Cypress, Morocco (organic)

Several oils share the name cypress without sharing a genus. Blue Cypress, Callitris intratropica (No. 3185), is an Australian conifer of a separate line. The cypress of classical aromatherapy is Cupressus sempervirens, the tall, columnar Mediterranean tree, and that is the species distilled here.

01 · Origin

An evergreen conifer of the Cupressaceae, native to the eastern Mediterranean and long planted across North Africa and southern Europe, often in cemeteries and along roads. This oil is distilled in Morocco from the twigs, wild-crafted under organic certification. Mexican Cypress, Cupressus lusitanica (No. 3196), offers comparison within the genus.

02 · Chemistry

Alpha-pinene dominates. Delta-3-carene follows in substantial proportion, with terpinolene and myrcene. The composition is almost entirely monoterpenic, which accounts for the oil's lightness and its tendency to oxidise after opening.

03 · In Practice

Fresh, resinous and woody, with a dry, smoky green note. A middle note in natural perfumery, used in fougère, chypre and masculine accords. Diffusion, sauna, bath preparations and massage blends. Keep tightly closed. Blends with juniper, lavender, clary sage, bergamot, cedarwood, pine and sandalwood.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.