· By Lisa Swain
Cedarwood: the protector essential oil
The Essentials
Our third installment of The Essential series, tuck in!
Cedarwood essential oil, with its warm, woody aroma, is an easy going base note that works well with citrus and flower top and middle notes, such as lavender, neroli, jasmine and geranium. It has been used for centuries for its various therapeutic and practical applications. It has been noted that the Ancient Egyptians used cedarwood for mummifying due to its antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. Whilst, its use to relax the body and mind has been used for many years in religious and spiritual ceremonies.
Where Does it Come From?
Cedarwood oil is derived from various types of coniferous, cedar trees, primarily those belonging to the Cedrus and Juniperus genera. Common sources include:
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Cedrus atlantica (Atlas cedarwood): Originates from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
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Juniperus virginiana (Virginian cedarwood): Found in North America
How is it Made?
The essential oil is typically extracted through steam distillation of the wood chips, sawdust, or sometimes the bark of cedarwood trees.
This process releases the oil's aromatic compounds.
How is it Used?
We add it to our SLEEP candle, blended with lemon verbena, ylang ylang, lavender and cedarwood to help enhance the length and quality of sleep.
Cedarwood oil is widely used in aromatherapy for its grounding and calming properties. It's often diffused to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep. It has been known to help with some respiratory issues. Cedarwood also is great for skincare and hair. It can help reduce acne and oily skin due to its antiseptic and astringent properties. In addition, it is an antifungal oil which can improve scalp health reducing dandruff. It can also prevent hair loss by balancing oil-producing glands in the scalp which helps improve hair growth and reduce hair loss.
A few recipes to try below:
During the cold months and change of weather, congestion takes hold. So try adding a few drops of cedarwood oil to an electric diffuser to help you to breathe easily. Or a few drops added to a carrier oil such as sunflower will make a vapour rub. Just rub into the chest and throat area.
Another recipe to try for dandruff is 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil, 4 drops of cedarwood, 3 drops of rosemary, 2 drops of lavender blended together massage into head and leave as long as possible [even overnight] then wash out to promote a healthy scalp and remove flaky, irritated skin.
Benefits:
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Calming: The warm, woody scent is known to have a calming effect on the nervous system.
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Insect repellent: Cedarwood oil has natural insect-repelling properties and is used to deter moths and other insects.
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Stress Reduction: It can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
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Improved Sleep: Its sedative properties can promote restful sleep.
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Respiratory Support: it is a decongestant and can soothe asthma, coughing, congestion, and a buildup of phlegm.
Important Notes
Dilution: Like most essential oils, cedarwood oil should be diluted with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or almond oil) before topical application. Use a high quality, organic oil when applying to skin such as The Aromatherapy Company Cedarwood essential oil.
Skin Sensitivity: Perform a patch test before applying it to a large area of skin to check for any allergic reactions.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women should consult with a healthcare professional before using cedarwood essential oil.
Internal Use: Essential oils should not be ingested.
Pets: Essential oils can be toxic to pets, so use caution when diffusing around animals.
Disclaimer
This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
References
Healthline: Cedarwood Essential Oil Benefits, Uses, and Precautions
WebMD: Cedarwood Essential Oil: Benefits, Risks, and Uses
