Native to Turkey and cultivated in the Mediterranean, Cypress contains a volatile oil (with pinene, camphene and cedrol) and tannins. Ancient Greeks took the cones to treat dysentery, the coughing up of blood, asthma and coughs. Applied externally as a lotion or as diluted essential oil, cypress has astringent effect on varicose veins tightening up the blood vessels. A footbath of the cones is used to cleanse the feet and counter excessive sweating.