Cupressus sempervirens        |        Cupressaceae       |       Italian cypress

Medicinal Properties:

The essential oil exhibits antimicrobial activity. The dried leaves have traditionally been used in the treatment of stomach pain and diabetes as well as the dried fruit is used to treat inflammation, toothache, and laryngitis. The dried fruit is also used as a contraceptive and astringent. The dried seeds have been used to treat wounds, ulcers, bruises, sores, pimpkes, skin eruptions, and erysipelas. The essential oil from the leaves and cones is used externally for headache, colds, cough, and bronchitis. Research has discovered potent antileishmanial and antimicrobial chemicals from cone (fruit) ethanol extracts ("Antimicrobial and antiparasitic abietane diterpenoids from Cupressus sempervirens").

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Additional Resources to Explore:

• Link to the Campus Arboretum Species Description page
• Link to the Campus Arboretum Medicinal Plants page (for booklet, self-guided campus tours, or docent led tour information)