Cedarwood is an essential oil that is extremely versatile, it can be used to heal the body, as well as provide emotional balance. The oil is derived from the bark of a number of trees from the same family, including the Virginian, Red, Eastern Red and Southern Red Cedar through a process known as steam distillation. These trees are native to North America, especially cold climates and high altitude areas, and can grow to reach heights over 100 ft. These evergreen trees have been known to age up to 1,000 years and feature needle-like leaves.
The Cedar is the same tree that was used by Solomon to build the Temple of Jerusalem, and the oil derived from cedar wood has been used for centuries by the Egyptians and Native Americans for both cosmetic and medical benefits. The oil gives off a sweet, deep woody scent that has been widely used in incense, perfumes and colognes.
Uses for Cedarwood Essential Oil
The oil derived from cedar trees is so useful because it contains various components that may contribute to an individual’s health. These natural ingredients such as alpha-cedrene, beta cedrene and cedrol, as well as several sesquiterpenes, may be used in the treatment of a variety of health conditions that affect the mind and body.
Skin and Hair Benefits
This essential oil can be used in a number of ways to benefit the skin. It can relieve itching, eczema, psoriasis, treat acne and cure oily skin issues. The oil can also be used to treat dandruff and greasy hair that tends to look dull and lifeless.
For rashes, irritated skin or fungal infections rub a few drops of the essential oil mixed with a tablespoon of carrier oil (such as sweet almond, jojoba, avocado oil, coconut oil) into the affected area every few hours. Don’t use cedarwood oil if you have any broken skin and don’t apply it to a rash that is open or oozing.
If you have oily skin you can use it as a cleanser and toner. Blend a few drops of the essential oil with an ordinary unscented cleanser, mild liquid soap or tissue-off lotion/cream and to rebalance the skin. For acne add a few drops to a quality moisturizer and put on at night before you go to bed. You can find more information in my article How to Use Essential Oils for Healthy Skin.
To control greasy hair or dandruff add 10 drops of essential oil for every eight ounces of shampoo in the bottle. Then shake the shampoo bottle to distribute the cedarwood oil thoroughly. Rub the cedarwood shampoo into your scalp and hair and let sit for 3-5 minutes. This process may also be used to stimulate hair follicles, and increase circulation of the scalp in order to prevent hair loss. Then rinse with water. You can find more information in my article How to Use Essential Oils for Healthy Hair.
Relieves stress
Cedarwood oil also has a calming and soothing effect on the mind and body. It can help to relieve stress caused by anxiety. It is often used in aromatherapy treatments as it provides a soothing and relaxing effect that can help an individual unwind after a long, stressful day.
Use a few drops of the oil in your hands (or a piece of cloth), and then place your hands over your nose and breathe deeply for at least thirty seconds. The aromatic scent will instantly trigger the endorphins in your brain and calm you down.
You can also use several drops of the essential oil in a diffuser (like this one or like this one) – the pleasant, aromatic scent is ideal for use as a natural deodorizer, and will help to create a warm, relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
Pain Relief
Cedarwood essential oil has also been known to alleviate pain and stiffness association with arthritis and and other muscle and joint conditions. Use about 10 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage this oil blend into any body part where your muscles are sore (also read my article about The Top 16 Essential Oils to Relieve Pain and Inflammation).
You can also use it as a bath soak to soothe tired, aching muscles. Put a few drops of essential oil in a hot bath (you can also add 2-3 cups of Epsom salt to enhance the effect). It’s a good idea to mix the essential oil drops in a small amount of carrier oil first and then add to the bath.
Chest Infections
Cedarwood oil can help to remove phlegm from the lungs and respiratory tract. Asthma, bronchitis and congestion sufferers can use 2 to 3 drops of oil in a steam inhalation for instant relief. You can also rub two drops of diluted oil onto your throat and chest area before bedtime for relief. For more natural remedies, read my post about the best home remedies for chest congestion.
Regulates Menstruation
If you have irregular menstruation you can benefit from using cedarwood oil, as it regulates the monthly period and stimulated the blood flow in the pelvic regions. It also helps with the side effects like pain, nausea, fatigue, and mood swings associated with menstruation. Apply 1-2 drops of the essential oil mixed with a tablespoon of carrier oil to the lower abdomen or the soles of the feet for hormone balancing and pain relief.
Diuretic Properties
Cedarwood oil is capable of increasing the frequency of urination which can help to remove harmful toxins, and excess water from the body. To use as a diuretic, rub two drops of oil into your hands and massage the bladder and kidney areas. For relief from urinary tract infections, cystitis or kidney disorders add 8 to 10 drops of oil to bath water.
Bug Repellent
Use cedarwood oil as a bug repellent by adding 2 to 3 drops to a diffuser, or using a few drops on cotton balls and placing them in highly infested areas. It is known to be highly effective in repelling mosquitoes, as well as a number of other insects.
Natural Air Freshener
Since cedarwood oil has a strong base note, it naturally eliminates / neutralizes all types of odors: pet, smoke, mildew, etc.It blends well with other oils to create a variety of scents. Try blending this oil in a diffuser with jasmine, rose, sandalwood, pine or lavender to create a customized aroma to freshen up the air in your home.
Precautions
Pregnant women should avoid using cedarwood oil. This essential oil could be an irritant for individuals with severe sensitive skin issues. It is best to do a patch test first before applying to problematic areas.
While some essential oils can be ingested or added to food, it is not safe to take cedarwood oil orally. Since it is such a strong oil, it could cause severe side effects such as vomiting, nausea, thirst or damage to the digestive system. It should not be used by individuals who have high blood pressure or certain heart conditions.
