Description

Cedarwood aromatherapy

“Empowering the soul, granting a sense of clarity, kindling connectedness and serving as an excellent detoxifier”

Derived from the Sanskrit word, Devadaru meaning the woods of Gods, Cedarwood tree and its essential oil is a divine cure for numerous ailments like bronchitis, cough, cold, dandruff, insomnia, osteoarthritis and cancerous tumors.

Essential oil from cedarwood is believed to be one of the first oils that people distilled. There’s plenty of existing evidence that tells of how early humans put cedarwood essential oil to various uses, taking full advantage of its antiseptic and sedative effects, among many others.

For instance, recent findings suggest that despite the relative difficulty of extracting essential oils from cedar, Ancient Egyptians used substantial amounts of the precious nectar to embalm their dead. We can all take the well-preserved state of Egyptian mummies as proof of the strength of cedarwood oil’s insecticidal and antimicrobial properties.Other ancient cultures that took notice of the beneficial benefits of cedarwood include the Tibetans and the Native Americans. In recognition of cedarwood essential oil’s ability to calm the body while rejuvenating the mind, it’s been used in meditative and purifying ceremonies not only throughout history but also across different religions and spiritual practices.

Similar to several other essential oils, the use of cedarwood essential oil is traced to the ancient Egyptians. Information available from ancient records reveals that the primeval Egyptians used this essential oil as embalming or preservative oil. In addition they also used this oil for cosmetic purposes. Since the oil is extracted from the real woody part of the cedarwood trees, it possesses a wood-like and zesty fragrance.

As mentioned earlier, cedarwood essential oil has been used for several thousand years by the ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians who used it for treating different medical conditions. In addition, the ancient Egyptians used the oil extensively to prepare incense. Even to this day, Buddhists in Tibet still use the essential oil obtained from the timber of cedarwood trees to prepare incense that is used during ceremonies. On the other hand, the primeval Egyptians especially used this essential oil to preserve mummies. In fact, cedarwood essential oil formed a very important part of the entire mummification process.

The essential oil obtained from the timber of cedarwood trees is especially effective in providing a comfort and unwinding the stressed mind and body. Hence, in aromatherapy, this oil is extensively used to provide relaxation and alleviate stress and strain. Below are some of the specific benefits of using the cedarwood essential oil.

• Cedarwood oil is very effective in alleviating tooth aches. In addition, regular use of this of this oil helps to protect the teeth from slackening off, as it has the aptitude to toughen the clasp of the gums on the teeth.
• Cedarwood essential oil has the aptitude to invigorate the metabolic system and also tone up different physiological systems of our body. In effect, cedarwood essential oil is also used internally as a tonic to invigorate the metabolic process as well as other systems.
• This wonderful oil obtained from the wood of cedarwood trees is also antiseptic and helps in protecting wounds and lesions from tetanus germs, thereby preventing them from becoming septic. In fact, the cedarwood essential oil is an important element in several herbal ointments that are meant for antiseptic use.
• Cedarwood essential oil possesses anti-spasmodic properties and hence, it is effective in alleviating all types of spasms – inclusive of spasms in the muscles, heart, respiratory tract and the intestines.
• Cedarwood essential oil is also a potent astringent that helps to close the skin pores. This action of the oil protects the skin from dust and harmful microbes.
• The oil obtained from the cedarwood timber is also beneficial for women. As this oil is a powerful emmenagogue (a medication or substance that increases menstrual flow), it aids in lessening the symptoms related to menstruation and, at the same time, controls the menstruation cycle.
• While cedarwood essential oil possesses several remedial properties and is used to treat as well as prevent many conditions, it is used most extensively for its tranquilizing characteristic. This oil is a very powerful sedative and hence, has a soothing effect on the body as well as the mind. This oil is widely recommended to alleviate stress and treat many inflammatory conditions. As the oil is effective in providing relief from stress and strain, it has a comforting effect on our body and mind.
• Cedarwood oil also possesses anti-fungal properties and is often used to treat fungal infections.
• Cedarwood oil provides relief from arthritis, gout and rheumatism when massaged on the throbbing joints.
• This oil also induces sleep. Hence, people enduring sleeping disorders or problems may rub a few drop of cedarwood essential oil on the temples before retiring to bed. This will help to have a sound and trouble-free sleep. It is especially useful for people suffering from insomnia.
• In addition, cedarwood essential oil possesses a sedative effect and produces a soothing effect when applied topically on the temples, back of the neck and behind the ears.
• Apart from its remedial uses, cedarwood essential oil is also an exceptional insect repellent. If you keep a few drops of this oil in a cotton wool in a wardrobe or drawer, it will help to keep moths and all crawling insects away. In fact, since ages, people have been using cedarwood balls as a substitute for mothballs.
• Since cedarwood essential oil is an excellent insect repellent, it is often used in wardrobes to keep moths away from damaging the clothes.
• This oil may also be used to preserve foods. This property of cedarwood essential oil was discovered by the ancient Egyptians while using the oil to embalm mummies. In addition, this oil may also be used to preserve animal hides. However, this is a very costly option considering the costs of buying unadulterated cedarwood oil in the market.

 

General properties

• antiseptic
• balancing
• detoxifying
• sedative
• stimulant

Blends well with

• bergamot
• cypress
• jasmine
• juniper
• neroli
• rosemary

General uses

• acne
• alopecia
• anxiety
• arthritis
• blood purifier
• bronchitis
• catarrh
• colds and flu
• coughs
• cystitis
• dandruff
• dermatitis
• eczema
• gonorrhea
• gout
• hysteria
• inflamed kidneys
• insect repellent
• insomnia
• irritable skin
• laryngitis
• leukorrhea (vaginal discharge)
• lymphatic congestion
• oily skin
• panic
• premenstrual syndrome
• psoriasis
• seborrhea of scalp
• shock
• sore throat
• stress
• thrush
• urinary tract infections

Precaution

The most important thing that you ought to bear in mind while purchasing cedarwood essential oil is that you do not buy the adulterated oil. In addition, you ought to be aware that though this oil is beneficial for treating numerous medical conditions, using cedarwood oil in high concentrations may result in irritations. Hence, it is advisable that you use low concentrations of this valuable oil. Moreover, this essential oil should not be used during pregnancy as it is an emmenagogue (a substance that causes increased menstrual flow) or by patients who are undergoing chemotherapy for treating cancer.

Cedarwood essential oil is very potent and hence, it ought to be only used in a watered down form while applying it topically on the skin for it may cause exasperation. In addition, before you actually apply this oil over large skin areas, you should first check if the oil is suitable for you by first applying it over a small area. The best way to check whether this oil suits your skin is to apply a small drop of the oil on your skin and observe for around 24 hours if its use causes any adverse reaction, including irritation.

If you intend to use this oil internally, it is essential that you consult a physician or a homeopathic medical practitioner before doing so. In fact, this should be done before one starts using cedarwood or any other essential oil internally.