Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Even if you aren't familiar with cedarwood essential oil, you can probably guess from its name that it comes from the cedar tree. There are four different species of cedar trees, all of which belong to the plant genus Cedrus. The various species include Cedrus atlantica (or Atlas), Cedrus deodara (or Himalayan), Juniperus Mexicana (or Texan), and Juniperus virginiana (or Virginian cedarwood). Cedarwood essential oil typically comes from Juniperus virginiana.

The oil has a wonderfully aromatic scent, made more complex because it is extracted from various parts of the tree, including the needles, leaves, bark, and even the berries. As such, cedarwood oil has a decidedly sweet, woodsy fragrance with balsamic and camphorous undertones. Its scent is frequently described as warm, comforting, and sedative, thus naturally promoting rest and relaxation.

Cedarwood is an essential oil that has been used by many different cultures around the world for centuries, including Native American and Tibetan tribes, to address both minor discomforts, such as coughs and sore throats, and more severe illnesses. In ancient Egypt, it is said that cedarwood was used as an antimicrobial and insecticidal agent in mummification practices. Cedarwood remains incredibly popular today and is widely used in aromatherapy and in myriad cosmetic applications.

Benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil

• Improves Focus and Concentration
• Naturally Sedative
• Potent Natural Antiseptic
• Improves the health of the skin and hair
• Relieves Stress and Anxiety

Therapeutic Properties of Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood oil has well-documented anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, insecticidal, sedative, and tonic properties.

It is frequently recommended to downregulate inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and acne and those triggered by allergens, extreme temperatures, and even stress. In this same vein, cedarwood has shown impressive benefits for hair health and, in fact, increases circulation to the scalp and stimulates hair follicles, slowing hair loss and promoting hair growth. Another common application for cedarwood oil is as a stress-buster, thanks to its soothing and calming effects on the mind and its ability to induce restful sleep. In addition, because cedarwood is naturally refreshing, it is excellent for improving cerebral activity and concentration while decreasing hyperactivity.

In cosmetic applications, cedarwood oil is ideal for helping soothe skin irritation, inflammation, redness, and itchiness, as well as helping hydrate skin to prevent cracking, peeling, or blistering. It's also fantastic for treating fungal infections.

Using Aromatherapy Oils

Cedarwood blends exceptionally well with sandalwood, ylang-ylang, frankincense, and bergamot, as well as being a wonderfully grounding scent for citrus oils like sweet orange, ginger, and grapefruit.

You can use cedarwood via inhalation in a diffuser, blend it in a carrier oil (coconut, olive, sweet almond, etc.), and apply it to the skin in massage therapy or as part of your skincare routine. Since cedarwood is one of the most potent essential oils, it is not appropriate for internal use and must also never be used near the eyes, inner nose, ears, or on any other sensitive areas of skin. A 5% dilution is safe for adults (roughly 30 drops of oil to one ounce of carrier oil).