cedarwood plant cedarwood plant


ALL ABOUT CEDARWOOD OIL

IN ESSENCE...

  • Cedarwood Essential Oil is steam distilled from the wood of the Cedar tree, of which there are several species.
  • Used in aromatherapy applications, Cedarwood Essential Oil helps to deodorize indoor environments, promote relaxation, ease tension, clear the mind, and encourage the onset of quality sleep.
  • Used topically on the skin, Cedarwood Essential Oil can help maintain skin health by addressing irritation and dryness. It also supports a clean and clear complexion by promoting balanced sebum production and protecting against environmental elements. 
  • Used in hair care, Cedarwood Oil can help cleanse and balance oil production in the scalp. It supports the hair follicles, which may contribute to the overall look and feel of strands. 
  • In aromatherapy, Cedarwood Essential Oil can be utilized for its soothing properties. It is often diffused or blended with other oils to create a calming atmosphere, promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being. 


 

HISTORY OF CEDARWOOD OIL USAGE

 

Cedarwood Essential Oil is steam distilled from the wood of the Cedar tree, of which there are several species, such as Cedrus atlantica, Cedrus deodara, Juniperus mexicana, and Juniperus virginiana, which are more commonly recognized as Atlas, Himalayan, Texan, and Virginian Cedarwood, respectively.

Throughout history, Cedarwood Essential Oil has been used by various cultures, such as Native American and Tibetan communities. In Ancient Egypt, Cedarwood Oil’s cleansing properties made it valuable for use in mummifying procedures. In these and other societies, Cedarwood was also known to relax the body and mind, making it ideal for use in religious ceremonies and spiritual practices, such as communal prayer and independent meditation. Today, it continues to be used for similar applications as well as for cosmetic applications.

This article highlights the topical benefits and properties, as well as the safe uses of Cedarwood Essential Oil.



 

CEDARWOOD OIL BENEFITS

 

Used in aromatherapy applications, Cedarwood Essential Oil is known for its sweet and woody fragrance, which has been characterized as warm, comforting, and sedative, thus naturally promoting relaxation. Cedarwood Oil’s scent helps to deodorize and freshen indoor environments. 

Used cosmetically, Cedarwood Essential Oil helps maintain skin health by addressing irritation and dryness. By promoting regular sebum production and providing a protective astringent quality, Cedarwood Oil supports a balanced complexion. It also helps to eliminate unpleasant odors, making it an effective deodorizer, and its firming properties can enhance the appearance of the skin, reducing the visibility of signs of aging. In hair care, Cedarwood Oil cleanses the scalp, removing excess oil, dirt, and flakes associated with dryness. This can contribute to the overall look and feel of hair, helping to maintain a fuller and healthier appearance. 

 


 

CEDARWOOD OIL USES

 

Add a few drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil to a diffuser to promote the aromatherapeutic benefits of the oil. Deeply inhaling its scent is known to facilitate relaxed breathing and to encourage sleep. To enhance the benefits of Cedarwood Oil, combine it with any of the following essential oils for a blend that is also aromatically appealing: Lavender, Frankincense, Rosemary, Juniper Berry, Bergamot, Lemon, Lime, Cinnamon, Cypress, Neroli, Jasmine. A natural vapor rub can be made by diluting Cedarwood Oil in a carrier oil then massaging it into the chest and throat. 

To soothe redness and irritation, dilute Cedarwood Oil in a light carrier oil, a regular face wash, or a moisturizer, such as a face cream or body lotion. Applying it in these combinations can help remove impurities and excess oil from the skin, leaving it clean yet soft. Alternatively, Cedarwood Oil can be diluted in a carrier oil then added to a warm bath to aid in full body relaxation a well as skin cleaning.  

To promote scalp and hair health naturally, Cedarwood Essential Oil can be diluted in a regular shampoo and conditioner before being applied as usual in the shower. Alternatively, a few drops can be diluted in a carrier oil, such as Coconut, and massaged into the scalp for several minutes. This blend can be left in like a mask on the scalp for at least half an hour before it is washed out in the shower. For increased effectiveness, Cedarwood Oil can be combined with Thyme, Lavender, or Rosemary Essential Oils. When used in a scalp massage, this combination is known to cleanse the scalp and promote circulation, which can contribute to a healthier appearance and fuller-looking hair. This blend can also be used on other areas such as beards. 

