Cedar wood Essential Oil Review, Application and Useful Tips

May 22, 2017

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Cedar wood essential oil is the first essential oil extracted from nature, it has been in use from the beginning of time, enhancing life and providing benefits that cut across dietary to cosmetic. Oil is described as essential; it contains the essence of the plants or fragrance, and the characteristics of the plant.

Essential oils provide benefits for health and wellness. Cedar wood oil is no exception; it is derived from the Cedar tree. This tree symbolizes protection, abundance, and wisdom. The oil is extracted from the wood of the cedar tree through a process called steam distillation.

There are several species of Cedar wood, but four common species used as essential oils are:

Himalayan Cedar wood
Virginia Cedar Wood
Atlas Cedar Wood
Texas Cedar wood

They grow in high altitude and cold climate areas; they are native to North America. They are enormous trees that grow up to 100 feet and age up to 1000 plus years. The cedar wood oils differ, based on the species from which the oil comes from. The Atlas and Himalayan are from the Cedar, their key compounds are Alpha-pinene and Himachalol, whilst the Virginia Cedar and Texas Cedar wood are from Juniper genus, and their key compounds are Cedrol and Thujopsene.

Sesquiterpenes is an anti -inflammatory, calming, antiseptic, and antibacterial constituent found in all four oils, each of them, however, has its unique compounds. Alpha-cedrene, beta-cedrene, widdrol, cedrol, thusjosene are all components present in cedar wood essential oils.

Himalayan Oil is extracted from both the needle and the wood of Himalayan Cedar wood; the oil from the needle is very different. Linalool, Limonene and Alpha – Terpineol constitute its primary compound. This oil is scarce, it is not commonly found in the west and its closer to Bergamot in composition, compared to the wood based oils.

Cedar wood essential oil uses

Remedy for skin diseases

There is an endless list of things Cedar wood essential oil can be used for. Skin disorders take away self-confidence, especially when they appear on parts of the body that cannot be hidden, like the face. It becomes hard to break free and enjoy life to the fullest. Fortunately, cedar wood oil does a lot of magic for the skin, its antiseborrheic properties make it of great use for treating eczema. There is no known cure to this skin inflammation, however, it affects up to 30 million Americans. A clinical survey proved that 40% of patients were very much dissatisfied with the current medical treatments available, because they are expensive, cause adverse side effects, and often turn out to be ineffective. When applied, the disease-producing agent is eradicated during the first three days causing the inflammation to look worse, but that is a sign of healing, the skin usually starts clearing right away. It can also be used to treat acne. Adding a few drops to a good moisturizer can clear an acne prone skin in a very short time. It prevents it by protecting the pores from harmful microbes and dust. The facial skin tightens, providing youthful appearance as a result.

Acne is itchy and nasty. This rash leaves a dry scaly look on the skin, demeaning appearance. The worst part is when these patches crack and bleed. Cedar oil does a lot of good to the entire healing process. It cleanses the skin of present impurities, and treats the accumulation of toxins.

In the case of fungal infections, rashes and irritated skin, a few drops of cedar oil mixed with sweet almond, coconut, avocado or jojoba oil cure it. It is advised not to apply the mix on open or broken skin.

Improves ADHD and Focus

Every parent will love to have a child that comes home with good grades. This is achievable only when the child is attentive and focused. It is quite interesting to know that a lot of dollars need not be spent to achieve this. Basic essential oil, like cedar oil, can greatly improve a child’s focus and learning capacity. A study done on 34 children yielded impressive results. Different single oils, including vetiver, lavender, and cedar wood oil were administered to them. All 34 children took 3 deep inhalations three times a day for thirty days. A T.O.V.A and E.E.G test were taken before and after the experiment, and there were significant changes with vetiver and cedar oil. The results showed that cedar oil inhaled by children with ADHD improved focus by whopping 65%!

Tones and Tightens Muscles

With no side effects, it tones organ systems, as well as stimulates metabolism. It tightens the skin and fights cellulite. It breaks down cellulite better than most expensive cosmetics currently sold in stores, thus, it is often the preferred oil for deep messages.

A Natural Sedative

Cedar oil makes a further appearance in aromatherapy. The benefits of this oil are endless, and sometimes seemingly surprising. It has great calming and soothing effects on the mind. It relieves anxiety and tension. It is this feature that helps in promoting uninterrupted, healthy, and restorative sleep. This makes it a great choice for patients suffering from insomnia. Its woodsy aroma induces the release of serotonin, which is converted to melatonin in the brain. Melatonin induces calmness, fatigue, and restorative sleep. A research carried on rats proved its effectiveness.

Put a few drops in a handkerchief and take a deep breath, or inhale directly from a bottle. Using a diffuser machine also provides the benefits that come with it. The endorphins in the brain are triggered causing instant calm. Its aromatic properties take away tension and relieve stress and depression.

Itchy Skin Reliever

When used as a general tonic, it regulates oily and itchy skin. Mixing a few drops with an unscented cleanser brings balance to the skin.

Treatment for minor wounds

Cedar oil has antiseptic properties that protect you against bacteria. The oil defends the body against toxins. White blood cells and the immune system are relieved of stress and malfunction. Its wound healing abilities are backed up by research. A 2012 study revealed that Juniperus Virginiana Cedar oil, along with Western Juniper Oil, showed significant signs of wound healing. Western Juniper oil, however, exhibited better wound healing properties. A balm made of a few drops of cedar oil and coconut oil provides relief when rubbed onto affected area.

