Cypress: what it is for, how to use it and side effects

The cypress is a medicinal plant, of the species Cupressus sempervirensindicated to help in the treatment of urinary incontinence, prostate problems, colitis, diarrhea, varicose ulcers and hemorrhoids or skin wounds, for example.

The normally used parts of this plant are the leaves or berries, also called fruits or galbules, from which the active substances are extracted to prepare tea or obtain essential oil.

Cypress, also known as common cypress, Italian cypress or Mediterranean cypress, can be purchased at herbal pharmacies or health food stores, and should be used with medical or herbalist advice.

What is it for

Cypress is indicated to help treat the following conditions:

• Varicose veins;
• Varicose ulcers;
• Hemorrhoids;
• Heavy legs;
• Swelling in the legs;
• Strokes in the legs;
• Persistent cough;
• Bronchitis or asthma;
• Flu and colds;
• Laryngitis;
• Fever;
• Colitis;
• Urinary infection;
• Daytime or nighttime urinary incontinence;
• Prostate problems;
• Menstrual cramps;
• Bleeding outside the menstrual period;
• TPM;
• Menopause;
• Low pressure;
• Anxiety or stress;
• Insomnia;
• Inflammation of the membrane lining the lungs;
• Rheumatism;
• Cramps;
• Muscle pain;
• Hemorrhages;
• Wounds or skin infections;
• Acne.

Furthermore, cypress in the form of essential oil can be used to help treat warts caused by HPV or even cold sores.

Cypress is rich in tannins, flavonoids, glyceric and glycolic acids, sesquiterpenes and volatile oils, such as α-pinene, δ-3-carene and α-terpinolene, which give it anti-inflammatory, calming, healing, antimicrobial, diuretic and expectorants, for example.

Although it has health benefits, cypress does not replace medical treatment and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or herbalist.

How to use

Cypress can be used in the form of tea or essential oil for inhalations, compresses or application to the skin.

1. Cypress tea

Cypress tea must be prepared using the leaves or berries of the cypress, also called galbules or fruits, and can be used for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, fever or respiratory problems, for example.

Ingredients

• 20 to 30 g of crushed green or dried fruits;
• 1 liter of water.

Preparation mode

Place the ingredients in a container and heat, letting it boil for about 10 minutes. Then strain, wait for it to cool and drink 1 cup up to 3 times a day, before a meal, for a maximum of 3 weeks of treatment.

2. Cypress essential oil

Cypress essential oil should only be used on the skin and should not be ingested. It can be used to relieve coughs, hemorrhoids, wounds or skin infections, acne, muscle pain or varicose veins, for example.

Some ways to use cypress essential oil are:

• Directly on the skin: mix 1 to 3 drops of cypress essential oil with 1 or 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil, such as almond oil or coconut oil, and apply directly to the affected skin;
• Moisturizer: Add 8 drops of cypress essential oil to 30 mL of lotion or moisturizing cream. Apply to edema or varicose veins.
• Inhalation: Inhaling the vapor of cypress essential oil is a great way to ease nasal congestion. Add 3 to 5 drops to a container of boiling water, close your eyes and inhale the steam;
• Compresses: add 8 drops of cypress essential oil to boiling water and moisten a clean towel. Place the warm compress on the abdomen to stop excessive menstruation.

Cypress essential oil should always be diluted before use and should not be applied pure to the skin.

Before using cypress essential oil, an allergy test must be carried out, preparing a mixture containing 1 drop of the essential oil in 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil, and applying it to the back of the hand or the crook of the elbow. .

Wait 24 hours and, if during this period the skin becomes red or irritated, it is not recommended to use cypress essential oil.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects that may occur while using cypress tea are mastitis, which is inflammation of the breast, or kidney irritation.

In the case of essential oil, side effects such as pain or burning sensation in the skin, itching, swelling, redness or formation of blisters on the skin may occur.

Who shouldn’t use

Cypress should not be used by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people who are allergic to this plant.

Furthermore, cypress should not be used by people with clotting disorders, high blood pressure or a history of epilepsy or seizures.

As cypress can interfere with blood clotting, it is recommended to stop using it for at least 2 weeks before any surgery or medical or dental procedure.

We regularly update our content with the latest scientific information, so that it maintains an exceptional level of quality.