Blue Cypress Callitris intratropica

Difference between cypress and blue cypress

The primary difference between cypress and blue cypress essential oils lies in their botanical origins. Cypress essential oil is derived from the Cupressus sempervirens tree, offering a fresh, slightly fruity and balsamic scent. In contrast, blue cypress essential oil comes from the Australian native Callitris intratropica and its oil has a rather woody and slightly spicy aroma with a bluish tint.

History

The indigenous Australian people have known the therapeutic benefits of the Northern cypress pine for thousands of years. The tree bark was used for purifying incense and used in skincare by some mainland aboriginal groups and by the Tiwi people of Bathurst and Melville Islands, northeast of Darwin, Australia. The Tiwi word for Callitris intratropica is Karntirrikani. It has traditionally has been used to repel insects and to soothe their bites; burning the bark in a campfire drove off mosquitoes. Cypress pine found use as a poultice for wounds or burns and to relieve pain, including abdominal pains.

The northern cypress pine was abundant in ancient times, but its numbers declined due to overuse in the timber industry. In the 1960s the species proved to be extremely hardy and survived climate changes and Darwin termites. Large-scale plantations were established on Melville and around Darwin in the early 1960s and until 1974. The tree is slow growing and the plantations were abandoned when changing building codes forbade the use of it as timber for houses in the Northern Territory because of the cyclones (after Cyclone Tracey it was realised that the timber did not resist strong winds.) This already available resource opened the way for the essential oil industry to use the plantations and blue cypress oil was produced, with no ecological issue with sustainability as well as economic and cultural benefit to the Tiwi people. Thank goodness for their excellent decision to not sell the cypress wood for chip to the Far East.

The magic Blue oil

This essential oil is known for its beautiful sky blue colour. Blue Cypress oil would not be blue were it not for an experimental distillation that took place in the 1990s. The oil only turns blue when the heartwood and bark are co-distilled; colour variations from greenish-blue to cobalt blue are observed depending on the ratio of the two. Guaiazulene is the azulene constituent responsible for blue colour. The wonderful thing about blue essential oils, and there are only a handful, that includes blue chamomile and lesser known yarrow and blue tansy, is that they share potent anti-inflammatory properties; the blue colour cools red inflamed conditions, classic colour therapy of the ancient “Doctrine of Signatures.”

Myriad healing benefits

Blue cypress oil possesses myriad therapeutic benefits, making it a versatile addition to our aromatherapy toolbox and more specifically our Australian native collection. Having antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and analgesic properties, blue cypress essential oil offers healing first aid that can be used to help disinfect and repair wounds and skin irritations as well as reduce scarring. The calming nature of blue cypress oil extends beyond physical therapy, creating a serene and tranquil experience, contributing to overall holistic wellness.

Respiratory Support

Coniferous blue cypress oil is renowned for its exceptional respiratory support, offering relief from bronchial irritation and discomfort. Inhaling the invigorating aroma of blue cypress oil opens up the airways, clearing congestion and promoting overall respiratory well being. Blending this oil with oils like eucalyptus and peppermint enhances its respiratory support capabilities, creating a powerful synergy for optimal breathing and a revitalised mind.

Pain and Inflammation Relief

Blue cypress oil is an effective remedy for alleviating pain, inflammation and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis, general joint pain and muscle soreness. The gentle nature of blue cypress oil allows for direct application to specific areas of discomfort for targeted relief. When combined with other oils like chamomile or frankincense, blue cypress excels in pain relief. Blue cypress’s anti-viral properties are useful in the treatment of warts (papilloma virus), shingles (herpes zostes) and cold sores - herpes simplex. Add blue cypress to sandalwood and tea tree to augment the antiviral action.

Cosmetic and Healing Skin Benefits 

Blue cypress essential oil emerges as a skincare gem with its exceptional soothing and calming properties. When applied topically, the oil acts as a gentle balm for irritated or inflamed skin, helping to alleviate redness, itching and discomfort. This applies to treating eczema, psoriasis, hives, swelling and itchiness. Dab directly on to insect bites, including sand flies and spider bites, when it can be applied undiluted to bring relief.

Blue cypress oil boasts excellent hydrating properties that make it a versatile solution for maintaining skin moisture balance. Use blue cypress oil in different skincare products from facial serums to moisturisers to nourish and hydrate restoring healthy and radiant skin texture. When applied to the skin, the oil helps form a protective barrier, preventing excessive water loss and promoting hydration. This quality is especially beneficial for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin, contributing to a more supple and revitalised complexion.

