The benefits of cedarwood essential oil are vast. It’s like a forest stroll in a bottle. But here’s the kicker: there’s not just one type of cedarwood oil waiting for you. In this blog we’ll talk about the Red Cedar from North America, the exotic Cedarwood Atlas from Morocco, and Himalayan Cedarwood from India. But, before you pick your scent superhero, let’s dive into what makes these oils different from each other, and why you might want to invite one into your self-care routine.
Although there are many cedarwood oils, there are three popular essential oils that you will find on the shelf when shopping for cedarwood oil.
- Cedarwood virginiana (Juniperus virginiana)
- Himalayan cedarwood (Cedrus deodora), and finally
- Cedarwood atlas (Cedrus atlantica), which is endangered.
You’ll find that the chemical components of these essential oils differs, however, all three oils will serve very similar functions, so the benefits of cedarwood essential oils will look similar. The oil you want to choose largely lies with the scent that you prefer. I prefer the scent of cedarwood virginiana, so you will notice that I use this oil more frequently in recipes. Himalayan cedarwood comes in a close second for me.
Cedarwood virginiana (Juniperus virginiana)
Also known as Red Cedar, this cedarwood is native to North America. Its chemical composition contains a high percentage of the components a-cedrene and cedrol, which has been used in sleep studies.
Cedarwood atlas (Cedrus atlantica)
Native to Morocco and Algeria, this cedarwood from the Pinaceae family contains a high percentage of g-Himachalene and b-Himachalene. The oil was used by the ancient Egyptians for embalming while the wood was used for furniture, temples and to build ships. Cedarwood atlas has been a very popular essential oil and is now listed on the IUCN Red List as endangered. As many cedarwood oils are capable of very similar functions, I recommend that you use one of the other essential oils listed.
Himalayan cedarwood (Cedrus deodora)
Also from the Pinaceae family (which accounts for the similar botanical name to cedarwood atlas), contains a high percentage of b-Himachalene and a-Himachalene. Also known as Tibetan cedarwood, it is native to northern India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Cedarwood oils are steam distilled from the wood. Wood oils are grounding, calming and emotionally balancing, which makes them delightful to use in a number of applications, but before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s explore cedarwood essential oil and its uses.
The benefits of cedarwood essential oil across the different varieties can be very similar. Each cedarwood oil can help you with the applications listed below.
Cedarwood Uses
1. Use Cedarwood to Help with Chest Colds
Cedarwood oils in general are helpful to the respiratory system. They provide decongestant help and relief from coughs.
2. Cedarwood for Skin and Hair Care
Cedarwood helps to balance our natural sebum production. Cedarwood’s astringent nature makes it a good choice for oily skin and hair care. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and calming for irritated skin.
In hair care, cedarwood essential oil can help increase circulation to the scalp, which may help stimulate hair growth. It can also provide relief from dandruff.
3. Use Cedarwood as a Bug repellent
Cedarwood oils can be a great addition to bug repellents. Historically, cedarwood was used in building furniture and temples partly due to its natural bug repellent properties, in particular for ants and moths. In the past I have used cedarwood blocks in clothing drawers to keep pests away.
4. Cedarwood and Metal Health
Cedarwood is a calming and grounding oil that can help to ease stress. It is beneficial for easing anxiety and burnout, and can provide a restorative sense over time.
Cedarwood can help with focus and concentration. Allow cedarwood to provide strength and stability during times of change. Cedarwood can provide an increased sense of self-confidence and the willpower to get things done.
5. Cedarwood for Improved sleep
Cedarwood’s calming nature may help you to improve your sleep. By diffusing cedarwood in the evening shortly before bedtime, you can provide a sense of calm and relaxation that will help you to fall asleep, and the sleep that you are getting may be better quality. Studies in animals have shown that when the component cedrol (found in cedarwood virginiana) is inhaled before sleep, the animals slept for a longer period of time.[i]
6. Cedarwood use in Meditation
Cedarwood essential oil calms the mind and can help encourage stillness. Use this essential oil to help you reconnect with your spirituality.
7. Cedarwood Massage oil
Cedarwood can be helpful for oedema, fluid retention and swelling. Use it in a massage oil as a general body tonic, and to provide extra relaxation.
8. Use Cedarwood In perfumes and cosmetics
Cedarwood oils can lend a masculine scent to a blend and can be beneficial in personal care products in particular for men. Add cedarwood to a shaving foam, beard oil, or handmade soap. Not only is it beneficial in skin care, but will provide a calming scent that lends strength to your day. As a base note, cedarwood can be used as a fixative in perfumes.
Here are some recipes you can try to enjoy to bring the benefits of cedarwood essential oil into your home.
Recipes
Cedarwood hair and scalp oil
15 ml Jojoba oil
15 ml argan oil
2 drops Cedarwood virginiana essential oil
2 drops Rosemary essential oil
Add ingredients to 30 ml glass bottle with dropper and gently shake. Add a few drops to the scalp and gently massage for a few minutes. Leave on for 30 minutes before washing out.
Diffuser blend: Winter air cleanser
4 drops Cedarwood virginiana
3 drops Scotch Pine
2 drops Eucalyptus dives
Add drops to your diffuser and enjoy for 30 minutes. Be sure to turn your diffuser off or use one with a timer so that it shuts off automatically.
Diffuser blend: Cedarwood for support in difficult times
3 drops Cedarwood virginiana
2 drops Cypress
3 drops Lemon
Add drops to your diffuser and enjoy for 30 minutes. Be sure to turn your diffuser off or use one with a timer so that it shuts off automatically.
