Cypress Leaf essential oil is steam distilled from the fresh leaves of the Mediterranean or Italian Cypress, an evergreen conifer tree native to southern Europe and western Asia. The distinctive tall and narrow tree with its fragrant blue-green, scale-like leaves grows along coastlines, creating picturesque vertical lines dotting the landscape. This ancient species of Cypress, Cupressus sempervirens, dates back to the Pliocene era (5.3 to 1.8 million years ago) and has an exceptionally long life span of at least 1,000 years, with some trees reaching 2,000 years.1
The trees are pruned in autumn for steam distillation, yielding an oil with a fresh, woody, resinous and deeply green balsamic aroma reminiscent of pine needles and juniper berries. A beautiful surprise lies in the tenacious drydown where a faint smoky, labdanum and ambergris-like undertone emerges. Formulators find the intriguing aroma quite versatile in both aromatherapy and perfumery creations as it helps act as a fixative for citrus notes while also adding body and balance to light florals.2
The beneficial uses of Cypress were known to the ancient Egyptians who burnt it along with juniper and pine to cleanse the air in temples. Ancient Greeks and Romans used the leaves extensively for their clarifying, drying, and astringent qualities. Today, Cypress Leaf essential oil is valued in diffuser blends for refreshing the senses, in massage, joint and chest rubs, and in skincare preparations and leg creams for congested skin. Its cooling and astringent nature makes it useful in deodorants, footcare blends, and oily skin and scalp formulas.
Energetically, the aroma of Cypress Leaf helps get things moving, making it ideal in energizing massage, bath blends and cleansers. It is an excellent oil for helping decongest sluggish skin, or for support during times of practicing detox and cleansing regimens. Adding Cypress Leaf to a Sea Salt Scrub is a great way to enjoy these benefits while leaving the skin cleansed, exfoliated and moisturized. Nourishing Marula and Moringa Oils are carrier oils specific for rough, dry, and mature skin, leaving skin feeling extra silky and supple.
Clarifying Cypress Leaf Sea Salt Scrub
Materials:
A small non-reactive bowl or jar (stainless steel or glass)
A spoon
1/2 oz. (1 Tablespoon) Organic Marula Oil
1/2 oz. (1 Tablespoon) Organic Moringa Oil
6 drops Cypress Leaf essential oil
6 drops Sweet Orange essential oil
4 drops Geranium essential oil
½ cup fine grained Sea Salt (Dead Sea Salt is a great option if you can find it)
Directions:
In a small bowl or jar, combine the Moringa and Marula Oils and essential oils and mix with the spoon. Add ½ cup Sea Salt and stir to combine. Makes enough for 1 – 3 scrub applications, depending on how much you choose to use. For best results, make fresh and use immediately, or within 1 -2 weeks. Cover tightly until the next use.
To use the scrub, apply either before bathing or while in the shower or bath. Scoop out a small handful of the scrub. Starting at the hands or feet, massage in upward motions over the body toward the heart. Rinse salt from the body and enjoy the moisturizing, cleansing, and invigorating effects.
Do not use on damaged or hypersensitive skin or on the face. Use caution in the tub or shower as the oils may leave the area slippery.
1 The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 3rd ed., Vol. I, Salvatore Battaglia, 2018, pp. 258-262.
2 Lawless, Alec. Artisan Perfumery or Being Led by the Nose, 2009, p. 68.
