Cedarwood Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica

The reddish-brown barked 'Atlas Cedar' tree is a large, (135-165 feet tall) pyramid-shaped evergreen conifer native to the Atlas mountains of Algeria and Morocco. A member of the pine family, and direct descendant of the Lebanon cedars, 'atlas cedar' is not to be confused with the North American 'red cedar' tree in the cypress family. Red cedar produces an essential oil with an entirely distinct aromatic and therapeutic profile.

This Cedar essential oil is steam-distilled from the heartwood of wild Atlas Cedar trees, grown for this purpose in Morocco.This Cedarwood essential oil is yellow and viscous, with a warm floral top note a camphoraceous middle note and sweet, woody, balsamic undertones.

In "Aromatherapy Anointing Oils" by Joni Keim and Ruah Bull, Cedar is noted as "One of the most powerful essential oils for subtle energy work, Cedarwood is grounding, clears away negativity and brings in positive energy. It promotes clarity of mind and invokes the presence and teachings of the Divine."

Its woody-sweet warm aroma blends well with Rosewood, Bergamot, Boronis, Cypress, Jasmine, Juniper, Clary Sage, Rosemary and Ylang Ylang.

Cedar essential oil has been used in medicine and cosmetics throughout the ages. The oil from Lebanon cedar, a related species, was used by the ancient Egyptians for embalming purposes, cosmetics and perfumery. The essential oil was one of the ingredients of 'mithridat', a poison antidote used for centuries.

Cedarwood has been used as a temple incense by Tibetan Buddhists for centuries to enhance mental strength, endurance and certainty.

Cedar oil was used in Eastern medicine for both bronchial and urinary tract infections.

Antiseptic, Antiputrescent, Antiseborrheic, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Diuretic, Expectorant, Fungicidal, Muscolic, Sedative (nervous), Stimulant (circulatory). (See Definitions.)

Psycho-Spiritual:

• Induces calm states of being
• Brings purity and uplifted energy to congested spaces
• Grounding
• Induces sleep and dreaming (by stimulating the pineal gland)
• Fortifies and strengthens the spirit
• Balancing for stress and anxiety
• Counteracts lethargy and nervous tension
• Increases focus and concentration
• Stimulates the limbic system (emotional center)

Dermatological:

• Balances oily skin
• Treats acne
• Improves skin tone
• Treats dandruff and seborrhea of the scalp

Lymphatic System:

• Specifically indicated to encourage drainage
• Stimulates the breakdown of accumulated fats
• May reduce excessive weight gain, cellulite and edema

Respiratory System:

• Loosens and clears chest and lung congestion
• Treats chronic bronchitis

Urinary System:

• Treats cystitis
• Combats urinary tract infections
• Cleansing tonic for the kidneys

Endocrine System:

• Supports healthy adrenal function

Cedarwood oil can be blended in equal parts with Black Spruce and Pine oils to a 10% total concentration in Hazelnut oil - the blend should be applied on the lower back where it will be absorbed into the adrenal/kidney region. The cedar oil acts as a mild stimulant; the other oils are tonifying to the system, and can be used without the Cedar for a purely regenerative effect.

Cedarwood essential oil may also have a positive effect on Alopecia, premature balding. In a recent study, subject applied a blend of thyme, rosemary, cedarwood and lavender (all in a base of jojoba or grapeseed oil) to the scalp. The control group (with essential oils) showed significant improvement.

The odor produced by the sap and oil is also an effective insect repellent and can be used topically in a cream-based dilution for this purpose or diffused into the atmosphere.

Generally a non-toxic, non-sensitizing non-irritant, Cedarwood essential oil should however be avoided during pregnancy.