Cypriol

Aromatherapy and perfumery are two very closely related fields of activity. Indeed, perfume, although it serves to let the imagination wander, does not bring medicinal properties strictly speaking. Aromatherapy, on the other hand, aims to treat ailments through the use of plants. Nevertheless, it very frequently happens that these two fields use the same raw materials. Thus, cypriol is a plant that is used as much for its properties as for its scent.

What is cypriol?

Cypriol is an herbaceous plant whose morphology is very close to that of papyrus. Indeed, both belong to the genus Cyperus. Cypriol has erect, angular stems bearing short, thin leaves tinted a brilliant green. Its aromatic rhizomes, meanwhile, spread out through a very dense root system. Generally speaking, cypriol is a plant that grows in riverbeds, mostly in India. In that region, the use of this plant as a perfume has been known since time immemorial. Indeed, cypriol roots were once used to scent women's clothing, including traditional saris. Thus, the use of cypriol in India is considered an ancient rite. According to popular belief, it ensures success in love. An Indian recipe combines cypriol with milkweed, an Indian spikenard, as well as jatamansi and fekhand. The whole thing turns out to be a magic charm recipe. Men apply it to their foreheads and thereby ensure themselves a long string of romantic successes. Likewise, cypriol is also an important remedy in traditional Chinese medicine.

The use of cypriol's scent

To produce essential oil from cypriol, the roots of this plant are harvested from April to June. They are then washed and dried, in the same manner as vetiver roots. The whole is then distilled before being used in fragrances. However, it should be noted that cypriol is not very widespread and that it may contain a few allergenic substances, even though cases of skin reactions remain fairly rare. In terms of scent, cypriol proves to be a particularly tenacious ingredient, at once woody, earthy and spicy.

Generally speaking, cypriol appears more often in men's fragrances. It is notably included in the composition of Eau Duelle by Diptyque. This is a fragrance created by Fabrice Pellegrin in 2010, at once gourmand and elegant, fully rooted in the intimate atmosphere of the house Diptyque. Black XS L'Excès pour Homme by Paco Rabanne also contains it. This one proves to be much more vibrant, intense and sensual. It is the very embodiment of the rock 'n' roll atmosphere sought by Paco Rabanne. Finally, in a more woody register, cypriol elegantly enhances the composition of Patchouli Absolu by Tom Ford. Thus, the many facets of this rare ingredient make it a raw material that pairs with all types of essences and further reinforces their subtlety.