Cosmetically, the oil's unique blend of natural compounds works synergistically to address skin issues such as redness, uneven skin tone, acne and blemishes.

Blue Cypress oils' gentle nature and gentle touch extends its benefits to all skin types, including those prone to sensitivity. It minimises the risk of irritation, making it suitable for daily use without the fear of adverse reactions.

Promoting Hair Health

Blue cypress oil stands out as a powerhouse in promoting overall hair health. When incorporated into hair care routines, this natural tonic works to nourish and invigorate the scalp, creating an optimal environment for hair growth. Its ability to enhance blood circulation ensures that hair follicles receive essential nutrients, promoting stronger and healthier strands from the roots. It addresses dryness and promotes a well-hydrated and lustrous appearance. Regular use of the oil contributes to improved hair texture, making it more manageable and resilient.

Blue cypress oil with its exceptional ability to soothe the scalp provides relief from dryness, irritation and discomfort and offers a natural solution for those with sensitive scalps. Incorporating blue cypress oil into regular scalp massages becomes a rejuvenating ritual, promoting not only scalp health but also an enriching moment of well being.

Inhale for a Quick Pick-Me-Up

Inhale the mood-shifting aroma by adding a drop to the palms and rubbing them together before taking a deep breath. This is an on-the-go practice that provides a swift pick-me-up, making it ideal for moments of stress, fatigue, or simply when needing a burst of freshness. The instant aromatherapy boost from blue cypress oil contributes to mental clarity and alertness, serving as a natural and efficient way to rejuvenate the mind during busy or demanding days.

Spiritual benefit

Considering how Australian blue cypress shares much of the same chemical profile that constitute all of the cypress oils, we can reasonably deduce that its character brings similar spiritual  attributes to help expand our awareness. Cypress trees hover serenely beyond existance and death and remain the last loyal and silent companion of the dead with their legendary long life. Their reassuring silouhette  keeps sacred watch over graves in cemeteries, reminding us of the eternal nature of the immortal soul. Traditionally, cypress trees graced temples and the houses of the great sages (including the temple of Aesculapius) with their inspiring presence. Their fragrance kept away the uninitiated and guarded against evil influences. It was thought the cypress tempers the human passions, masters the reactive ego and calms emotional and sexual excesses. Cypress seems to defy time, patiently rooted in the lands of wisdom.

Native Australians used the cypress pine as incense to encapsulate this potent spiritual energy and clear negative energies to protect the tribe. Blue cypress offered aromatic sanctuary elelvating the tribes from the grueling, relentless, trials of survival in a harsh land. The aroma of blue cypress oil represents the fruits of patience, discipline and devotion, which are harvested at the end of a harmonious and spiritually rich life. It promotes immunity to emotional turmoil and mental fluctuations, so we stay calm, stable and resolute, aligned to our highest Self  in a tumultuous world. We can use and enjoy blue cypresses as relief from the pressures of modern life and find scented refuge for the soul.

Blue cypress can have a profound impact on the limbic system, the emotional centre of the brain, promoting a sense of tranquillity. Indeed, the earthy and woody aroma of blue cypress promotes grounding, calmness and a deeper spiritual connection. Accordingly it finds valid use to diffuse during the spiritual practices of meditation, prayer or conscious breathing practice.

Tree: Callitris intratropica

Common name: Northern Cypress pine

Botanical family: Cupressaceae

The tree: Callitris intratropica is an evergreen (coniferous) tree native primarily to Northern coastal Australia. Large, hardy pine with cone shaped form and lovely delicate bluey green/grey foliage.

Distilled: Melville Island and Northern Territory Australia

Oil extraction method: Steam Distillation

Plant part: Bark, wood.

Aroma note: Top, middle, fixatives.

Aroma Profile: Sweet, woody, yet mildly liquorice-like, balsamic aroma with a resinous, faintly smoky undertone; has good tenacity and fixative properties. It smells a little like a combination of vetivert and cedarwood virginiana oils.

Appearance: Distinctly blue, transparent, rather viscous liquid. Turns semi-solid in cool temperatures, but easily becomes liquid with gentle heat.

Chemical makeup: Mostly sesquiterpene based and contains as well as guaiazulene, guaiol (20 to 30%) along with guanines, selinenes, eudesmols, beta elemene and several furanones.

Therapeutic indications: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antihistamine, analgesic, insect repellant, hydrating skincare, circulatory stimulant, rejuvenating nerve tonic.