential oil in a little vegetable oil and apply it to the crook of the elbow. Wait at least 24 hours to check that it is there is no reaction).
Properties of Cypress de Provence essential oil
Cypress de Provence essential oil is highly concentrated in alpha-pinene and delta-3-carene. These different molecules give it the following main properties:
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expectorant +++ (α-pinene, monoterpene carbides):
the essential oil of Cypress de Provence, through alpha-pinene, regulates the secretion of the bronchi and stimulates the mucin glands which induces expectorant activity through coughing.
-
venous decongestant +++ (α-pinene, monoterpene carbides):
thanks to alpha-pinene, Cypress de Provence essential oil has a venous decongestant action useful against venous diseases with edema.
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anti-inflammatory ++ (monoterpene carbides):
cypress de Provence essential oil has a significant anti-inflammatory action. It inhibits 5-lipooxygenase and leukotriene synthesis.
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antiviral, anti-infectious ++ (α-pinene, monoterpene carbides):
alpha-pinene is an HSV-1 antiviral and it is certain that the more an essential oil contains, the more antiviral and anti-infectious it is. In this case, Cypress de Provence essential oil contains 40 to 65% alpha pinene.
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antifungal, bactericidal ++ (monoterpene carbides):
cypress de Provence essential oil has a very effective action against bacteria and fungi reinforced by the action of the monoterpenes which compose it.
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spasmolytic + (monoterpene esters):
cypress essential oil from Provence, thanks to alpha-terpenyl acetate, intervenes through ion channels on the nervous system, which helps counter muscle spasms.
But also these secondary properties:
- anti-oxidant
In case of' Loss of voice
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
From 6 years old and for adults. Orally, 2 drops on a neutral tablet or in a teaspoon of honey to immerse in an infusion of thyme, up to 3 times a day and until improvement.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Repeat 3 times a day after meals for a week. Ingest 2 drops of the mixture in a teaspoon of honey or olive oil, or on a neutral tablet to let melt in the mouth.
- 30 drops of Cypress de Provence essential oil
- 30 drops of Exotic Verbena essential oil
- 30 drops of Thyme essential oil with Linalool
More details or other users: essential oils against voice extinction.
Against the Enuresis, Bedwetting
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
From 3 years old. Through the skin, massage the soles of the feet and the spine with 1 drop of Cypress de Provence essential oil diluted in 4 drops of vegetable oil in the evening before going to bed.
Use in synergy
From 3 years old. Repeat for 2 to 3 weeks if necessary. Apply 1 drop of the mixture to the solar plexus and 2 drops to the soles of the feet (1 drop per foot) in the evening before sleeping.
- 20 drops of Cypress de Provence essential oil
- 20 drops of Shelled Marjoram essential oil
- 10 drops of Fine Lavender essential oil
- 50 drops of Hazelnut vegetable oil
More details or other users: essential oils against bedwetting.
Against the Dry cough
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
From 6 years old and for adults. Orally, 1 drop of Cypress de Provence in a teaspoon of honey to melt in the mouth, 4 times a day until the cough disappears.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. To repeat for 5 days, apply 3 drops of the mixture to the chest and 3 drops to the upper back 4 times a day.
- 30 drops of Tarragon essential oil
- 45 drops of Cypress de Provence essential oil
- 15 drops of Fine Lavender essential oil
- 30 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- 120 drops (6 mL) of Nigella vegetable oil
More details or other users: essential oils for dry cough.
In case of' Hemorrhoids
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults. Dermal, 1 drop of Cypress in 9 drops of Calophyll Inophyle vegetable oil to apply to the painful area.
Use in synergy
From 6 years old and for adults. To be repeated 3 times a day. Using the skin, massage the affected area with a few drops of the mixture.
- 20 drops of Cistus essential oil
- 40 drops of Cypress de Provence essential oil
- 5 mL of MH of St. John’s Wort
Source: Zahalka, JP (2017). Complete Dictionary of Aromatherapy. Editions Dauphin, 137.
