BLUE CYPRESS - Callitris intratropica

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Description

Blue cypress originates from Australia and is grown commercially in the Highlands for decorative purposes.

Extraction

The oil is extracted by steam distillation from the needles and twigs of the branches when the trees are being pruned or lifted due to misshape.

Chemical Composition

The oil contains over 90 compounds including:

- guaiazulene
- selinenes
- eudesmols
- elemol
- guaienes
- guaiol
- lactones

Sesquiterpenes present in Highland blue cypress include;

- Limonene 47.3%
- myrcene 3.9%
- alpha pinene 2.9%

A major feature of the oil is that guaiazulene confers on it a strong blue colour and is the only wood oil of that colour.

Uses

Blue cypress has traditionally been used by the Australian Aboriginals for medicinal purposes.

The oil has use in the following sectors:

- aromatherapy
- healthcare for its anti inflammatory properties
- fragrance and perfumery

Blending

The oil blends well with citrus oils and flowery oils such as lavender.