Cypress: medicinal properties of the cemeteries tree

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, attached 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, the masculine, and spherical, the feminine ones; green at first, and brown when ripe.

the cypress It is native to the Eastern Mediterranean (Greece and Turkey) 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 of powerful meaning: the cypress is a symbol of mourning, but also of immortalitydue to the persistence of its dense foliage, and of resurrectionfor its ability to regrow after winter frosts.

At the beginning of November it is a tradition, due to the festivity of All Saints, go to the cemeteries to remember the deceased. And in this scene of mourning and recollection, 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 ripe galbules and, to a lesser extent, the tender shoots and the leaves. 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. cypress essence is highly esteemed in aromatherapyfor their venotonic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic and diuretic properties. 3 to 6 drops are needed, mixed with vegetable oils, and applied in gentle massage on the affected areas or in local baths.

Natural remedies with cypress

Infusion with cypress and ginkgo biloba for circulation

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

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

Infusion for incontinence

The simple infusion of cypress galbules It is very useful to treat bladder control problems.

How to prepare it: A level tablespoon of cypress is required for each cup of water, boil for 2 minutes and let stand for 10 more. They have to take two glasses a day, after meals.

Also recommended for urinary incontinence drops of fluid extract of cypressof which 50 a day will suffice, 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 hazelper half liter of water.

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

As relief for hemorrhoids

Sitz baths are effective cypress, witch hazel and mallow. Two level tablespoons of the mixture are needed for 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 at “El Manantial de Salud”