Provence Cypress or Pistachio Mastic?
The essential oil of Cypress de Provence will be effective against hemorrhoids, but the best candidate ispistachio mastic essential oil. Through the skin, 1 drop of Pistachio Lentisque in 19 drops of vegetable oil, to apply to the hemorrhoid, after the shower and after each bowel movement until it disappears.
Against the Varicose veins, heavy legs
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults. Dermal, 1 drop of Cypress in 9 drops of Calophyll Inophyle vegetable oil to apply to the legs, massaging from the ankles to the top of the legs.
Use in synergy
Reserved for adults. To repeat for 15 days maximum, massage the legs with a few drops of the mixture:
- 45 drops of Atlas Cedar essential oil
- 45 drops of Cypress de Provence essential oil
- 15 drops of Peppermint essential oil
- 45 drops of Lemon essential oil
- 45 mL of Calophyll inophil vegetable oil
Source: Couic-Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils, 329.
Provence Cypress or Pistachio Mastic?
Cypress de Provence essential oil will be effective against varicose veins and heavy legs, but the reference ispistachio mastic essential oil. Through the skin, 1 drop of Pistachio Lentisque in 4 drops of vegetable oil, massage the legs from bottom to top, morning and evening, for a period of 20 days, then, after a break of one week, continue as long as necessary.
In case of' Edema
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults. Dermal, 1 drop of Cypress in 9 drops of Calophyll Inophyle vegetable oil to apply to the edema.
Use in synergy
Reserved for adults. To be renewed for a maximum of 15 days, rub the area 3 times a day with 5 drops of the mixture.
- 2 mL of Pistachio Lentisk essential oil
- 2 mL of Atlas Cedar essential oil
- 2 mL of Wild Mint essential oil
- 7 mL of Cypress de Provence essential oil
- 2 mL of Patchouli essential oil
- 25 mL of Calophyll Inophil vegetable oil
- 10 mL of Macadamia vegetable oil
Source: Zahalka, JP (2017). Complete Dictionary of Aromatherapy. Editions Dauphin, 429.
Provence Cypress or Italian Helichrysum?
The essential oil of Cypress de Provence will be effective against edema but we prefer ititalian Helichrysum essential oil. Through the skin, 1 drop of Italian Helichrysum in 4 drops of vegetable oil massage onto the affected area.
Other famous applications of Provence Cypress
Cypress de Provence essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its antiviral, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. For the majority ofthe following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore indicate to you the best replacement for Cypress for the following different problems.
Cellulite
Provence Cypress can be effective against cellulite, butatlas Cedar essential oil even more ! Cutaneously, 2 drops of Atlas Cedar in 8 drops of vegetable oil, to apply morning and evening as a massage to the most affected areas. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use and start again if necessary.
Dyspepsia, Difficult digestion
Provence Cypress will be effective in facilitating digestion, but the reference in these cases isbasil essential oil.
- Dermal : 1 drop of Basil in 4 drops of vegetable oil massaged on the stomach, following each meal.
- Oral route: 1 drop of Basil under the pure tongue or on a support following each meal.
Asthenia, Fatigue
Provence Cypress can help fight fatigue, but it is better to preferblack Spruce essential oil. Cutaneously, 1 drop of Black Spruce in 4 drops of vegetable oil applied to the lower back at the kidney level, 3 times a day. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use.
Menopause
Cypress can help alleviate menopausal symptoms, but the gold standard isclary Sage essential oil. Orally, 2 drops of Clary Sage in a teaspoon of olive oil.
Painful periods
Provence Cypress can relieve painful periods, buttarragon essential oil will be more effective.
- Oral route : 1 pure drop of Tarragon essential oil under the tongue.
- Dermal : 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil massaged on the stomach. Repeat every hour until improvement.
Sweat
Provence Cypress can be effective against perspiration, butpalmarosa essential oil is even more so. Through the skin, 1 drop of pure Palmarosa under each armpit, once a day after showering. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use.
