Cedar oil is also known as Cedarwood Oil and is an essential oil distilled mostly from the foliage of the Ceder tree. Some of the oil is distilled, pressed or chemically extracted in small quantities from the roots and actual wood. The wood extraction is done by steam distillation extracted from wood chips and sawdust. There are various types of conifer, but most are in the pine or cypress botanical family. The Cedar tree is a plant native to cold climates and is normally found at high altitudes like mountains. Cedarwood oil’s aroma is woody and the strength may vary pending the drying out process. The color is often yellowish or even slightly darker at times.

In ancients time the Sumerians and Egyptians in particular derived the Cedarwood Oil from the Cedar of Lebanon, which is a true cedar native to the Middle East in the northern and western mountains. The Egyptians used the Cedarwood in their embalming practices. The ancient Sumerians would use Cedarwood Oil as a base for paints. They would rind cobalt compounds in a mortar and pestle producing a blue pigment. This would help them obtain green from copper, yellow from lead antimonite, black from charcoal, and white from gypsum.

Cedarwood Essential Oil Benefits

Cedarwood Oils contain a group of chemically related compounds, which include cedrol and cedrene, and while they contribute to the odor, they are also valuable for the conversion of other derivatives with fragrance applications. 

Using Cedarwood Essential Oil in aromatherapy is thought to transmit messages to the brain region that controls emotions and nervous system. Aromatherapy uses also proponents that essential oils affect a number of biological factors, including heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function.

Cedarwood Oil tones the organ systems and stimulates metabolism and can be used as a general health tonic.  Using the oil as a tonic you will tighten and tone muscles, skin, nervous system, stomach, digestive system and brain functions. The oil will also boost the functionality of the kidney and liver, which improves health and wellness.

As an astringent, Cedarwood Essential Oil will cure toothaches, while strengthening and protecting gums. Being an astringent, this oil can also be used to cure diarrhea, by tightening the muscles of the digestive system and contracting those spasm-prone muscles.  Cedarwood Oil can also protect the skin from toxins and bacteria. Astringent substances causes skin proteins to coagulate, so this makes a great oil for yourskin for protection.

Cedarwood Essential Oil Benefits:

• Pesticide
• Alopecia Areata
• Acne
• Antiseborrhoeic – Eczema
• Antiseptic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Arthritis
• Antispasmodic
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatism
• Asthma and Bronchitis
• Congestion
• Coughs
• Tension and Stress
• Cystitis
• Kidney disorders
• Urinary Tract Infections

Cedarwood Essential Oil blends well with other oils such as lemon, anise, bergamot, citronella, chamomile, eucalyptus, ginger, juniper berry, lavender, palmarosa, patchouli, pine, rosemary, and sandalwood.

Cedarwood Essential Oil Uses

• You can find Cedarwood Essential Oil is used in a range of fragrance applications such as soaps, household sprays, perfumes, floor polishes and insecticides.
• In India, Cedarwood Oil been shown to have insecticidal and anti-fungal properties, which is used in the control of fungal deterioration of spices during storage.
• Working as a clearing oil, the Cedarwood Oil can be used in microscope work.
• As a pesticide (due to the cedrol that is found in many Cedarwood trees) Cedarwood Essential Oil can be used to keep insets away. The cedar oil product is advertised as a safe, effective insecticide for controlling a variety of pests including bed bugs.
• Cedarwood Essential Oil is often used for its aromatic properties, especially in aromatherapy.
• With the aromatic smell, the Oil can also be used to renew the smell of natural cedar furniture.
• For arthritis and rheumatism, just add 2-3 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage into affected areas. Also add 8-10 drops in bath water for relaxing the muscles.
• Great for acne, eczema, psoriasis, and oily skin, mix 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil and dab on affected areas.
• Inhale the oil for asthma, bronchitis, congestion, and coughs, use 2-3 drops in a steam inhalation.
• Just 2 or 3 drops in a diffuser will alleviate nervous tension and stress-related disorders.
• Get rid of dandruff by mixing 2-3 drops of oil with unscented hair conditioner; massage on scalp. Leave on for a few minutes then rinse.

Cedarwood Essential Oil Side Effects

Cedarwood essential oil does not seem to produce any side effects, but like many essential oils, it is not recommended for use with pregnant women or children. Some essential oils may cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin so it is wise to do a patch test before using regularly.