Regulates Menstruation

Cedar wood essentials oils have helped many women in alleviating cramping. Blood flow in the pelvic region is stimulated, and monthly period is regulated. An application of 1-2 drops of the essential oil mixed with a tablespoon of carrier oil provides pain relief and hormone balance.

Serves as a Diuretic

Message your bladder and kidneys with this oil. The frequency of urination will increase, therefore, making excess water, fat, and harmful toxins remove quicker.

Relieves Respiratory Problems and Chest Infections

It helps alleviate cough, cold, and related congestion. Its use relieves congestion, because it is an expectorant, and it eradicates coughs and removes phlegm from the lungs and respiratory tracts. It gives relief from red and watery eye, headaches, and other cough and cold related symptoms.

Natural deodorizer

Cedar wood oil has a refreshing woodsy, earthy, and slightly sweet scent making it accommodative to use. It naturally neutralizes/ eliminates all odor types, be it smoke, food, or any other smell. A blend of this oil with sandalwood, jasmine, pine or rose creates a pleasant aroma that soothes the atmosphere.

Bug repellant

It can be used as an insect repellent, instead of chemical based ones that have strong pungent smell. A few drops in a diffuser repel mosquitoes and other irritating insects.

Pain Reliever

Himalayan Cedar wood oil reduces inflammation and pain. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Extensive studies revealed that Cedar wood oil is a 5-LOX inhibitor. This inhibitor is the producer of inflammatory leukotriene responsible for the inflammatory response related to asthma and pain

Treatment for Arthritis and Rheumatism

Stiffness and pain of the joints associated with Rheumatism and arthritis are treatable with cedar wood essential oil because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. A soothing massage blend made by diluting cedar wood oil with a carrier oil provides its effects when rubbed onto affected area.

Strengthens teeth

Used as an astringent, cedar essential oil strengthens the grip of gums on teeth; this protects them from falling out. It also helps cure toothache.

Relieves Spasmodic Conditions

Cedar wood essential oil provides relief from most spasmodic conditions, such asthma, respiratory seizures, restless leg syndrome, and other similar conditions. Relief is possible due to the calming and soothing properties.

Cedar wood Essential Oil benefits

This ancient oil has been used from bible days to modern times for obvious reasons. Its benefits cut across every sphere of life.

It cures acne
Stimulates metabolism
Regulates menstruation
Cleans toxins
Relives spasm
Improves Oral hygiene, cures tooth ache, strengthens gums
Improves focus and wisdom
Promotes hair growth
Reduces skin irritation
Relives spasm
Repels bugs

Cedar wood Essential Oil for Hair

With the remarkable properties that cedar wood oil possess, it can be used alone or in combination with other oils to strengthen hair, cleanse scalp, stimulate hair follicles, and control irritation and dandruff. The worst hair diseases have been cured with essential oils. A head full of beautiful, thick, shiny hair is desired by all people, and it’s achieved with regular use of essential oils.

Hair thickener

Cedar Oil is a natural thickener. Thinning is when the hair naturally falls out, but new growth is sabotaged due to several factors, such as hormonal imbalance, thyroid, allergies, hereditary, emotional imbalance etc. Cedar oil has built in properties that help thicken and stop hair loss.

Make a mix of cedar oil (30 drops), rosemary oil (30 drops), pure sage oil (30 drops), jojoba oil (1.5 ounces) and grape seed oil (1.5 ounces), blend and shake vigorously.

Massage a generous amount into hair and scalp. It works great on either wet or dry hair.

Leave in hair for at least 20 minutes with a shower cap on. It is even more effective when left in hair overnight. Shampoo, rinse, and style as desired.

Relieves Itching and Dandruff

Cedar wood oil provides one of the best remedies for dandruff. Its antiseborrheic, antiseptic, and mild astringent properties relieve the scalp of all itchiness.

Add 10 drops of cedar oil to 8 ounces of bottled shampoo. Shake for even distribution. Apply to scalp and let it sit for at least 3 minutes and proceed with your regular hair regime.

You can also create a blend of 6 drops of cedar oil, 4 drops of cypress oil and 6 drops of rosemary oil in 50 ml of olive oil. Leave this mix in hair for at least 2 hours, shampoo and style.

Prevents hair breakage

The harsh treatments that come with hair styling usually leave the hair week and brittle. Making a serum with cedar oil will reduce heat damage to the hair. Add about 20 drops of cedar wood oil, 12 drops of clary sage essential oil, and some jojoba oil to protect the hair from heat that usually causes hair breakage.

Dry Scalp

The remedy for a dry scalp is a substance with antifungal and moisturizing properties. A mixture of coconut oil with two drops of cedar oil rubbed into the scalp for 5 minutes and left in for 30 minutes cures the scalp of dryness.

Cedar wood essential oil for hair growth

Essentials oils have reversed the worst scenarios of alopecia. It works well in stimulating and increasing circulation to the scalp, which is vital for hair growth.

A few drops messaged daily onto a bald scalp will show signs of growth in a matter of weeks. This oil is most efficient for hair growth in instances where hair loss is due to atrophia areata, a bacterial infection or immune system deficiencies.

A combination of cedar wood oil with other essential oils even doubles its effects. Essential oils from thyme, lavender, and rosemary in combination with cedar oil increase hair growth rate. Patience is, however, the key point here, as significant results may show from within a month to 7 months in most cases.

Every home should shelf a bottle or two of cedar wood essential oil. The endless benefits this oil brings is worth more than the investment. Adding it to one’s beauty and health routine will improve wellness.