Cypress oil is an essential oil made from the twigs, stems, and leaves of the cypress tree. It may have some health benefits because of its antimicrobial properties, but research is limited.

Most cypress essential oil is made from Cupressus sempervirens, also known as Mediterranean cypress. The majority of studies focus on essential oil made from this particular tree.

Cypress oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. People commonly use it as a home remedy for coughing, cuts, and acne.

Read on to learn more about the possible health benefits of cypress oil.

According to a 2022 review, Cupressus sempervirens has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antipersperant, and antispasmodic properties. The following are some potential benefits of cypress oil.

Cough

Cypress oil contains camphene, a molecule which is often found in herbal cough suppressants. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help with inflammation associated with coughs.

However, cypress essential oil hasn’t directly been studied for its effects on coughing.

You could inhale cypress oil by using it in a diffuser. Try adding a few drops of the essential oil diluted with a carrier oil to a warm bath, and then breathing in deeply. However, speak with a doctor before trying this, especially if you’re taking medication.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the rectum and anus. In traditional medicine, a cypress sitz bath has been used to help reduce hemorrhoid swelling. Cypress is also an ingredient in some hemorrhoid creams and ointments.

Cuts, wounds, and infections

Because cypress essential oil is antimicrobial and antibacterial, it may help clean and heal cuts and wounds. However, there is limited research supporting this.

If you want to use it for cuts or wounds, be sure to dilute the oil in a carrier oil first.

Pimples and acne

Pimples and acne are often caused or worsened by bacteria.

According to a 2017 review on essential oils, cypress oil is commonly recommended for treating acne because it’s antimicrobial. This means that applying cypress oil topically might help acne by killing bacteria.

Remember that essential oil is extremely concentrated. It should be diluted in a carrier oil if you plan on using it on your skin, especially if your skin is sensitive.

Muscle pain

If you experience muscle soreness, essential oils may provide relief. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), massage therapy can be an effective way to relieve pain, especially back and neck pain.

Cypress oil is one of the many essential oils used to relieve muscle pain. While it’s often called an antispasmodic, meaning it can reduce muscle pain and cramps, studies have yet to confirm that cypress oil is particularly good at soothing muscle pain.

Body odor

Because cypress essential oil has a pleasant aroma, so it’s often added to natural deodorant because it can reduce unpleasant body odor. It also has antiseptic properties, which means it may help kill bacteria that contribute to body odor.

However, there isn’t robust research supporting the use of cypress oil for this purpose.

Before using any new product on the sensitive skin under your arms, do a patch test on your inner forearm.

There are a number of different ways to use cypress essential oils.

However, essential oils are very concentrated and potent, which means that many people can have sensitivities to these oils. For this reason, it’s essential that you mix any essential oil you want to use with a carrier oil to dilute it.

Here is a list of popular carrier oils:

After diluting a few drops of cypress oil in a carrier oil, you can:

  • use it in a diffuser
  • add it to a bath
  • apply it to your skin
  • add it to soaps and body care products

Before using a new essential oil on your skin, be sure to do a patch test. Patch tests are necessary even when the essential oil is mixed with a carrier oil.

To do a patch test, apply a few drops of the essential oil and carrier oil mix to your inner forearm. If this results in burning, stinging, rashes, or redness, don’t apply the mixture to your skin.

Research shows that it’s best to avoid ingesting essential oils. Certain essential oils, including cypress oil, can be poisonous when ingested, even when safe to inhale or use topically.

It’s often thought that essential oils are safe because they’re natural. While essential oils have a wide range of benefits, they can be dangerous when misused or ingested.

It’s possible to be allergic to essential oils. The symptoms of an allergic reaction could include:

  • rash and redness
  • pain or burning
  • swelling
  • itching
  • hives

If you think you’re having an allergic reaction to an essential oil, discontinue use immediately. If the symptoms of your reaction are severe, seek immediate medical attention.

Bear in mind that the FDA doesn’t regulate essential oils. Always choose high-quality essential oils from reputable brands.

If you’re pregnant or nursing, avoid using essential oils. You should also avoid using essential oils on babies, small children, or pets unless recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Cypress essential oil is a popular home remedy that’s been used for centuries in some cultures. However, the scientific research supporting its purported health benefits is limited.

As always, it’s important to exercise caution when applying essential oil to your skin or using it to treat any condition. If you have any adverse reactions to cypress oil, avoid using it.