The Secrets of Cedarwood

Historically, cedarwood essential oil has been utilised by various cultures, such as Native American and Tibetan inhabitants. It addressed ailments from lesser discomforts, including coughs and hiccups, to more critical conditions. Back in Ancient Egyptian times, cedarwood oil's antimicrobial and insecticidal characteristics made it essential for use in procedures such as mummifying. Cedarwood was also known to unwind the body and mind, making it fit for purpose in religious ceremonies and even spiritual practices, such as communal prayer and self-meditation. Today, it remains to be used for similar purposes as well as for cosmetic applications.

Cedarwood essential oil is steam extracted from the wood of the cedar tree. There are several species of this tree, such as Cedrus Atlantica, Cedrus Deodara, Cupressus Funebris and Juniperus Virginiana, better known as Atlas, Himalayan, Chinese and Virginian. Cedarwood possesses a woody aroma that is slightly camphoraceous and a tad smoky. Overall, it is very subtle, with a hint of spice.


Uses

Cedarwood is an energising scent that helps to freshen indoor environments while also helping to repel pesky insects. Not only this, but its anti-fungal properties help prevent mildew from forming. Its invigorating characteristic improves cerebral activity, while its sedative property is known to calm the body. The combination of these qualities helps to improve concentration while reducing hyperactivity. The comforting scent of Cedarwood essential oil is reputed to decrease harmful stress and ease tension, which in turn supports the body to rest, clear the mind, and subsequently stimulates the onset of quality rest that is both restorative and reparative.

When used on the skin, Cedarwood essential oil can help soothe the three I's, irritation, inflammation and itchiness, but also dryness that leads to peeling, cracking, or blistering. By managing sebum production and killing acne-causing bacteria, Cedarwood oil is reputed to guard the skin against environmental pollutants and toxins, thus aiding in preventing or reducing the chances of future breakouts. Its firming quality also helps reduce the appearance of the signs of ageing, such as wrinkling skin.

Cedarwood oil is known to work miracles for hair. It is known to cleanse the scalp, eliminating excess oil, dirt, and dandruff. It improves circulation to the scalp and contracts the follicles, which helps encourage healthy growth and reduces thinning by slowing hair loss. Adding cedarwood essential oil to your regular shampoo and conditioner before applying it to your hair may help with hair loss. As essential oils are very concentrated, you won't need more than a few drops. Alternatively, a few drops can be heavily diluted in a carrier oil, such as Jojoba, and massaged into the scalp between five to ten minutes. You can then leave it on the scalp for at least half an hour to work its magic before you have to wash it out.

Cedarwood essential oil's antiseptic attributes are known to defend the body against dangerous bacteria that are known to produce fungal infections, which can be detrimental to the skin and overall health. This innate wound-healing quality makes Cedarwood oil ideal for application to all cuts and scrapes. Its remarkable anti-inflammatory trait suits it to address the discomforts of muscle aches, stiffness, and joint pain. At the same time, its antispasmodic characteristic helps to soothe coughs, spasms associated with digestion, respiratory ailments and nerves. If all that wasn't enough, Cedarwood oil is also known to support the general health and function of the organs.

Please comment below on how you put Cedarwood essential oil to good use; we would love to hear from you!


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