cedarwood: an oil for all times

There are many types of cedar trees, but all are coniferous, evergreen trees from the cypress family. Native to cold climates, cedarwood thrives in high altitudes, with the potential to grow nearly 100 feet tall. Juniperus virginiana, also known as red cedar, is a species of juniper that provides a very fragrant aroma—making it perfect for essential oil production.  ​

Cedars were the trees mentioned most in the Bible, symbolizing a source of protection, wisdom and abundance.  Although the "cedar" referred in the Bible ('erez, from Hebrew root meaning "to be firm"; kedros) was the true cedar, Cedrus libani, the name may have been applied in a loose way to allied trees, such as junipers and pines.

The use of Cedarwood oil, or Cedar oil, dates back centuries. Its warm, woody scent offers numerous benefits to the user. Dr. Mercola lists Cedarwood as one of his TOP FIVE essential oils! (The others are: Sandalwood, Frankincense, Lavender and Peppermint.) Why?  Not only does Cedarwood oil produce a grounding aroma that promotes feelings of vitality and wellness, it also has many applications for everyday life. Whether you are using Cedar oil topically or aromatically to improve skin imperfections, to keep insects at bay, or to promote vitality during a workout, the uses and benefits of this oil are limitless. ​

Cedarwood Oil Uses and Benefits

• Diffuse for calming and grounding: Diffuse Cedar oil at the end of a long day when you want to create a relaxing environment. When diffusing Cedar oil, use three to four drops in your essential oil diffuser. 
  
  
• Boost your workout: Because it promotes wellness and vitality, Cedar oil is a fitting companion for any physical activity—no matter your workout style. Before exercising, massage one to two drops onto your chest for clearer breathing and extra energy.
  
  
• Beauty treatment: Add one to two drops of Cedarwood oil to your facial toner or moisturizer for added clarifying properties. The cleansing properties of Cedarwood oil can also help improve the appearance of skin imperfections, including teenage skin eruptions.

• Skin helper: When you notice a fresh skin imperfection, redness, dry patch or itchiness directly apply one drop of Cedar oil to affected area.  You can dilute it or use it straight.

• For oily hair: Blend three drops of cedarwood oil and two drops of rosemary oil with one teaspoon of olive oil. Gently massage this mixture onto hair before shampooing.

• Soothing massage or bath: Add two to three drops to one ounce of carrier oil for massage. Add eight to 10 drops to your bath water.  Cedarwood oil has properties that will aid in soothing muscles and joints.

• Relax your legs or respiratory system:  From restless legs to other kinds of spasms, try applying Cedarwood to relax and soothe.

• For healthy scalp: Mix two to three drops with unscented hair conditioner. Massage onto scalp to promote circulation, encourage overall scalp/root follicle  health. Leave on for three to five minutes, up to thirty minutes.  Add lavender, rosemary and thyme for even better results.  Rinse.

• Bugs be gone:  Cedar oil’s chemical makeup makes it effective at repelling insects. When working in the garden, consider adding Cedarwood essential oil to your mulch or topsoil to help keep insects at bay. You can create your own essential oil bug repellent formula using doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil and Cedarwood oil (simply apply to the body before going outside).
  

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• Cedar storage: Put a few drops of Cedarwood on a cotton ball and add it to your out-of-season clothes storage bin. This keeps insects away--and the clothes will smell like they came out of a cedar chest when you need them again.  Also place a couple of drops on a cotton ball and place in closets, pantries or other areas to keep moths at bay. 

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• Chest rub:  To support better, clearer breathing apply a mixture of Cedarwood and FCO to your chest, especially helpful at night!

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• Improve focus:  A study of children with attention issues showed the Cedarwood oil inhalation improved focus in children by 65%.  Diffuse or inhale directly from the bottle or by drop one or two drops into the palm and inhale at least three times daily.

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• Calm anxious or sad feelings: Cedarwood oil is known to promote relaxation, and can be used in several instances to calm the mind. For example, when your child wakes up scared after a nightmare, apply Cedar oil to the bottom of his or her feet to help promote a peaceful, settled feeling. When you find yourself distressed by unfamiliar situations, inhale the aroma of Cedarwood oil to promote calming emotions. 

• Ease your back:  Try these oils on your back:  Cedarwood, Cypress, Peppermint, Ginger and Frankincense.  Apply one-by-one up your spine and rub in for about 30 sconds.  Apply a warm compress or heating pad to drive the oils deeper into your back.

• Hormone support: Cedarwood can help with discomfort from irregular cycles.
  
  
• Boost confidence: The warm, herbaceous aroma of Cedarwood essential oil is grounding. When striving to promote confident feelings or feelings of self-esteem, diffuse two drops of Cedarwood oil with two drops of Wintergreen in the essential oil diffuser of your choice.  

Chemistry of Cedarwood Oil
Main Chemical Components: α-cedrene, cedrol, thujosene

Cedarwood falls under a group of chemicals known as sesquiterpenes. Essential oils that contain sesquiterpenes are commonly known for their ability to promote grounding and balance of emotions when used aromatically. Cedarwood oil includes the main sesquiterpene constituents cedrene, and thujopsene, which help improve the appearance of skin and promote grounding of emotions and emotional balance. 

Oils that blend well with Cedarwood oil
As a warm, woody essential oil, Cedarwood produces an aroma that is reminiscent of the outdoors. Because of its warm properties, Cedarwood oil blends well with  Cinnamon, Cassia, Clary Sage, Lavender, Rosemary, Cypress, Frankincense and Bergamot.

Emotional Component
Cedarwood is the Oil of Community.  Do you sometimes feel isolated or lonely? Do you seek to feel more bonded, closer to your community and have joy in your relationships? Difuse or inhale Cedarwood.  Here's a little food for thought by the Dalai Lama:
Too much self-centered attitude brings isolation. Result: loneliness, fear, anger. The extreme self-centered attitude is the source of suffering. 

Juniperus virginiana

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Recipes!

DIY Men's cologne:
10 drops cedarwood essential oil
6 drops bergamot essential oil
5 drops sandalwood essential oil

Add oils to 10 ml rollerball bottle and then fill bottle with Fractionated Coconut Oil.








Homemade Vapor Rub

• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup grated Bees wax or pellets
• 20 drops Breathe essential oil
• 20 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops Cedarwood oil
• 10 drops Cardamom oil
• 5 drops Thyme oil
• 5 drops Basil oil

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add olive and coconut oils to a glass measuring cup.
2. Place the measuring cup in a saucepan with 2 inches of water over medium low heat.
3. Allow oils to melt. Stir to combine.
4. Once combined, allow to cool slightly for about three minutes and add in essential oils.
5. Pour mixture into metal tins or glass jars and allow to set.

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