Cypress (blue)

Drug interactions. Potentially fetotoxic (based on β-eudesmol content).

Broad contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Oral: caution with low blood pressure, drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.

Guaiol and β-eudesmol are hypotensive. β-Eudesmol is antiangiogenic, potentially affecting embryonic development.

Undiluted oil mildly irritating; significant sensitization in test guinea pigs only at 100 percent concentration.

Distinctive smoky, deep, woody aroma from guaiazulene and chamazulene gives the oil its deep blue color.

Callitris intratropica is a cypress pine endemic to northern Australia. The wood is deep yellow and the oil has its characteristic deep blue color from guaiazulene and chamazulene.

The oil is sometimes produced by hexane extraction followed by steam distillation or rectification to concentrate.

Family Cupressaceae. Quite distinct from Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), sharing only botanical family.