Cypress in Herbalist: Property of the Cypress

Scientific name

Cupressus sempervirens L.

Family

Cupressaceae

Origin

Cultivated plant

Used Parts

Berries or fruits are used

Chemical constituents

Polyphenols;
Flavonoids;
Tannins;
Essential oil (camphene, pinene, cupressene).

Cypress in Herbalist: Property of the Cypress

The cypress exercises beneficial activities towards the microcirculation; for this reason it is particularly useful in the case of hemorrhoids and peripheral venous insufficiency.

Moreover, the cypress has an anti-inflammatory action against the respiratory tract.

Biological activity

The use of cypress has not been approved for any type of therapeutic indication; despite this, different properties are attributed to this plant and it is not uncommon to find it in the composition of various types of food preparations or supplements, with indications for the treatment of microcirculation disorders and airway disorders.

More specifically, the properties of cypress are ascribed vasoconstrictor, astringent and antispasmodic properties, mainly due to the content of polyphenols. For this reason, these extracts are used as a remedy in the case of hemorrhoids, capillary fragility, peripheral venous insufficiency and symptoms associated with it, such as pain, cramping, swelling and feeling of heavy legs.

The essential oil of cypress, on the other hand, has anti-inflammatory properties attributed to the respiratory tract, balsamic, cough sedatives and expectorants; in fact, this oil is used externally (in the form of fumigations) in the case of coughs, bronchitis and colds accompanied by nasal congestion.

Furthermore, a relatively recent study (2014), conducted on animals, has highlighted the fact that some diterpenes contained in the essential oil of cypress are able to exert an osteogenic effect that could prove very useful in the treatment of pathologies associated with loss of bone mass.

Cypress in folk medicine and in homeopathy

The properties of the cypress have long been known in folk medicine, which uses the plant precisely for the treatment of hemorrhoids, inflammatory diseases of the airways and cough. Furthermore, the cypress essential oil is used in traditional medicine also for the treatment of disorders of the nervous system and rheumatic pains; in addition to finding uses as a diuretic, antiseptic and sedative remedy.

The cypress is also used in homeopathic medicine, where it can easily be found in the form of granules, mother tincture and oral drops.

In this context, the plant is used for the treatment of disorders such as hemorrhoids, dry cough, varicose veins and to counteract the sensation of heavy legs.

The dose of homeopathic remedy to be taken can be different between one individual and another, also depending on the type of disorder to be treated and the type of homeopathic preparation and dilution that is to be used.

Side effects

When properly used, the cypress is well tolerated and should not cause any kind of unwanted effects.

However, if very high doses are taken, renal irritation may occur.

Contraindications

Do not use the cypress in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components. Furthermore, the use of the plant is not recommended even during pregnancy and lactation.