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Look Up with Cypress

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Just the other day I found myself standing beneath the foliage of a small cypress tree near the water’s edge. The texture of its coniferous leaves begged me to reach out and touch, which I did; then I plucked off a small sprig to rub and crush between my hands. Inhaling that delicious, earthy scent was like unscrewing the cap from a bottle of dōTERRA® Cypress.

What exactly do we find within that Cypress bottle, and how can we put this clean, woody oil to use? The power of aromatics to transport us to mind-clearing spaces is perfectlydemonstrated by this lively, energizing essential oil. If you could literally smell the color green, it could easily be the aroma of the cypress tree. Cypress oil is frequently used in spas and massages, not only for its refreshing fragrance but also for its plentiful benefits to the skin. Add one or two drops to your facial toner to help improve the appearance of oily skin, or even create your own skin support blend using Cypress in action with friends Lavender and Sandalwood.

When using Cypress, proceed freely with diffusing, massaging, and inhaling; but keep it outside your body — this oil should not be swallowed. Cypress combines in a lovely way with the whole family of citrus oils, so bring out your Lemon, Lime, Wild Orange and the like to mingle with Cypress during stressful-feeling times. Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to orchestrate everything perfectly, down to the last detail, but it simply wasn’t possible? Emotionally, Cypress can reduce anxious feelings and encourage feelings of vitality to well up. When we’ve been gazing downward at so many moving parts, and we’ve done all we can, it’s time to direct our gaze upward. During such a time, test out these diffuser recipes.

Look Up

• 3 drops Cypress

• 3 drops Lime

• 2 drops Peppermint

Keeping Cypress and Lime united together as a balancing base, try substituting the Peppermint with a woody oil like Sandalwood or Frankincense for an extra note of depth and grounding. In this wild world, emotional stability is a huge gift to cultivate and support in ourselves and others.

Take My Hand

• 3 drops Cypress

• 2 drops Lavender

• 2 drops Frankincense

Those two Cypress-based blends certainly bear encouraging names, reminding us that we’re not alone, no matter how desperate things may look at the moment. There’s something special about Cypress that inspires us to hope, and to reach higher. In fact, the cypress tree symbolizes both mourning and hope, as evidenced by its traditional use in cemetery landscaping. They also make an unforgettable appearance in the foreground of Van Gogh’s Starry Night!

Cypress also helps promote healthy circulation via massaging directly onto the feet and legs before exercise. It’s a great way to prep for a workout! And sweet, balsamic undertones make Cypress a popular element in romantically woody colognes. Balancing and comforting, the stately cypress tree seems to impart security and strength during times of change. When you twist open your Cypress to drink in the herbaceous aroma, I hope you’ll remember to look up.