Description
As with many cone-bearing plants, Arizona cypress is a stately tree. At maturity, its pyramidal crown stands between 50-90 feet tall. Like Alligator juniper, the outer brownish-gray bark is fissured in a checkerboard pattern, but can also be thin, fibrous, and vertically layered. In the case of Cupressus arizonica var. glabra the outer branch and tree bark typically sheds leaving a smooth, brownish-red exposed under-layer. Arizona cypress’ leaves are small and scale-like. Collectively the branchlet groupings are fan-like. Although not visible all of the time, each leaf has a small, central pitch-secreting gland that appears as a small white dot. The small pollen bearing cones form at branch ends. At full development, the larger seed bearing cones dwarf them. They are normally between ½-1 inch across, round and formed of 6-8 flattened scales. At maturity, the surrounding cone scales open and extend, releasing the seeds.
In its native environment Italian cypress is a large tree reaching 75-100 feet in height. Planted as an ornamental it is usually smaller. The commonly found variety cultivated in the west is conical to columnar shaped. The bark is smooth and gray when young, with age it becomes vertically furrowed. Each scale-like leaf, like Arizona cypress, has a small resin gland on one side. The cones are brownish-gray and are about an inch across.
Distribution
From 3,000-6,000 feet Arizona cypress is found from central-eastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, to Big Bend National Park in Texas. Look for the tree in mid-elevation canyons and along streamsides. It particularly gravitates to northern facing exposures. Typical plants found in proximity are Manzanita and Canyon walnut.
Italian cypress is native to the Mediterranean area. Because the tree has been cultivated for thousands of years, the original distribution is impossible to determine with accuracy. It is planted as an ornamental throughout warmer parts of the southwest. Large, mature trees can still be found around remnant homesteads, farms, and old churches.
Medicinal Uses
Externally, Cypress is used as an antiviral. Continually applied it is useful in removing the average “garden variety” of wart (Verruca vulgaris). Genital warts (Condyloma acuminatum) are less predictably resolved, but the essential oil of Cypress is worth trying. In these cases, it is the preferable article because of its strength. Dilute the essential oil with olive oil when applying to sensitive tissue or use suppositories. Fungal and bacterial infections from a wide array of pathogens are sensitive to Cypress. Apply Cypress to poorly healing wounds, festering bedsores, and other slow to heal external afflictions. For those prone to gingivitis and dental plaque formation, a once or twice a day mouthwash with Cypress tea will prove beneficial through its inhibition of plaque-forming enzymes.
A douche or sitz bath made with Cypress leaves is useful in vaginal Candida infections as is the tea applied topically to other areas of the body that are similarly affected. Typical places are around the mouth, under arms, between mid-section rolls of skin, and other moist and dark areas of the body. Scaly and crust-like skin afflictions such as cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) and chronically dry eczema respond well to Cypress.
Internally, Cypress checks negative flora populations in the colon and specifically is useful in diminishing intestinal Candida overgrowth and other colonic flora imbalances characterized by gas and diarrhea with alternating constipation. Various aromatic constituents of Cypress have been shown to inhibit water and food borne pathogens responsible for gastrointestinal tract distresses, such as Giardia lamblia, Salmonella spp., and most likely the Ameba group of organisms, notably Entamoeba histolytica. The tea is considered the primary preparation because of the large surface area it covers as it descends along the gastrointestinal tract.
Cypress is clearly immune stimulating to surfaces with which it comes into contact. The plant initiates innate immune activity, but also to some degree, acquired immunity, particularly T-cell activity. This effect of Cypress has its greatest influence on the lungs and urinary tract. In chronic cases of bronchitis where expectoration is copious, mucus is green or yellow and the lungs feel weakened Cypress helps to resolve the situation. Resident macrophages or dust cells within the alveoli are stimulated and boost the lungs infection-fighting prowess. The plant’s aromatics, which are excreted through the lungs, serve also to inoculate the area with antimicrobial constituents. Weakened, lingering coughs tend to resolve. The inhaled steam from the infused leaf tea, or diffused essential oil can be used to similarly effect the bronchial environment. In addition, it is a simple way to facilitate resolution of a sinus infection, particularly if it has been long standing. Chronically sore throats and even Strep throat are additionally benefited by Cypress steam inhalations.
The urinary tract is benefited as well. Acting as a urinary tract antiseptic and localized immune stimulant, lower urinary tract infections, particularly involving Escherichia coli are resolved. If infection is dependent upon urinary tract weakness or there is a constitutional laxity of the area, it is often strengthened by Cypress. Dribbling of urine and partial incontinence, especially upon physical exertion, coughing, or laughing, are diminished as are the same problems in older men dependent upon chronic prostatitis. Small doses of the tincture, 5-10 drops before bed, often lessens chronic bed-wetting in children.
Cypress has been used with success in treating valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, caused by the soil mold Coccidioides immitis, commonly found in alkaline soils throughout the hot and dry American southwest. It is responsible for flu-like symptoms of fatigue, fever, headaches, aches and pains, and cough. Susceptibility is largely dependent upon the state of the immune system, overall vitality, and racial/genetic disposition. Cypress is best used as an emmenagogue when menses is slowed from uterine laxity, chronic illness, or relocation to a colder living area.
Indications
Warts, common and genital (external)
Wounds/bedsores/slow to heal tissues (external)
Gingivitis (mouthwash)
Infections, fungal and bacterial (external)
Candida infections (internal and external)
Dermatitis, dry and scabby (external)
Intestinal flora imbalances with diarrhea, constipation, and flatulence
Food poisoning/ameba and Giardia infections
Bronchitis with copious phlegm and weak cough
Strep throat/general sore throat
Urinary incontinence/bed wetting from lack of bladder tone
Cystitis/urethritis/prostatitis/as an antiseptic/weakened and lax urinary
tract tissues
Valley fever
Collection
In the spring when new growth is noticeable, collect entire fan-like leaf sprays by breaking them off at larger branch junctures. Lay out, well spaced to ensure proper drying.
Preparations and Dosage
FPT: 20-40 drops 3 times daily
Leaf infusion: 4-6 ounces 3 times daily
Inhaled steam from the infusion or essential oil: 5 minutes 3 times daily
Oil/salve/wash/poultice: as needed
Cautions
Do not use during pregnancy or while nursing. Excessive doses of internal and steam derived preparations can irritate the lungs, upper respiratory tract tissues, and kidneys. Italian Cypress has the tendency to pick up heavy metals in its bark. The leaves may or may not exhibit the same tendency, but since no plant should be collected next to industrial sites or roadways, this should not be a problem.