The Respected & Revered Cedarwood

Cedar trees have played a central role in aromatics from ancient times to the present. From ancient Egypt, to India, Tibet, the Mediterranean, and North America, the cedar tree has been respected and revered.

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 an insect repellent, 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.

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.
There are several types of Cedarwoods:

Atlas Cedarwood origin is Morocco and has a more woody fragrance that appeals to many men. Whereas the Himalayan Cedarwood is a softer, more subdued fragrance.

Virginia Cedarwood essential oil is actually from a Juniper tree, however the aroma is that of Cedar - woody and smooth, and reminiscent of an old cedarwood chest. Virginia Cedarwood oil is a beautiful dark reddish color.

Texas Cedarwood and Virginia cedarwood are from junipers and are quite different in aroma and therapeutic value. Also, Cedar Leaf oil is from a type of cypress and best to use very carefully or not at all due to its toxicity.

Or my personal favorite Himalayan Cedarwood- Sanskrit, Hindi: देवदार devadāru, which means "wood of the gods." The inner wood is aromatic and used to make incense. Inner wood is distilled into essential oil. As insects avoid this tree, the essential oil is used as insect repellent on the feet of horses, cattle and camels. It also has antifungal properties and has some potential for control of fungal deterioration of spices during storage. The outer bark and stem are astringent. Its biomedical actions are reported to be criminative, antispasmodic, creates sweating, urination and is aromatic. Deodar’s Ayurvedic actions are reported to increase digestive function, remove toxins from the bowel, alleviate coughing, and cure skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. Cedar oil is often used for its aromatic properties, especially in aromatherapy. This cedar has more of an eastern spice tone than North American cedars. Like Virginian Cedar it adds a woody middle note.

*Please avoid the use of any cedarwood oil during pregnancy.*

**Please be cautious when purchasing cedar essential oil! It is recommended only Atlas Cedar and Himalayan Cedar, as they are the safest to use, have the nicest aroma, and are the only true cedars typically available.