To promote comfort and relaxation, Cedarwood Essential Oil can be diluted with a carrier oil of choice and massaged into desired areas. This massage blend can enhance the overall sense of well-being and support the body's natural processes. Regular use is believed to contribute to maintaining healthy skin, promoting a toned appearance, and providing a soothing effect. Alternatively, diluted Cedarwood Oil can be added to a warm bath for a relaxing experience. 



 

A GUIDE TO CEDARWOOD OIL VARIETIES & THEIR BENEFITS

 

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (ATLAS)

 

Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: Morocco

Believed to:

  • Range in color from golden-yellow to brown
  • Exude a strong aroma that is woody, sweet, slightly reminiscent of mothballs, and sharper than that of Virginian Cedarwood, makes it a popular component in perfumes and colognes
  • Have grounding, calming, uplifting effects on the mood as well as warming effects on the skin
  • Be ideal for enhancing the appearance of skin
  • Be suitable for use in aromatherapy and relaxation applications 
  • Be beneficial for promoting a balanced scalp and healthy-looking hair 
 
 

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (CHINESE)

 

Botanical Name: Cupressus funebris

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: China

Believed to:

  • Range in color from golden-yellow to brown
  • Exude a strong aroma that is sharp, fresh, and camphoraceous
  • Be suitable for use in applications for massage therapy and skin care 
  • Contribute beneficial properties to natural product formulations 
 
 

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (HIMALAYAN)

 

Botanical Name: Cedrus deodora

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: India

Believed to:

  • Also called Tibetan Cedarwood
  • Range in color from yellow to brown
  • Range in consistency from thin to viscous
  • Exude a strong aroma that is dry, woody, slightly camphoraceous, and smoky
  • Be commonly used for its stimulating quality, making it an ideal component in aromatherapy 
  • Contribute beneficial properties to natural product formulations 
 
 

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (TEXAS)

 

Botanical Name: Juniperus ashei / mexicana

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: USA

Believed to:

  • Be colorless or pale-yellow
  • Exude a strong, sweet, balsamic, woody aroma that is similar to but softer than Virginian Cedarwood
  • Be suitable for use in aromatherapy applications 
  • Contribute beneficial properties to natural product formulations 
 
 

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (VIRGINIAN)

 

Botanical Name: Juniperus virginiana

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: USA

Believed to:

  • Range in color from pale-yellow to a shade of brown
  • Exude a strong aroma that is sweet, woody, softer than that of Cedarwood Atlas, stronger than that of Cedarwood Texas, and sometimes reminiscent of Sandalwood
  • Be suitable for use in applications for mental relaxation and easier breathing 
  • Contribute beneficial properties to natural product formulations 
 
 

CEDARWOOD ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OIL (ATLAS)

 

Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: Morocco

Believed to:

  • Range in color from golden-yellow to brown
  • Exude a strong aroma that is woody, sweet, slightly reminiscent of mothballs, and sharper than Virginian Cedarwood
  • Be ideal for enhancing the appearance of skin 
  • Be suitable for use in aromatherapy and relaxation applications 
  • Be beneficial for maintaining scalp and hair health 


 

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR CEDARWOOD OIL

As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, Cedarwood Essential Oil is for external use only. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using this oil for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use Cedarwood Essential Oil without the medical advice of a physician, as it may have an effect on certain hormone secretions and it is unclear whether these effects are transferable to babies at these stages of development. The oil should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7.

Those with the following health conditions are recommended to be advised by a physician: cancer, heart-related ailments, skin disorders, or hormone-related ailments. Individuals that are taking prescription drugs, undergoing major surgery, or who are at a greater risk of experiencing strokes, heart attacks, or atherosclerosis are also advised to seek medical consultation prior to use.

Prior to using Cedarwood Oil, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by diluting 1 drop of the Essential Oil in 4 drops of a Carrier Oil and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Cedarwood Oil must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Potential side effects of Cedarwood Oil include irritation, nausea, vomiting, and damage to the digestive system.

Those seeking medical care to manage moods, behaviors, or disorders should treat this essential oil as a complementary remedy rather than a replacement for any medicinal treatments or prescriptions. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.

IMPORTANT: All New Directions Aromatics (NDA) products are for external use only unless otherwise indicated. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and it should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or under the care of a medical practitioner. Please refer to our policies for further details, and our disclaimer below.

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