INGREDIENT:
Cypress Essential Oil
WHAT'S THE FANCY LATIN NAME?
Cupressus sempervirens
WHY DO WE LOVE CYPRESS ESSENTIAL OIL?
The ancient romance of the cypress tree offers many modern day uses—and a unisex, spicy, resinous aroma.
HOW DID CYPRESS BECOME POPULAR?
These conical evergreens towered over the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean where their slender, statuesque shape struck the imaginations of the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. Cypress became associated with practices surrounding death and mourning, but this is in part to the tree’s Latin name—sempervirens, which means “always flourishing”— and the lovely idea of eternal life in death. Today it is grown across much of Southern Europe and North Africa while cultivation and distillation mainly take place in Spain, France, and (our choice) Morocco.
NERD OUT:
Much like its evergreen nature, many of cypress’ uses have been long-lived. The Greeks would steep cypress cones in their wine to help treat asthma and coughs while the Egyptians imported oils of cypress from their neighbors in the Mediterrenean for use in their body oils.
Many people still use cypress essential oil in home asthma and cough remedies today since it is an antispasmodic and soothing to the respiratory system. Adding a few drops of cypress essential oil to our Naked Body Oil, meanwhile, harkens back to the practices of the ancient civilization along the Nile: ancient Egyptians (men and women alike) were the original masters of DIY beauty, blending carrier and essential oils in their bathing rituals on the banks of the river.
CYPRESS SNIPPETS:
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Needle-leaf trees, a.k.a. conifers, are hardy and can survive in poor soil conditions with little water. The Cypress of Abarkuh is an Iranian national monument. It’s the oldest living cypress in the world with an estimated 4,000 years of history resting in its roots!
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Cypress trees can grow up to 70 feet tall—a height which the Cypress of Abarkuh has surpassed with its 82 feet.
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Flamenco guitars are traditionally made from cypress that is thinly planed to create their vibrant and distinctive sound.
WHAT DOES THE OSMIA CREW THINK?
“There’s something about the way that the red sandalwood powder in our Cypress Spark Soap lathers and exfoliates that I love. The experience is reminiscent of our Lavender Pine Soap, but with the evergreen scent of cypress.”
- Greg, Osmia’s Production Specialist
“I stock up on Cypress Spark for the year when it comes out. It’s a super sudsy soap and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.”
- Erin, Osmia’s Digital Marketing Manager
“Cypress Spark has such an uplifting and bright scent that is perfect for the short winter days. The red sandalwood powder also gives it a lovely exfoliating element.”
- Lisa, Osmia’s Brand Content Manager
CYPRESS DIY:
Create a massage oil for tired or swollen legs! Dilute 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil (sunflower or olive works fine) with an essential oil blend containing 10 drops of cypress, 10 drops of geranium, 5 drops of peppermint, and 5 drops of lemon. Massage gently towards the heart, starting at the ankle and moving up the leg. Do not wear this blend on skin exposed to direct sunlight—lemon essential oil can cause trouble in the sun.
With love and woodsy winter days from us to you,
The information contained in this post is for educational interest only and is not intended to represent claims for actions of cypress essential oil. This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any physical or mental illness or disease.