Description
Cedarwood essential oil is extracted from Juniperus virginiana of the Cupressaceae family. It is also known as Virginian, red, eastern red or southern red cedar, as well as Bedford cedarwood.
This clean smelling, balsamic oil does not only help calm and balance energy, but also promotes spirituality, while helping to clear the respiratory system of excess phlegm and catarrh. It sorts out urinary tract infections, as well as bladder and kidney disorders, while improving oily skin and clearing up dandruff.
Oil properties
It has a soft, woody and “pencil-like” smell and has a faint undertone of sandalwood. It is pale yellow to light orange in color and is viscous.
Origin of Cedarwood
The tree is native to North America and grows up to 30 meters (100 feet) and ages up to 1,000 years. This is the tree Solomon used to build the Temple in Jerusalem. Cedrus libani or Lebanon cedar, from which the first essential oil was extracted, is very scarce due to over use.
The Egyptians used the oil in the mummification process, in cosmetics and as a insect repellant, while native Americans used Cedar oil in medicine and burnt it for purification. These days the wood is often used in the making of pencils and boxes.
Extraction
Wood chips and sawdust are subjected to steam distillation to extract the oil and the yield is about 35 %.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of cedarwood oil are a-cedrene, b-cedrene, thujopsene, other sesquiterpenes, cedrol and widdrol.
Precautions
In high concentration, cedarwood oil may irritate the skin and it should be avoided in pregnancy.
Therapeutic Properties
The therapeutic properties of cedarwood oil are antiseborrhoeic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, tonic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticide, sedative and fungicide.
Uses
Cedarwood oil benefits the skin by its sedating ability which relieves itching. Its astringent action is great for acne, oily skin, as well as for hair and dandruff. It helps with chest and urinary infections, acts as a general tonic and has a pronounced effect on mucus membranes.
It has a calming and soothing effect on the mind and is of great help in conditions associated with anxiety and nervous tension. It is also of value in cases of arthritis and rheumatism.
Summary
Cedarwood oil’s great benefit lies in its ability to calm and sooth nerves. It relieves skin and hair problems and is important in easing conditions of a respiratory nature. It also clears urinary infections, rheumatism and arthritis.
- Burners and vaporizers
- In vapor therapy, cedarwood oil can be used for arthritis, bronchitis, rheumatism, respiratory problems, as a general tonic and as an insect repellant.
- Blended massage oil or in the bath
- Cedarwood can be used in a blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath to assist with asthma, bronchitis, respiratory problems, catarrh, cystitis, painful joints, oily skin and dandruff. Care must be taken that it does not cause irritation to the mucus membranes.
- In a cream
- When diluted in a cream, cedarwood oil is of great value to combat oily skin and related problems, as well as dermatitis and psoriasis, while bringing relief to the scalp from dandruff.
More information about Cedarwood
Skin & Hair Care ~ helps heal acne, blemishes, dermatitis, oily skin conditions, seborrhoea or seborrhoeic eczema ~ itchy & inflammed skin ~ strengthens & promotes hair growth ~ alleviates dandruff & seborrhoea of the scalp
Digestive System ~ promotes & improves digestion
Immune System ~ antiseptic & fungicide properties ~ prevents wounds from becoming septic & protecting them from tetanus germs ~ helps heal fungal infections ~ recommended for general lethargy, lower backache, arthritis, rheumatism & gout
Insecticide ~ excellent to repel mosquitoes & insects
Lymphatic System ~ encourages lymphatic drainage & stimulates the breakdown of accumulated fats, mildly diuretic ~ excellent for the treatment of cellulite & oedema
Nervous System ~ reduces stress, anxiety, depression & tension ~ seductive properties ~ soothing & calming ~ helps insomnia sufferers ~ promoting healthy, restorative, uninterrupted sleep & headaches
Reproductive System ~ helps regulate menstruation cycle ~ nausea, fatigue & mood swings
Respiratory System ~ expels mucus. relieves congestion & excellent for treating catarrhal conditions, colds, coughs, bronchitis & hay fever
Urinary System ~ treatment for cystitis & urinary tract infections
Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ grounding, fortifying, strengthening & comforting effect ~ gives us an immovable strength in times of crisis, steadying the conscious mind, helps to resist the sudden events & powerful emotions that threaten to undermine our confidence & morale
Blends Well with ~ Bergamot, Cananga, Cinnamon, Cypress, Fir Needle, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Myrtle, Mandarin, May Chang, Myrtle, Orange, Niaouli, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Rosalina, Rosemary, Spruce, Tangerine, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang,
Safety ~ Non-toxic, non-irritant & non-sensitising ~ avoid during pregnancy
