Blue Cypress
Latin name: Callitris intratropica
Aroma Description: Smokey, woodsy and spicy.
Therapeutic benefits
- Can help support reddened, congested skin when applied topically. We recommend a dilution of 1%-3%.
- Soothing for bug bites and small wounds.
- When diffused, it can promote a calming and soothing atmosphere when the spirit is restless. Consider blending with a floral oil for a soothing aroma.
- Excellent for respiratory support.
Kidsafe?
Yes! Blue Cypress IS KidSafe.
Dilution instructions:
For topical application, we recommend a dilution of 1%-3%. Mix equal parts with Myrrh and Frankincense Frereana for a skin soothing serum.
Diffusion instructions:
Combine with other floral oils, like Rose Absolute or Ylang Ylang for a soothing blend. Blue Cypress also blends well most citrus oils.
Oils to blend with:
Black Pepper, Cedarwood Atlas, Cedarwood Virginian, Cypress, Helichrysum Italicum, Lavender, Lemon, Rose Absolute, Sandalwood Australian, Turmeric CO2.
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Who doesn’t love a gorgeous “blue” essential oil? Blue Tansy, Blue Yarrow, and Chamomile German. They all share that unmistakable rich blue hue and all come from steam distilled flowers. So even though Blue Cypress is part of this “blue group,” it doesn’t fit in quite so nicely as the others. Unlike the rest of the group, Blue Cypress is the only wood known to produce blue coloring during steam distillation. Pretty cool, right?
Native to Australia, the wood from this tree (Callitris intratropica) has been used medicinally for generations by the aboriginal peoples of Australia. Its complex, balsamic, woody, and smoky aroma was known to support a wide variety of concerns, ranging from emotional needs to physical pain. Nowadays, we can still enjoy the therapeutic benefits of Blue Cypress, along with its signature thick blue oil, in a few useful ways. Check it out!
Emotional support whenever you need it.
Blue Cypress is calming and soothing to a restless spirit. If you are dealing with a “busy brain” struggling to turn off rampant thoughts, this is a wonderful oil to reach for! It can help to settle your emotions down, allowing you to pull yourself together and focus on whatever it is that needs your attention.
Diffuse with a floral oil like Rose Absolute or Ylang Ylang Complete to help soothe the mind. For an uplifting atmosphere, try Blue Cypress alongside a bright citrus oil, such as Lemon, Kumquat, or Bergamot. Enjoy some peace with our Zen Zone Diffuser Blend; simply add 2 drops of Bergamot, 1 drop of Blue Cypress, 1 drop of Davana, and 1 drop of Sandalwood Australian to your diffuser and relax! Or, try our Mellow Mind Diffuser Blend:
Helps soothe inflammation and discomfort
A common characteristic shared by “blue” oils is that they are fantastic helpers for aches and pains. Blue Cypress is no exception! When inflammation in the joints is bothering your day, simply dilute to 1-3% in your favorite carrier oil or lotion and massage onto the area of concern. For instance, if you use two teaspoons (10 mL) of a carrier, make a 1% dilution by adding 3 drops, a 2% dilution by adding 6 drops, or a 3% dilution by adding 9 drops.
Blend Blue Cypress with other great oils for inflammation, including Copaiba Oleoresin, Frankincense Serrata, or Lavender. You can also give our Lumps and Bumps blend a try: in an ounce of carrier oil or lotion, add 6 drops of Rosemary 1,8-Cineole, 5 drops of Blue Cypress, 4 drops of Eucalyptus Globulus, and 3 drops of Lavender. To make this recipe KidSafe, substitute Rosemary for Spearmint and Eucalyptus Globulus for Eucalyptus Dives.
Helps clear up skin concerns
Reddened, congested skin is no match for Blue Cypress! Whether you’re waging a war against pores, bumps, or itchy bug bites, this blue oil can help save the day. Use a maximum of 3 drops per 10 mL of carrier oil for a safe 1% dilution on the face, but you can increase the number of drops to 9 drops (a 3% dilution) for other areas of the body. For extra skin-loving power, blend Blue Cypress with essential oils like Myrrh, Frankincense Frereana, Helichrysum Italicum, or Rose Absolute.
Supports clear breathing
Like many coniferous essential oils (think: Pine, Cypress, Balsam Fir), Blue Cypress can provide wonderful help if you’re feeling like your respiratory system may need a little boost. That can be especially true during the spring season thanks to pollen leading to sore throats and irritating coughs. For a blend that supports your respiration, add together 3 drops of Blue Cypress, 3 drops of Eucalyptus Globulus, 2 drops of Lemon, and 2 drops of Lavandin. Use 3-4 drops of this blend in a diffuser or add a single drop of the blend into a steam bowl and get to clear breathing again!
Some more things you should know about Blue Cypress…
Curious about the difference between Cypress and Blue Cypress?
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) and Blue Cypress (Callitris intratropica) may have a very similar name, but they are very different oils! Each oil is not only steam distilled from different plants, but they are also distilled from different parts of those plants. Cypress is distilled from the leaves while Blue Cypress is distilled from the wood. Additionally, they have very different chemical profiles. Both are great for respiratory support, but Blue Cypress has some amazing skin-soothing properties that really set it apart.
Last but not least….
Blue Cypress is a thick, tenacious oil that may need some help coming out of its bottle. If you are having trouble coaxing the drops out, try warming it up! Seal the capped bottle in a small zip-type baggie and place in a bowl of warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Don’t worry—this won’t hurt the oil! Or, you can get your drops out using a pipette.
If you have any questions about Blue Cypress Essential Oil, make sure to reach out to our awesome team of aromatherapists at aromatherapists@planttherapy.com.
