Cedarwood Essential Oil

Latin (Botanical) Name:  Cedrus Atlantica

Plant Family:   Pinaceae

Common Extraction Method:   Steam distillation

Typically Used Plant Part:    Bark

Color:   Light golden yellow

Aromatic Characteristic:   Woody sweet aroma, slightly balsamic and spicy

Cedarwood Oil is said to be one of the first crude essential oils to be extracted and was one of the oils used by the Egyptians for spiritual embalming. There are many types of cedar trees in the world. Some trees called cedars are actually juniper trees. Both are evergreen conifers.

Cedarwood essential oil holds a special place in our hearts and among our favorite beauty and personal care products. Cedarwood oil is a great complement to your hair and skin care regimen. It also complements masculine mixes. Its scent evokes strong, tall trees that live up to 120 years from which it comes, and are about 40 meters tall. It is obtained by distillation method from the bark of the tree, which is usually called atlas cedar. The word cedar was used by the Romans to mean "immortality".

Especially in autumn and winter months, it is ideal for spreading cedarwood oil in your diffuser. It is calming and helps fight negativity.

      KEY COMPONENTS / ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

• beta-Himachalene
• alpha- Himachalene
• gamma- Himachalene

 

      BENEFITS

• Supports hair and scalp health:

When applied topically by massage, it supports the healthy appearance of the hair and scalp [1].

 

• It shows anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial characteristics:

Cedarwood oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial characteristics. This can be beneficial for skin conditions such as acne. For example, it helps reduce the appearance of scars, treat minor wounds, relieve arthritis pain and soothe eczema symptoms [2] [3].

 

• It helps to provide emotional balance and alleviate insomnia:

When used as an aromatherapy treatment, cedarwood oil can have calming, stress-reducing properties, making it useful for relieving occasional insomnia. It helps create a soothing, calming and relaxing atmosphere when used with a diffuser to support a relaxing nighttime routine [2] [4].

• It is a natural deodorant.

      WARNINGS

• IT IS AN ESSENTIAL OIL, DIRECT APPLICATION MAY CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying topically. You can do a patch test before using the oil if you want to make sure it doesn't irritate your skin.
• FOR EXTERNAL USE, NON-DRINKABLE.
• Avoid contact with eyes, in case of contact rinse with plenty of water.
• Do not use the product if you have a known allergy to any of its ingredients.
• It is recommended that children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people using medication should consult their doctor before using cedarwood oil.

      ACADEMIC STUDIES

[1] Hay C., Jamieson M., Ormerod A.D. (1998). Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol, 1998 Nov; 134(11):1349-52

[2] Lawless J., The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 66-67.

[3] Lauren A. Hassoun A. L., Ornelas N. J. (2015) Cedarwood Oil as Complementary Treatment in Refractory Acne. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 22(3)

[4] Zhang K., Yao L. (2018). The anxiolytic effect of Juniperus virginiana L. essential oil and determination of its active constituents. Physiol Behav. 2018 May 15; 189:50-58.