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Guide To Cedarwood Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

"Headiness is the message of the spirit of cedarwood. It is the spirit of integrity, of stability, of solidarity in all things," writes aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood in Aromatherapy For the Soul. She also says the emotional benefits of cedarwood essential oil (Cedrus atlantica) are to encourage strength, focus, balance, fortitude, persistence, confidence, protectiveness, and concentration.

Cedarwood comes in several varieties. The two most common in aromatherapy are Atlas cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) and Virginian cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana). They have similar properties, although the Virginian variety, which is technically a juniper and not a cedar, is a milder oil. This profile covers both oils. Other options include Texas cedarwood (Juniperus ashei) and Himalayan cedar (Cedrus libani).

Basic Cedarwood Facts

Plant family:

Pinaceae (Atlas cedarwood, also called Atlantic cedar and Moroccan cedar);
Cupressaceae (Virginian cedarwood, also called red cedar and Eastern red cedar)

Production: Steam distilled from wood chips and shavings of the tree.

Aroma: Warm, woody, balsamic, sweet.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Base

Is cedarwood safe to use during pregnancy? Most sources say no.

Is cedarwood essential oil safe for children? Yes.

Main components:

Atlas cedarwood

beta-himachalene 30.8–40.4%
alpha-himachalene 10.3–16.4%
(E)-alpha-atlantone 5.2–13.4%

Virginian cedarwood

alpha-cedrene 21.1–38.0%
thujopsene 21.3–23.4%
cedrol 12.3–22.2%

Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition

Cedarwood Essential Oil Benefits

Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art: This essential oil is an astringent for oily hair and skin conditions, acne, and dandruff and relieves dermatitis, insect bites, and itching. The oil may also help reduce cellulite and encourage hair growth.

The Heart of Aromatherapy: Use Virginian cedarwood for daily skin care, soothing damaged or irritated skin, respiratory support, clearing mucous and congestion, relaxation and soothing the nervous system, repelling insects, and freshening closets and drawers. You can use cedarwood as a substitute for eucalyptus or tea tree in respiratory blends.

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Uses for cedarwood essential oil include helping to relieve congestion, acne, cellulite, anxiety, stress, tension, and physical exhaustion.

The Aromatherapy Bible: Use both cedarwood oils for oily skin and hair, acne, dandruff, urinary tract infections, and coughs. "Overall, Atlas cedarwood is fortifying, calming and opening... Virginian cedarwood is fortifying, warming and protecting."

The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition): Use both Atlas and Virginian cedarwood for skin care, arthritis, coughs and congestion, nervous tension, and stress-related disorders.

Aromatherapy For Healing the Spirit: In Traditional Chinese Medicine Atlas cedarwood fortifies and strengthens. It tones both the Kidney and Spleen-pancreas and may be useful for nervous debility, general lethargy, lower back pain, and poor concentration. Cedarwood is astringent and helps drain cold dampness.

Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Volume I: Physically, Atlas cedarwood strengthens, decongests, and relaxes hypotonic/weak, congestive/damp, and hypertonic/tense conditions. Psychologically, the essential oil stabilizes the mind and promotes emotional security, realism, and cognitive flexibility. Traditional Chinese Medicine considers the essential function of Atlas cedarwood is to nourish the Yin, calm the Shen, and reduce dampness.

Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Cedarwood clears and cleanses, brings in positive, optimistic energy, and steadies the mind while promoting concentration. Especially useful for the sixth chakra.

The Essential Guide to Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing: Cedarwood is helpful for meditation and prayer. Use the oil in synergistic blends to help clear away negativity. This essential oil is grounding and helps create mental focus.

Mixing Essential Oils for Magic: Cedarwood strengthens psychic abilities and stimulates dreamwork. The oil supports clairvoyance, element magic, and divination and offers psychic protection.

Cedarwood Essential Oil Uses and Blends

The scent is often considered "masculine," so this oil is common in men's skin and hair care products.

Men's Cologne

2 drops sandalwood essential oil
3 drops bergamot essential oil
5 drops cedarwood essential oil
1 cup 70% alcohol or vodka
Glass roll-on tube or glass cologne spray bottle

Blend liquid ingredients and store in the tube or bottle. Source: Dr. Axe

For sinus and respiratory problems: Use the essential oil in a steam inhalation.

Moisturizing hair conditioner: Blend 5 or 6 drops cedarwood into 2 to 3 teaspoons coconut oil or argan oil. Massage the blend into your hair. Wait 30 to 60 minutes and then wash your hair as usual.

For a bladder infection: Use cedarwood essential oil in a sitz bath to help relieve the pain, according to Aromatherapy for Dummies.

For chronic stress-related conditions: Combine Atlas cedarwood and patchouli, according to Aromatica. This combination may also help relieve varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and swollen ankles.

Insect Repellent

1/2 cup water
20 drops cedarwood essential oil
15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops patchouli essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
One 4-ounce PET plastic spray bottle

Put the water in the spray bottle. Add the essential oils. Shake well to mix.

To use: Shake before using. Spray your skin and clothes every hour. Do not directly spray on face. You can spray your hands and wipe them onto your face, but do not use this blend on the hands and faces of young children and babies.
Source: Aromahead