Types of Cedarwood Essential Oils

Not all steam-distilled essential oils called cedarwood are true cedar oils from the genus Cedrus, which includes atlas cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) and Himalayan cedarwood (Cedrus deodara). Some are from the genus Juniperus, including Virginian cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) and Texas cedarwood (Juniperus mexicana), and some are from other genuses.

The various types of cedarwood essential oils differ somewhat in properties and scent. Cedrus oils contain more atlantone and himachalene, which give the oils a warmer, more resinous character. Juniperus oils contain more cedrol and thujopsene, which give the oils a fresher scent, and they have stronger documented evidence for deterring pests and balancing skin, according to Plant Therapy.

See separate articles about the three most common types of cedarwood essential oils:

• Atlas cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
• Himalayan cedarwood (Cedrus deodara)
• Virginian cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)

Read the rest of this article for a comparison of these three different cedarwood oils and information about other types of cedarwood.

Benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oils

Atlas, Virginian, and Himalayan cedarwood essential oils "harmonize brilliantly with each other," according to Aromahead. All three oils are skin-friendly, provide respiratory support, fight infection, soothe inflammation, relax, and deter bugs. Although each oil is unique, the three oils are interchangeable for many purposes.

Aromahead suggests this triple cedarwood closet spray: Blend 13 drops each atlas, Virginian, and Himalayan cedarwood essential oils in 4 ounces (1/2 cup) distilled water in a 4-ounce (120-ml) glass spray bottle. If you want to add a dispersant, use 6 ml Solubol.

What is the best cedarwood essential oil?

The best cedarwood depends on how you want to use the oil and the scent you prefer.

Here's how various sources describe the scents of the four most commonly used cedarwood essential oils:

• Atlas cedarwood has a rich, woody, smooth aroma or warm, woody, gently sweet aroma with soft peppery undertones
• Himalayan cedarwood has a woodsy aroma with a slightly sharp, balsamic note or a dry, woody, balsamic scent with slightly spicy undertones.
• Virginian cedarwood has a soft, sweet, comforting, woodsy aroma or medium, fresh, woody aroma. Also described as a smooth, woody, oily scent with a hint of balsamic sweetness. Its aroma is softer and slightly lighter than that of atlas cedarwood oil.
• Texas cedarwood has a deep, woody, balsamic aroma, also described as woody, slightly sweet, mildly balsamic with a smoky top note. The scent is often compared with that of fresh pencil shavings.

Plant Therapy states each type of cedarwood has a particular strength:

• Atlas is deeply grounding and centering.
• Himalayan supports focus and clarity.
• Virginian balances skin and freshens.
• Texas calms and supports immunity.

Aromahead states:

• Atlas is best for hair and circulation.
• Himalayan is best for creating calm and relieving aches.
• Virginian is best for sleep and skin.

Texas Cedarwood Essential Oil

Texas cedarwood (Juniperus mexicana) is believed to have properties similar to those of Virginian cedarwood, but research is limited, though studies do support the oil's use as an insect repellent, according to Wholesale Botanics. Much commercial use of this oil is in perfumery.

The oil encourages positive thinking, supports a healthy immune system, and helps repel outdoor pests, according to Plant Therapy.

Also called: Mexican cedar, Mexican juniper, mountain cedar, rock cedar.

Production: Steam distilled.

Main components:

• thujopsene    25–46.8%
• alpha-cedrene 22.6–30.7%
• cedrol          12.2–19.1%

Main properties: Astringent, fights bacteria, decongests, stimulates, relieves spasms, sedates, and acts as a diuretic.

Uses in aromatherapy: Stress, nervous tension, acne, arthritis, dandruff, eczema, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, and cystitis.

Source: Cheryl Murphy, Certified Aromatherapist. "The Cupressaceae Family." Autumn 2016.3, NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, p. 25.

Other Types of Cedarwood Essential Oils

Aromaweb mentions three other cedarwood essential oils: Chinese, Japanese, and Port Orford. You may also hear of Lebanese cedar (Cedrus libani), but this oil is now rare and hard to find.

Chinese Cedarwood Essential Oil

Also called: Weeping cypress.
Botanical name: Cupressus funebris.
Plant family: Cupressaceae.
Aroma: Dry, soft, woody with smoky, earthy, balsamic and slightly pencil-like nuances.

Because Chinese cedarwood is plentiful and cheap, it is sometimes used to adulterate Virginian and Texas cedarwood, according to Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Ed. The main components are iso-alpha-cedrene and thujosene.

Stillpoint Aromatics lists the following benefits and uses of Chinese cedarwood:

• Relaxes and harmonizes your well-being.
• Promotes skin and hair health (use in DIY skin care blends and shampoos).
• Creates a clean, fresh environment (use in soaps, perfumes, toothpaste, air fresheners, laundry detergents).
• Repels insects.
• Energetically cleanses spaces.
• Connects you to the spiritual realm (Use for the first chakra (survival and support), third chakra (personal power), or fourth chakra (unconditional love, grounding, introspection, meditation, protection)).

Spiritual Opening Blend

• 4 drops Chinese cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops myrrh essential oil
• 2 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 1 drop patchouli essential oil
• 1 drop vetiver essential oil

Use in a diffuser according to its instructions. Or make an anointing oil by blending the essential oils into about 2 tablespoons carrier oil.

Japanese Cedarwood Essential Oil

Also called: Sugi essential oil.
Botanical name: Cryptomeria japonica.
Plant family: Cupressaceae.
Aroma: Dry, woody, and resinous with smoky and subtle incense-like nuances.

Plant Therapy suggests this Breathe Easy Balm for kids:

• 0.5 ounce beeswax
• 3 tablespoons jojoba oil
• 17 drops sugi essential oil
• 13 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus dives essential oil

1. Use a double boiler over low heat to melt beeswax.
2. Add jojoba oil and heat until completely melted.
3. Remove mixture from heat. Stir in essential oils.
4. Pour mixture into a 2-ounce tin. Let cool and harden.

Rub onto the chest or under the nose to help relieve congestion and sniffles.

Port Orford Cedarwood Essential Oil

Botanical name: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana.
Plant family: Cupressaceae.
Aroma: Distinctively woody and coniferous with resinous, earthy, and subtly balsamic nuances.
Main components include alpha-terpineol, delta-cadinene, alpha-pinene, and camphor, according to Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Ed.

Stillpoint Aromatics suggests this blend to relieve sore muscles, ease tension caused by stress, and promote physical relaxation.

• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) sweet almond oil or jojoba oil
• 4 drops Port Orford cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 1 drop sweet marjoram essential oil

Blend oils in a small glass bottle. Use as desired for massage.

Want to know more about the types of cedarwood essential oils? See Cedarwood Oils: The Wood Essential Oil Compositions from Trees Known as "Cedar."

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About the Author

Carol Wiley is a retired massage therapist and freelance writer. She uses her deep interest in aromatherapy and essential oils to research their benefits and uses and bring you summaries and blends with links to more resources.

If you find this site useful, you can show your support by buying through my affiliate links. The site is a labor of love, and I appreciate any income that helps keep it up and running.

Buy essential oils at Aromatics International or Rocky Mountain Oils.
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Photo Credits: Atlas cedarwood by David J. Stang [CC BY-SA 4.0] via Wikimedia Commons. Himalayan cedarwood by Paul Evans from London, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Virginian cedarwood by USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons.

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