cedarwood plant cedarwood plant


ALL ABOUT CEDARWOOD OIL

IN ESSENCE...

  • Cedarwood Essential Oil is steam distilled from the wood of the Cedar tree, of which there are several species.
  • Used in aromatherapy applications, Cedarwood Essential Oil helps to deodorize indoor environments, repel insects, prevent the development of mildew, improve cerebral activity, relax the body, enhance concentration, decrease hyperactivity, reduce harmful stress, ease tension, clear the mind, and encourage the onset of quality sleep.
  • Used cosmetically on the skin, Cedarwood Essential Oil can help soothe irritation, inflammation, redness, and itchiness, as well as dryness that leads to cracking, peeling, or blistering. It helps regulate sebum production, eliminates acne-causing bacteria, guards the skin against environmental pollutants and toxins, reduces the chances of future breakouts, helps to eliminate unpleasant odors, and reduces the appearance of the signs of aging.
  • Used in hair, Cedarwood Oil is known to cleanse and enhance circulation to the scalp, tighten the follicles, stimulate healthy growth, reduce thinning, and slow hair loss.
  • Used medicinally, Cedarwood Essential Oil is reputed to protect the body against harmful bacteria, facilitate wound-healing, address the discomforts of muscle aches, joint pain or stiffness, soothe coughs as well as spasms, support the health of the organs, regulate menstruation, and stimulate circulation.


 

HISTORY OF CEDARWOOD OIL USAGE

 

Cedarwood Essential Oil is steam distilled from the wood of the Cedar tree, of which there are several species, such as Cedrus atlantica, Cedrus deodara, Juniperus mexicana, and Juniperus virginiana, which are more commonly recognized as Atlas, Himalayan, Texan, and Virginian Cedarwood, respectively.

Throughout history, Cedarwood Essential Oil has been used by various cultures, such as Native American and Tibetan communities, to address ailments ranging from minor discomforts, including coughs and hiccups, to more severe illnesses. In Ancient Egypt, Cedarwood Oil’s antimicrobial and insecticidal properties made it valuable for use in mummifying procedures. In these and other societies, Cedarwood was also known to relax the body and mind, making it ideal for use in religious ceremonies and spiritual practices, such as communal prayer and independent meditation. Today, it continues to be used for similar applications as well as for cosmetic applications.

This article highlights the topical and medicinal benefits, therapeutic properties, and safe uses of Cedarwood Essential Oil.



 

CEDARWOOD OIL BENEFITS

 

Used in aromatherapy applications, Cedarwood Essential Oil is known for its sweet and woody fragrance, which has been characterized as warm, comforting, and sedative, thus naturally promoting stress relief. Cedarwood Oil’s energizing scent helps to deodorize and freshen indoor environments, while also helping to repel insects. At the same time, its anti-fungal properties help prevent the development of mildew. Its invigorating quality is known to improve cerebral activity, while its calming property is known to relax the body, and the combination of these properties helps to enhance concentration while decreasing hyperactivity. The soothing scent of Cedarwood Essential Oil is reputed to reduce harmful stress and ease tension, which in turn promotes the body’s rest, helps to clear the mind, and subsequently encourages the onset of quality sleep that is both restorative and reparative. 

Used cosmetically on the skin, Cedarwood Essential Oil can help soothe irritation, inflammation, redness, and itchiness, as well as dryness that leads to cracking, peeling, or blistering. By regulating sebum production, eliminating acne-causing bacteria, and exhibiting a protective astringent property, Cedarwood Oil is reputed to guard the skin against environmental pollutants and toxins, thus helping prevent or reduce the chances of future breakouts. Its antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties help to eliminate unpleasant odors, making it an effective deodorizer, and its firming quality helps reduce the appearance of the signs of aging, such as loose and wrinkling skin.

Used in hair, Cedarwood Oil is known to cleanse the scalp, removing excess oil, dirt, and dandruff. It enhances circulation to the scalp and tightens the follicles, which helps stimulate healthy growth and thereby helps reduce thinning by slowing hair loss.

Used medicinally, Cedarwood Essential Oil’s antiseptic properties are reputed to protect the body against harmful bacteria that are known to cause fungal infections, which can be destructive to the skin and general health. This natural wound-healing quality makes Cedarwood Oil ideal for application to scrapes, cuts, and other abrasions that require disinfecting. Its anti-inflammatory property makes it well-suited to addressing the discomforts of muscle aches, joint pain, and stiffness, while its antispasmodic property helps to soothe not only coughs but also spasms associated with digestion, respiratory ailments, nerves, and menstruation. As a tonic for overall wellness, Cedarwood Oil is known to support the health and function of the organs, especially the brain, liver, and kidney.

