Cedarwood

Species name: Cedarwood essential oil is found in the Juniperus virginiana of the family Cupressaceae.

Also known as: Cedarwood essential oil is also known as Virginian, red, eastern red or southern red cedar, as well as Bedford cedarwood oil.

The tree itself is native to North America and grows as tall as an amazing hundred feet and can live up to a thousand years.

Native Americans found cedar oil useful for medicinal purposes, and burned it, along with sage grass, in purification rituals. Cedarwood oil is made by subjecting wood chips and sawdust to steam distillation.

Cedarwood has a woody smell that most people find comfortable familiar. It ranges in color from a light yellow to light orange, and is very thick. 

It is also known that the Egyptians used the cedarwood oil in their process of mummification.

Home Remedies using Cedarwood Essential Oil:

This fragrant oil is known for inducing calm and balancing the system. It is also known for enhancing or getting in touch with individual spirituality. It helps the respiratory system by clearing excess mucus.

Cedarwood essential oil is also very beneficial for bladder and kidney disorders, including urinary tract infections. It is also known to be good for oily skin and treating dandruff.

Cedarwood is also used in cosmetic manufacture, and is a useful insect repellant.

Benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil:

The therapeutic properties of cedarwood oil are to prevent dandruff, as a natural antiseptic, to prevent or curtail muscle spasms, as an astringent, to induce sweating, prevent swelling, break up mucus so it can be expelled from the body, and as an insecticide and antifungal medication.

Uses of Cedarwood Essential Oil:

Cedarwood oil relieves itching skin. Its astringent properties are great for acne, oily skin, and dandruff. It helps alleviate chest and urinary tract infections, and has a strong effect on mucus membranes in the body.

It benefits conditions associated with anxiety and nerves, and is valuable in treating arthritis and rheumatism.

• In vapor therapy, cedarwood oil can be used inhaled, used in oil burners or steamers, for arthritis, respiratory problems, and as an insect repellant.
• Cedarwood oil can be blended in massage oil, or added to a baths to ease asthmatic symptoms, respiratory problems, bladder infections, excessively oily skin and dandruff. Care must be taken because it can irritate nasal passages.
• When diluted in a cream, cedarwood oil is of great value to combat oily skin and related problems, as well as dermatitis and psoriasis, while relieving dandruff symptoms.

Side Effects of Cedarwood Essential Oil:

When not diluted, cedarwood oil can irritate the skin and mucus membranes.  Cedarwood essential oil should be avoided in pregnancy.