In 2014, Kai brought me along with her to the Asia Pacific Leader Retreat in Darwin, and we got to visit the Blue Cypress farm and distillery there. It was AWESOME. It was there that I learnt much for the powers of the Blue Cypress plant.

Blue Cypress is produced from the steam distillation of the wood of the tree, which is indigenous to Australia. Traditionally used to moisturize dry skin, (READ: GOOD FOR MY BAD BAD BAD SKIN) it also supports a healthy respiratory system. Traditionally it has been used to support the body’s natural response to irritation; as well as aiding normal breathing.

The Australian Aborigines burned the heart wood to repel mosquitoes and midges; and also used it to moisturize dry skin in the desert environment. When we visit the farm and we saw the tree being cut down, oil was literally oozing out from the bark.
It was AWESOME!

Btw, this is how the “farm” looks like. Its actually more like a forest.


2016_DarwinFarm_2276

I remember Bill (? Was his name Bill? anyway, he looks like a Bill, lets just call him Bill :D) I FOUND HIS NAME: COLLIN! Telling us about how the trees were all planted by the Australian govt to build houses at one point, after which they didn’t need the wood anymore and so they were starting to cut down the trees to clear the land. So now he is rushing against time to get to the trees before the govt clears them and distill the oil. (something like that lah.. my memory isn’t very good.. heh :P)
Anyway i found a really good article on blue cypress, if you are interested to read the eeecheee beeecheee bits abt the plant and its properties, this is the article for you.

So anyway, the oil is a magnificent azure blue color! LOVE LOVE LOVE This comes from guaiol and guaiazulene which are known to reduce the body’s response to irritation. It is the only wood that contains these components. Guaiazulene is claimed as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti- pyretic and anti-allergenic similar to chamazulene. Australian blue cypress oil also contains eudesmol’s known for their anti-viral properties hence its reputation amongst aroma therapists for the topical treatment of warts and cold sores.

So imagine when my skin flares up, this oil is PERFECT for it. Did you also know that it is the only naturally blue essential oil that comes from a tree. Other blue essential oils such as German Chamomile and Blue Tansy are from flowers. So distinctive and beloved is this tree’s aroma that it was chosen as the official fragrance of the Sydney 2000 Olympics. You have to smell it, it smells like a lovely woody forest!

Here are some other ways to use this great oil:

  • To support muscles. Blue Cypress is great to use post-workout as the plant has great analgesic properties.
  • To Moisturize skin. Blue Cypress has excellent beneficial properties for the skin. Use Blue Cypress alone or blend it with Sacred Frankincense, Lavender, and Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood essential oils and apply topically to hydrate the skin after time outside.
  • As a insect shoo-shoo. The bark has been used by aboriginals for centuries to drive off mosquitoes and midge. Apply to your skin to chase them away.

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