Cypress characteristics

The cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is a conifer up to 30 meters high, with a narrow and elongated crown, due to the peculiar position of its branches, close to the trunk.

The leaves are tiny and scaly.

Cypress nuts are false fruits or galbules (the cypress is a gymnosperm plant): oval-shaped cones for males, and spherical for females; green at first, and brown when ripe.

The cypress It is native to the Eastern Mediterranean (Greece and Türkiye) and the Middle East, but its cultivation has spread throughout the Mediterranean basin and central Europe.

Cypress: the cemetery tree

In Europe it is a tree powerful meaning: the cypress is a symbol of mourning, but also of immortalitydue to the persistence of its dense foliage, and resurrectiondue to its ability to resprout after winter frosts.

At the beginning of November it is tradition, All Saints’ Day, going to cemeteries to remember the deceased. And in this scenario of mourning and meditation, the slender and elongated silhouette of the cypress cannot be missing.

Properties and medicinal uses of cypress

The part Used for medicinal purposes are the mature galbules and to a lesser extent, the tender shoots and leaves.. They contain a essential oil with cedrol, camphene and alpha-pinene, as well as flavonoids and tannins.

The cypress stands out for its astringent, hemostatic action and as a venous tonic.

• It is especially recommended for disorders related to poor blood circulationas varicose veins, phlebitis and hemorrhoids.
• The galbules (false fruits) and the drops in cypress fluid extract are the most used presentations to improve the urinary bladder control and incontinence.
• The cypress, in topical useis also indicated in varicose wounds, herpes and wartsfor its antiviral and antiseptic action.
• The cypress essence is highly esteemed in aromatherapyfor his venotonic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic and diuretic properties. You need 3 to 6 drops, mixed with vegetable oils, and applied in soft massage on the affected areas or in local bathrooms.

Natural remedies with cypress

Infusion with cypress and ginkgo biloba for circulation

An excellent formula is the one associate cypress with witch hazel, butcher’s broom and ginkgo.

How to prepare it: You need one level tablespoon of the mixture per glass of water. Boil it for 2 minutes, let it rest for 10 minutes and strain it. Two cups are taken a day, after main meals.

Infusion for incontinence

The simple infusion of cypress galbules It is very useful for treating bladder control problems.

How to prepare it: You need one level tablespoon of cypress for each cup of water, boil it for 2 minutes and let it sit for 10 more. Two glasses should be taken a day, after meals.

Also recommended for urinary incontinence, cypress fluid extract dropsof which 50 a day will be enough, in three doses.

Infusion to relieve varicose veins

For inflamed varicose veins An infusion is prepared with a tablespoon of cypressanother of horse chestnut and a third of witch hazelfor half a liter of water.

How to prepare it: Boil it for 5 minutes, let it rest and, after filtering it, soak some compresses and apply warm compresses to the affected area, two or three times a day.

As relief for hemorrhoids

Sitz baths are effective cypress, witch hazel and mallow. You need two level tablespoons of the mixture per 2 liters of water.

How to prepare it: Boil the mixture for 5 minutes, let it rest and strain. You should remain seated until the infusion has cooled or a little longer.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”