Cedarwood Oil is reputed to exhibit an emmenagogue property that regulates menstruation by naturally stimulating circulation, thus benefitting women who suffer from irregular cycles. 

 

cedarwood essential oil benefits

 

Additionally, it helps to stabilize other impulses and contractions that may be experienced at this time, such as nausea and cramps.

As illustrated, Cedarwood Essential Oil is reputed to have many therapeutic properties. The following highlights its many benefits and the kinds of activity it is believed to show:

  • COSMETIC: Anti-Inflammatory, Antifungal, Anti-Seborrheic, Astringent, Tonic, Firming/Tightening, Detoxifying, Stimulating, Soothing, Calming, Antioxidant, Restorative.
  • ODOROUS: Anti-Inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Antifungal, Antispasmodic, Sedative, Tonic, Insecticidal, Soothing, Calming.
  • MEDICINAL: Anti-Inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Astringent, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Tonic, Firming/Tightening, Detoxifying, Stimulating, Soothing, Calming, Antioxidant, Restorative.


 

CEDARWOOD OIL USES

 

To soothe asthma, coughing, congestion, a buildup of phlegm, and other respiratory discomforts that make it difficult to breathe easily, add a few drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil to a diffuser. Deeply inhaling its scent is known to facilitate relaxed respiration and to encourage sleep. To enhance the benefits of Cedarwood Oil, combine it with any of the following essential oils for a blend that is also aromatically appealing: Lavender, Frankincense, Rosemary, Juniper Berry, Bergamot, Lemon, Lime, Cinnamon, Cypress, Neroli, Jasmine. A natural vapor rub can be made by diluting Cedarwood Oil in a carrier oil then massaging it into the chest and throat.

To soothe blemishes, diminish their appearance, and reduce the chance of experiencing future breakouts, dilute Cedarwood Oil in a light carrier oil, a regular face wash, or a moisturizer, such as a face cream or body lotion. Applying it in these combinations can help to purge the skin of impurities and excess oil, fortify it against microbes, eliminate infection, and decrease inflammation as well as peeling. Alternatively, Cedarwood Oil can be diluted in a carrier oil then added to a warm bath to address blemishes in hard-to-reach areas.

To naturally reduce hair loss, Cedarwood Essential Oil can be diluted in a regular shampoo and conditioner before being applied as usual in the shower. Alternatively, a few drops can be diluted in a carrier oil, such as Coconut, and massaged into the scalp for several minutes. This blend can be left in like a mask on the scalp for at least half an hour before it is washed out in the shower. For increased effectiveness, Cedarwood Oil can be combined with the essential oils of Thyme, Lavender, or Rosemary. This combination is known to purify and increase circulation to the scalp, which in turn encourages new hair growth and enhances the appearance of more voluminous hair. This blend can also be applied to other areas of hair growth, such as beards.

To soothe pain, aches, stiffness, and inflammation, Cedarwood Essential Oil can be diluted with a carrier oil of personal preference and massaged into the affected areas. This simple massage blend has the added benefit of facilitating the body’s detoxification by helping to eliminate internal pollutants, addressing water retention, and encouraging frequent urination. Regular massages with Cedarwood are reputed to help naturally shed weight, tighten loose skin, diminish the appearance of stretch marks, soothe eczema and acne, facilitate wound healing, balance blood pressure, ease hypertension, and reduce muscle spasms. Alternatively, diluted Cedarwood Oil can be added to a warm bath.



 

A GUIDE TO CEDARWOOD OIL VARIETIES & THEIR BENEFITS

 

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (ATLAS)

 

Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: Morocco

Believed to:

  • Range in color from golden-yellow to brown
  • Exude a strong aroma that is woody, sweet, slightly reminiscent of mothballs, and sharper than that of Virginian Cedarwood, makes it a popular component in perfumes and colognes
  • Have grounding, calming, uplifting, and aphrodisiac effects on the mood as well as warming effects on the skin
  • Be ideal for enhancing skin quality and addressing acne
  • Be ideal for soothing respiratory ailments, such as coughs and bronchitis, as well as physical stress and inflammation
  • Be ideal for naturally reducing hair loss and dandruff
 
 

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (CHINESE)

 

Botanical Name: Cupressus funebris

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: China

Believed to:

  • Range in color from golden-yellow to brown
  • Exude a strong aroma that is sharp, fresh, and camphoraceous
  • Be ideal for easing muscular aches and pain, for removing warts, and for soothing skin-related complaints 
  • Contribute anti-inflammatory properties to natural product formulations
 
 

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (HIMALAYAN)

 

