No, not a monster - here's the deal with cypress tree oil.
We know it’s a geeky thing to say, but the Mediterranean Cypress (or Cupressus sempervirens) is our favourite conifer!
From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the glistening shores of the Greek islands, the pencil like monoliths stand proudly against the horizon like pieces of architecture. Given that they are incredibly hardy and can often grow to over 80 feet tall, they have become somewhat of a status symbol of the rich-and-famous property owners around the Italian Lakes and Amalfi Coast.
But cypress has another side to it too.
Whilst beautiful to look at, the wood itself (and more specifically the essential oils extracted from the wood, bark and leaves) has a powerful role to play in odour elimination. Cypress oil is renowned for its anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties and has been used for hundreds of years as a disinfectant and body deodorant. In fact, cypress wood is famous for being used to make the doors to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City – given that the landmark is over 500 years old it goes to show just how potent the anti-bacterial qualities within the wood are.
It won’t come as a surprise then, that like many other natural oils and chemicals it isn’t safe to ingest cypress oil – it would upset the beneficial bacteria in the tummy and some people might display signs of an allergic reaction. Luckily, the powerful odour neutralising effects of cypress can be safely and effectively experienced by incorporating it in to household cleaning products and home fragrances.
But what does cypress smell like?
Cypress oil is pretty potent stuff and is often used in masculine fragrances due to its metallic and almost spicy notes. The fragrance is a mix between the smell of fresh cut grass, green leaves and smoky wood with a touch of the pine vibe. Imagine walking through a botanical garden in the Italian Lakes on a hot summer’s day and you get our drift.
Given its strength, we add just a touch of it to our Italian inspired ROSES AT THE GRAND HOTEL fragrance which really rounds out the fruity bergamot and floral rose tones within the profile.