Guest guest Posted March 18, 2004 Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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