Cedarwood is one of those ancient woods mentioned in the Bible. It is considered one of the strongest, durable and most beautiful trees – fit for a king. We read that king David and King Solomon used cedarwood to built their houses as well as the temple. It is no wonder then that the oil from the Cedarwood would be astounding as well. It is important to note though that there is a few different cedarwood trees that would yield Cedarwood oil. Pay attention to the latin name or sometimes they are referred to by the area that they are from.
The Lebanese Cedarwood is obtained from Cedrus Atlantica or referred to as Atlas Cedar.
We also get Juniperus Mexicana otherwise known as Texas Cedar
There is the Juniperus Virginia better known as Virginia Cedarwood.
From India, we get the Cedrus Deodora or known as Himalyan Cedarwood.
They do share properties but the best one in my opinion is the Atlas Cedar. The Lebanese Cedar trees are endangered though so you might have to settle for another Cedarwood oil.
Cedarwood Himalayan Essential Oil 30 mL
Like our Cedarwood Atlantica, Cedarwood Himalayan has excellent properties in supportin… [More]
Organic Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil 30 mL
Cedarwood Atlas has been traditionally used in cedar chests and closets to deter moths…. [More]
Virginian Cedarwood Essential Oil 30 mL
Cedarwood Virginian is actually a species of Juniper tree, as reflected in its Latin na… [More]
Cedarwood Texas Essential Oil 30 mL
Cedarwood Texas Essential Oil originates in the United States and is extracted using st… [More]
Uses and benefits of Cedarwood oil
1. Emotional
It is a comforting and reassuring oil. Great to use when doubtful or indecicive . It is a very grounding oil like most of the oils from the wood family. An easy way to use Cedarwood oil is to add a couple of drops to a diffuser.
It is a good oil to use to promote self-confidence or self-esteem. For the nervous, anxious person with tight muscles this your oil to use.
2. Perfume
The oil was used by ancient Egyptians as perfume and it is still used today in perfume blends, especially stronger more masculine blends as it adds a warm tone to perfumes and mixes. Cedarwood oil can help to ‘hold’ other aromas better.
3. Cough and sinus relief
It can relieve congestion and help remove phlegm from the respiratory tract and lungs due to the mycolyctic properties. Apply topically by rubbing diluted cedarwood oil onto the chest and throat or inhaling the oil straight from the bottle. The antiseptic properties makes it a good choice for bronchial infections.
4..Fungal balance
Applying topically or diffusing promote fungal balance in the body and on the outside.
5 .ADHD soother
The grounding nature of the oil and its focus enhancing ability makes it great for ADD/ADHD sufferers.
Study by Dr Terry Friedmann – inhaling cedarwood for 30 days showed improvement in children with ADHD
6.Natural blemish support
Cedarwood oil cool inflammation that leads to irritating skin conditions like eczema. Very important to dilute essential oils with a carrier and to use a lower dilution with skin conditions. The anti fungal properties help with infections of the skin, especially in the case of acne if you pick at it. Cedarwood oil helps to improve the look of the skin. Cedarwood oil can also help to balance the oiliness of the skin because of the astringent properties.
7. Focus and concentration
Add a couple of drops to a diffuser to enhance focus. Or apply topically by diluting 6 drops of Cedarwood with 20 ml of carrier oil.
8. Insect repellent
Cedarwood was a popular choice of wood for storage chests and wardrobes because of its ability to ward off termites, moths and ants..Add to water and spray on beds and couches. Add 3 drops to cotton balls and store in the corner of the cupboard or drawer to wart off moths.
9. Tonic
Cedarwood oil lives up to its reputation of being strong and fortifying. It can help to move some energy and assists with lympahtic drainage. It is also helpful to use if you are feeling sluggish. A great oil to use in a preworkout blend to energize the body and breakdown accumulated fat. A very beneficial oil to use for cellulite and weight gain.
10. Dandruff
Cedarwood can be helpful for dandruff and seborrhea of the scalp.
Cedrus atlantica
Family : Pinaceae
Aroma : dry, woody, balsamic scent
Method of extraction: steam distillation from wood pieces
Color : Deep amber
Blends well: Patchouli, Clary Sage, Frankincense
Chem family
Sesquiterpenes
Sesquiterpenols
Primary compounds
Cedrene, cedrol
Safety warning
DO NOT USE INTERNALLY
DON’T USE WHEN PREGNANT
Non toxic
Non irritant
General Safety Information
Always use good quality essential oils, preferably organic. One of my favourite companies where I personally get a lot of my oils from is Plant Therapy.
Do not take essential oils internally or apply essential oils undiluted on the skin.
Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil.
Dilute according to body mass. For children you can use a 1 % dilution and for adults 5 %
Pregnant women have to consult with a qualified aromatherapist and or midwife and doctor before using essential oils, especially topically.
If you have liver damage, cancer, suffers from epilepsy or other medical problems and take medicine on a regular basis then you have to use essential oils under the guidance of a trained aromatherapist.
Check whether the essential oil of your choice is safe to use around your pets.
