Cedarwood Essential Oil can be extracted from different kinds of trees. The original tree used by Lebanese and Moroccan manufacturers is the Cedrus atlantica. However, this type of tree is not available in other places, so other manufacturers use either Juniperus virginiana or ashei as a substitute to the original plant. Cedarwood Essential Oil is extracted from wood chips using steam distillation.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians use Cedarwood Essential Oil to embalm the dead and make perfumes and cosmetics. In other civilizations, the oil is used as a preservative, an incense, and a remedy for bronchial and urinary tract infections. Over the years, it has become a popular oil used in aromatherapy and alternative medicine.
The oil is composed of numerous sesquiterpenes, a terpene commonly found in conifers. Among the identified organic compounds that the oil has are alpha and beta cedrene, widdrol, cedrol, and thujopsene. All of these different compounds allow the oil to treat and relieve numerous health issues as well as skin irritations.
Cedarwood Essential Oil Benefits
This essential oil has gained popularity because of its numerous health benefits. Among the most commonly known benefits of this oil includes:
- Gets rid of body toxins
- Helps avoid rashes or other skin irritation
- Helps regulate menstrual cycle
- Improves mental focus
- Minimizes skin breakouts
- Prevents inflammation
- Promotes faster metabolism
- Promotes the growth of healthier hair
- Relieves dry cough
- Relieves muscle spasms
- Relieves toothaches and improves gum health
- Repels insects
- Treats fungal infection
- Helps increase the firmness of muscles
Cedarwood Essential Oil Uses
The oil contains antiseptic, astringent, antifungal, diuretic and sedative components, so it is effective in managing a lot of health problems such as dry cough, inflammation, muscle spasms and fungal infection. It also has antiseborrhoeic ingredients so it is very useful in treating a wide range of skin problems.
- Cedarwood Essential Oil for Eczema Treatment. Eczema is a fairly common skin disease. It is characterized by red, inflamed and itchy patches on the skin. In worse cases, blisters and cracks develops on the irritated skin. Cedarwood Essential Oil is effective in relieving the pain, irritation and the itch because of its antiseborrhoeic ingredients. The oil can either be combined with your regular soap or applied directly on the affected area.
- Cedarwood Essential Oil for Cleaning and Treating Wounds. The Cedarwood Essential Oil has antiseptic properties, hence it works excellently in cleaning, sterilizing and treating wounds. At the same time, the oil contains antifungal agents that can minimize the risks of developing highly contagious infections.
- Cedarwood Essential Oil for Focus Improvement. A research conducted in Brigham Young University discovered how cedarwood oil could improve the focus of children with ADHD. In the study, 34 children were asked to inhale different essential oils three times a day for an entire month. Out of the many essential oils used in the experiment, cedarwood and vetiver helped increase the focus of the kids by 65 percent.
- Cedarwood Essential Oil for Hair Care. Cedarwood Essential Oil is one of the many products that you can use with dry scalp and hair loss. The oil stimulates the circulation of blood in the scalp to promote hair growth and oil release. Cedarwood Essential Oil will help you maintain a healthy-looking crowning glory.
Cedarwood Essential Oil Side Effects
Although other essential oils are ingested or mixed with food, doctors strongly advise against doing the same with the Cedarwood Oil. Ingesting this oil can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Due to the components of the oil it can heavily damage the digestive system.
How to Use Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood Essential Oil is usually combined with soap, shampoo and lotion to treat hair, scalp, skin and muscle problem, although you can use the product alone. For skin and scalp diseases, you should let it sit for about 30 minutes before you rinse it with soap and water.
If you want to use the oil to relieve muscle spasms or to repel insects, just apply it as needed. For cough relief and relaxation, you can inhale the oil using a potpourri lamp.
How to Make Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood Essential Oil can either be made using steam or carbon distillation. The latter is a more expensive and complicated procedure, so it is not recommended if you wish to extract the oil on your own. To make Cedarwood Essential Oil, you need to gather cedarwood chips, barks, berries and leaves. Place them in a pot and prepare them for steam distillation.
Cedarwood Essential Oil Recipe
Most of the time, Cedarwood Essential Oil is combined with other essential oils. If you want to have an oil blend for eczema, you can use this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil
- 3 drops of chamomile oil
- 4 drops of carrier oil
- 2 drops of lavender oil.
Procedure:
- Simply mix the four different oils until they are well blended. Use the mixture as a topical treatment for three times a day.
- In addition to the oils mentioned above, you can try mixing Cedarwood Essential Oil with a wide range of other oils such as peppermint, rosemary, coconut and thyme oil.
Where to Buy Cedarwood Essential Oil
There are several brands of ready-made Cedarwood Essential Oil available in the market. You can either buy one via eBay, Amazon or the groceries. Among the popular brands that you can find today includes GreenHealth, doTerra Essential Scents and Now Essential Oils.
More Information on Cedarwood Essential Oil
It is important to take note of the following information about Cedarwood Essential Oil:
- Experts strongly discourage the use of this oil for pregnant women.
- Do not use the oil in high concentrations because it can cause skin irritations, vomiting, nausea and excessive thirst.
- It should never come into contact with your eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive parts of the body because it can cause severe irritation.
Cedarwood Essential Oil FAQS
Is Cedarwood Essential Oil Safe to Use?
Yes. As long as you use it in low concentrations. Before using the oil, you should conduct an allergy patch test first.
How Can I Use Cedarwood Oil to Repel Insects?
Dab a small amount of the oil on a cotton ball and place it in your cabinets, storage boxes, pantries, and other parts of the house.
How Can I Use Cedarwood to Relax?
Apart from the number of benefits that this oil offers, it is also very useful to calm the nerves. You can apply the oil on your feet when you can’t sleep or inhale the oil so you can relax after a long day at work.
