March Essential Oil of the Month: Cedarwood

[Guest guest]

Good Morning!

 

March Essential Oil of the Month: Cedarwood

 

Cedarwood:

Botanical name: cedrus deodora

Use: It is a powerful antiseptic, used in urinary tract, respiratory,

and bronchial infections. Good on skin conditions such as acne

because of its astringent action. It works both as a stimulant and

tonic as well as reducing stress and tension.

Perfume Note: Base

Blends well with: Geranium, Lavender, Vetiver, Elemi, Sandalwood,

Rosewood

Source: heartwood and seed-bearing cones

Production method: distillation

Aromatherapy benefits: calming, stabilizing

Aroma type: sweet, balsamic

Warning: do not use during pregnancy, In high concentration, may

irritate the skin

Safety Information: can stimulate menstrual flow.

 

 

The cedarwood tree is native to North America. (The Cedrus libani or

Lebanon cedar, from which the first essential oil was extracted, is

very scarce due to over use.) They are often growing up to 100-120

feet and can be up to 1000 years old.

 

The Egyptians used the oil in the mummification process, in cosmetics

and as a insect repellant. This is the tree Solomon used to build the

Temple in Jerusalem. Native Americans used Cedar oil in medicine and

burnt it for purification and is also used in the making of pencils

and boxes.

 

The main chemical components of Cedarwood are: Cedrol, Cedrene,

Cadinene and Cedrenol. Cedarwood chips and sawdust are subjected to

steam distillation to extract the oil and the yield is about 35%.

 

Application:

 

Cedarwood oil benefits the skin by its sedating ability and thus

relieving itching. It also acts as an astringent and is good for

acne, oily skin and hair and dandruff.

 

It helps with chest and urinary infections, acts as a general tonic

and has a pronounced effect on mucus membranes.

 

It has a calming effect and is of great help in conditions associated

with anxiety and nervous tension. It is also helpful in cases of

arthritis and rheumatism.

 

Cedarwood can be used in a blended massage oil, or diluted in the

bath to assist with: asthma, bronchitis, respiratory problems,

catarrh, cystitis, painful joints and dandruff. (use with care not to

cause skin irritation). Cedarwood oil used in a cream or as a spray

is of great use for an oily skin or for scalp disorders but should be

used in a very diluted form.

 

 

The therapeutic properties of Cedarwood oil Include: antiseptic,

tonic, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, insecticide, sedative and

fungicide.

 

Warnings:

In high concentration, Cedar oil may irritate the skin and it should

not be used during pregnancy.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk L.Ac. MSTOM

Peacefulmind.com

Alternative medicine and therapies

for healing mind, body & spirit!