Cupressaceae
Cypress
Cupressus sempervirens
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Eastern Mediterranean, Western Asia
Also known as: Mediterranean Cypress, Italian Cypress, Persian Cypress
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
ConeLeafBark
Therapeutic Uses
Chronic venous insufficiency (varicose veins — astringent vasoconstrictor), excessive sweating (antihidrotic), haemorrhoids, respiratory spasm (antispasmodic), skin conditions (oily skin, acne).
Herbal Actions
Astringent, vasoconstrictor, antispasmodic, antiseborrhoeic, antifungal, deodorant
Active Constituents
Volatile oil (alpha-pinene, delta-3-carene, cedrol, limonene), tannins, diterpenoids, flavonoids (quercetin, amentoflavone), silica
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture⚗️ Essential Oil☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried cone or leaf per 250ml, steep 15 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Essential oil: 2–3% dilution for topical varicose vein massage (apply upward). Combine with horse chestnut for venous insufficiency. Foot bath with cypress and juniper for excessive sweating. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid essential oil in pregnancy. Sensitization possible. Generally safe at therapeutic doses.
Side Effects: Contact sensitization (essential oil). Skin irritation. GI upset at high doses. Generally well tolerated.