Monday 28 October 2013

CEDARWOOD



General Information
Cedrus atlantica, cedarwood, is a large evergreen tree, which can grow as high as 40 metres. There are other types of cedar as well. Cedarwood has a long history, as the Egyptians used it for embalming. The essential oil is steam distilled from the wood, which is why its scent is strong and aromatic. Other species of cedarwood include Virginia, Texas and Thuja. One question, which was asked, was whether cedarwood was related to, or similar to sandalwood. Both cedarwood and sandalwood are evergreens, but sandalwood is quite different. They do have similar healing properties though. Most aromatherapists on the chat use primarily Cedrus atlantica. Attached is a link, with more details about the tree specifically: http://t.co/OS2zakqq. It’s believed that the first essential oil was extracted from the Lebanon cedar. The oil has a woody scent, with sweet overtones. Many temples were built with cedarwood and the Tibetans still use it in their temples and medicinally.  Be sure to pay attention to the Latin name of the oil when purchasing. Juniper is much different from cedarwood.


Applications and uses
One of the uses, of both the essential oil and hydrosol, is for hair care. Cedarwood can be used for hair loss, dandruff, and itching. The hydrosol can be added to your shampoo and/or conditioner and when combined with rosemary, is great for alopecia (hair loss). One therapist noted that for a hair and scalp treatment, her favourite combination was bergamot, lavender, chamomile, cedarwood and ylang ylang. The smell is beautiful as your skin heals. Cedarwood is a staple essential oil and incense for spiritual rituals, grounding, and balancing the body and mind. It’s very grounding and I would put a couple drops on the top of your foot. The oil will last a long time in your body. The nervous system also benefits from cedarwood. It is great for slow, gentle, grounding and can be used for nervous tension, stress and anxiety. In addition, the oil is also used in meditation and for ADHD. One contributor found that mixing a few drops of sandalwood, cedarwood, and orange, was often better than individual oils, then added to her bath, helped to calm her nerves. When using the oil with those with ADHD, the aroma appeals to boys, more than girls. Cedarwood also aids with hypertension (high blood pressure) and insomnia. There are many skin conditions, for which cedarwood can be used. These include psoriasis, cracked skin, chicken pox, acne and eczema. Cedarwood can also be used for respiratory conditions, such as coughs, congestion and bronchitis. One noted that a good respiratory mix would be with cedarwood atlas, eucalyptus, ginger and frankincense. Most are familiar with cedarwood being used in building and its ability to repel moths, ants and other insects. It can also repel fleas and be used on cats and dogs.

My favorite way to use Cedarwood is in a diffuser. I love the combination of Cedarwood oil diffused with either wild orange, cassia and/or cinnamon essential oils. A blend perfect for Autumn!
Other wonderful blends are: cypress, citrus oils and geranium; sweet orange with cedarwood.  It was noted that citrus oils are good for taking the edge off of the sharpness and balsamic scent of geranium and cedarwood.

To purchase any of these wonderful oils, please go to my website at:  https://www.youngliving.org/june55
Any questions?  Just contact me either here or on my website.
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