Botanical Name: Cedrus deodora

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: India

Believed to:

  • Also called Tibetan Cedarwood
  • Range in color from yellow to brown
  • Range in consistency from thin to viscous
  • Exude a strong aroma that is dry, woody, slightly camphoraceous, and smoky
  • Be commonly used for its stimulating quality, making it an ideal component in aphrodisiac blends
  • Contribute anti-septic properties to natural product formulations
 
 

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (TEXAS)

 

Botanical Name: Juniperus ashei / mexicana

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: USA

Believed to:

  • Be colorless or pale-yellow
  • Exude a strong, sweet, balsamic, woody aroma that is similar to but softer than Virginian Cedarwood
  • Be ideal for easing respiratory difficulties
  • Contribute circulation-stimulating and oil-balancing properties to natural product formulations
 
 

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (VIRGINIAN)

 

Botanical Name: Juniperus virginiana

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: USA

Believed to:

  • Range in color from pale-yellow to a shade of brown
  • Exude a strong aroma that is sweet, woody, softer than that of Cedarwood Atlas, stronger than that of Cedarwood Texas, and sometimes reminiscent of Sandalwood
  • Be ideal for easing stresses of the mind and nervous systems, such as anxiety and tenseness, and for facilitating easier breathing
  • Contribute antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to natural product formulations, making it ideal for preparations that address conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema
 
 

CEDARWOOD ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OIL (ATLAS)

 

Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: Morocco

Believed to:

  • Range in color from golden-yellow to brown
  • Exude a strong aroma that is woody, sweet, slightly reminiscent of mothballs, and sharper than Virginian Cedarwood
  • Be ideal for enhancing skin quality and addressing acne
  • Be ideal for soothing respiratory ailments, such as coughs and bronchitis, as well as physical stress and inflammation
  • Be ideal for naturally reducing hair loss and dandruff


 

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR CEDARWOOD OIL

As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, Cedarwood Essential Oil is for external use only. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using this oil for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use Cedarwood Essential Oil without the medical advice of a physician, as it may have an effect on certain hormone secretions and it is unclear whether these effects are transferable to babies at these stages of development. The oil should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7.

Those with the following health conditions are recommended to be advised by a physician: cancer, heart-related ailments, skin disorders, or hormone-related ailments. Individuals that are taking prescription drugs, undergoing major surgery, or who are at a greater risk of experiencing strokes, heart attacks, or atherosclerosis are also advised to seek medical consultation prior to use.

Prior to using Cedarwood Oil, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by diluting 1 drop of the Essential Oil in 4 drops of a Carrier Oil and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Cedarwood Oil must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Potential side effects of Cedarwood Oil include irritation, nausea, vomiting, and damage to the digestive system.

Those seeking medical care to manage moods, behaviors, or disorders should treat this essential oil as a complementary remedy rather than a replacement for any medicinal treatments or prescriptions. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the skin benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil?

Cedarwood Essential Oil's main constituents are cedrine, cedrol, and thujopsene. These constituents are believed to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, insecticidal, and antifungal activity in Cedarwood Essential Oil.

Dr. Niketa Sonavane (MBBS, MD) highlighted the benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil in a natural skin care routine. This woody oil's anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial benefits make it highly effective when treating conditions that irritate the skin, such as acne and eczema. A case study conducted in 2016 found that adding Cedarwood Oil to traditional acne treatments improved their effectiveness when soothing and reducing stubborn breakouts. Cedarwood Oil may also be beneficial in reducing the appearance of scars, treating minor wounds, and soothing eczema flare-ups.

What are the health benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil?

Cedarwood Essential Oil is believed to possess numerous benefits that support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Its fresh, invigorating aroma is believed to help alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety, while also clarifying the mind and promoting focus.

Cedarwood Oil may also be an effective treatment for the common cold. Applying diluted Cedarwood Oil onto the chest and throat prior to sleep to may relieve coughing, headaches, watery eyes, and stuffy noses. Some studies suggest that Cedarwood Oil can relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. However, more research is required.

Is Cedarwood Essential Oil good for sleep?

Sources suggest that Cedarwood Essential Oil possesses sedative properties, which can support those struggling with occasional insomnia and promote a restful sleep. Studies on animals found that inhaling cedrol increased sleeping time. Cedarwood Oil is recommended as an aromatherapy treatment by either inhaling it, diffusing it throughout the bedroom, or applying the diluted oil below the nose prior to sleep.
IMPORTANT: All New Directions Aromatics (NDA) products are for external use only unless otherwise indicated. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and it should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or under the care of a medical practitioner. Please refer to our policies for further details, and our disclaimer below.

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