How to recognize a good Cypress de Provence essential oil?
Botanical characteristics
- Latin Name: Cupressus sempervirens L.
- Botanical family: Cupressaceae
- Part used: twigs
- Country of origin: Spain, mainland France, Morocco.
- Other name: Evergreen Cypress
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.863 to 0.885
- Refractive index at 20°C: 1.468 to 1.478
- Rotary power at 20°C: 15 to 30
- Flash point: 48
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: liquid
- Color: pale yellow to orange-yellow
- Odor: fresh, woody, rustic, resinous.
Biochemical characteristics
- α-pinene: 40 to 65%
- δ-3-carene: 12 to 25%
- ar-tumerone: ≤ 20%
- cedrol: 0.8 to 7%
- limonene: 1.8 to 5%
- terpenyl acetate: 1 to 4.5%
- germacrene D: 0.5 to 4%
- β-myrcene: 1 to 3.5%
- β-pinene: 0.5 to 3%
- sabinene: 0.4 to 2.6%
- terpinen-4-ol: 0.2 to 2%
- α-fenchene: 0.3 to 1.2%
- α-thuyene: 0.2 to 1.2%
A little history of the Cypress of Provence
An unusual plant
The Cypress of Provence gives its fruit at three times of the year: in January, in May and in September. It is the only plant, at least in Europe, to have seasonality of this kind for its flowering periods. Even scientists are still working on the question... It grows in arid lands: sandy soils, dry, slightly gravelly soil. The roots seek to extend as horizontally as possible to remain close to the surface of the earth, and to be more able to benefit from the heat of the sun. To pick pine cones, the ideal season is in March, because the apples will open at the first warm weather and release their seeds.
Cyprus, the island of love
The etymology of the word "cypress" comes from the ancient Greek "cuprôs", and is easily explained because this large, slender pine abounded on the island. The Provence Cypress is also called Ever Green Cypress thanks to its bluish foliage which remains colorful all year round. It perfumes the surroundings and is granted purifying virtues thanks to its strong aromatic odor and its intoxicating perfumes.
According to mythological legends, Aphrodite, goddess of love, was born from sea foam deposited on Cypriot beaches. The charms of the island of love have crossed history and continents. Recognized throughout the world for its sublime beaches, its luminous seabed and its rural landscapes wedged between a small church and a cypress tree, each year it welcomes a good number of tourists wanting to bask in the sun.
Cypress, symbol of eternity
This large, thin tree can grow up to 20 meters in height and live for almost… 100 years! We then understand its two key symbols. Its refined size helped souls ascend to heaven and its great age gave it the symbol of eternity. In the 19th century, cypresses were planted in Catholic and Protestant cemeteries as a symbol: to encourage the growth of souls and ensure them a perfect eternity.
Its wood was very popular in the manufacture of furniture because it was renowned for not rotting, yellowing or deteriorating over the years. It gives off a pleasant resinous, woody and… sunny smell! The doors of the Church of Saint Peter in Rome were carved from Cypress wood from Provence and lasted for eleven hundred years!
We tell you about it in video
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Bibliography
Publication: Al-Snafi, A.E. (2016). Medical importance of Cupressus sempervirens-A review. IOSR Journal Of Pharmacy, 6(6), 66–76.
Publication: Asgary, S., Naderi, GA, Shams Ardekani, MR, Sahebkar, A., Airin, A., Aslani, S., . Emami, S.A. (2012). Chemical analysis and biological activities ofCupressus sempervirens var.horizontalis essential oils. Pharmaceutical Biology, 51(2), 137–144. https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2012.715168
Publication: Selim, SA, Adam, ME, Hassan, SM, & Albalawi, AR (2014). Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil and methanol extract of the Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.). BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-14-179
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
Work : Millet, F. (2015). The great guide to essential oils. Marabout.
Work : Couic Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Terre Vivante Editions.
Work : Zahalka, J. (2017). Complete Aromatherapy Dictionary. Editions du Dauphin.
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About these tips
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.