Cedarwood Essential Oil

For many years cedarwood essential oil has been used for its aromatic qualities in soaps, home diffusers, and perfumes.³Cedar, translated from the Latin wordcedrus, originated from the Italian Peninsula and is mentioned quite frequently in the Bible, and in other ancient texts. Wood from the cedar tree was used for centuries throughout the ancient Middle East, and has played a significant role in trade, culture, and religious practices.^2,6

There are three types of trees upon which cedarwood essential oil is extracted. In North America, cedarwood essential oil can be extracted from the towering Virginia Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana), or the smaller Texas Cedarwood (Juniperus Mexicana). Both cedar varieties belong to the Cupressaceae family of trees, and produce similar aromas.¹

Belonging to the Pinaceae family is the Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica). This particular variety of cedarwood is located in the Atlas Mountains of Algeria. The essential oil is extracted from these trees through the process of steam distillation.

Cedarwood essential oil is often attributed with many medicinal properties, such as being an antifungal, antibacterial, and naturally insecticidal.^1,4Its aroma is frequently described as earthy, woodsy and rich, and ranges from a light-yellow to amber color.

Cedarwood Essential Oil Uses

Used for many years, cedarwood essential oil continues to be a diverse essential oil. From skincare to a natural decongestant, this natural essential oil will help enhance your beauty and health routines. Discover the most common uses for cedarwood essential oil below.

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Cedarwood Essential Oil Natural Moisturizer

Enhance a normal moisturizer by adding 2-3 drops of cedarwood essential oil to help combat any dry or itchy areas. Before application, dilute the essential oil into the lotion by thoroughly mixing the oil into 1-2 ounces of moisturizer. This simple remedy will leave your skin feeling cool and fresh.

Soothing Cedar Wood Essential Oil Bath

Add 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil directly into your bathwater to help de-stress and relax. Cedarwood essential oil has traditionally been noted for its sedative effects, which may prove to be therapeutic and calming for users.³

Natural Cedar Wood Oil Perfume

Add an earthy note to any blend of perfumes, sprays, or deodorants with cedarwood essential oil. Combine 1-2 drops of cedarwood essential oil to your body spray to help you feel fresh throughout the day.

Natural Cedarwood Essential Oil Decongestant

For a natural decongestant, dilute 2 drops of cedarwood essential oil into 1 Tbsp. of carrier oil and rub onto your chest or throat. The cooling effect of the oil has been reported to improve breathing, and may help provide relief from coughs or chest congestion. Apply to the affected areas before bedtime to help get a goodnight’s rest.

Read More: Essential Oils for Colds, Flu, and Nasal Congestion

Cedarwood Essential Oil Haircare Dandruff Recipe

Combining coconut oil with 2 drops of cedarwood essential oil creates a mixture that may reduce dry skin and dandruff buildup. Apply the mixture directly to your scalp, massage for five minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Read More: Essential Oils for Hair

Cedarwood Essential Oil Aromatherapy

Use cedarwood in your diffuser at home to bring the pleasant aroma of the woods indoors. Add 2-3 drops of cedarwood essential oil to your diffuser or a bowl of hot water. Cedarwood essential oil blends well with oils such asrose,lavender,jasmine,cinnamon,frankincense,juniper, androsemary.

Cedarwood Essential Oil Benefits

With several notable chemical compounds, the scientific community is beginning to recognize cedarwood essential oil as a therapeutic tool for a number of health conditions. Below, we explore some of the most well-researched benefits of cedarwood essential oil.

The benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil are:

Insect Repelling Properties
Anti-Cancer Properties
Sedative Properties
ADHD Relief Properties

Cedarwood Essential Oil to Repel Insects

In a study conducted in 2014, cedarwood essential oil was shown to discourage the presence of certain insect species.¹An oil sample placed between ants and their food source was shown to repel the insects.¹

Anti-Cancer Properties of Cedarwood Essential Oil

In a 2011 study, cedarwood essential oil was tested for its anti-cancer activity. Results show that the oil was able to inhibit the proliferation (rapid increase) of isolated leukemia cells.²Data suggests that cedarwood essential oil’s anti-cancer activity may be a prospective, therapeutic approach to help fight cancerous cells.

Note:The study was conducted in a lab setting with isolated cancer cells. Further research needs to be conducted before cedarwood essential oil is to be regarded as a serious method of therapy against cancer.

Sedative Properties of Cedarwood Essential Oil

In a 2003 study, scientists measured the sedative effects of cedarwood essential oil. While subjects inhaled cedrol, a compound extracted from cedarwood essential oil, the cardiovascular and respiratory functions of the body were analyzed.³

Exposure to cedrol was found to decrease heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. These results signify changes in the autonomic nervous system, and suggest that cedarwood essential oil may have a relaxing effect on the nervous system.³

Alleviate Symptoms of ADHD with Cedarwood Essential Oil

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed disorder in children between the ages of 6-12.⁵Children that are diagnosed with ADHD often underperform in school due to their inability to focus.⁵

In a study conducted from 1999-2001, lavender essential oil,vetiver essential oiland cedarwood essential oil were tested for their effects on ADHD symptoms. The subjects were instructed to inhale one of the oils 3 times a day for a period of 30 days. They were to do this by holding the open bottle under their nostril and taking deep inhalations.⁵

Pre-and post treatment tests showed a significant reduction in ADHD symptoms in subjects who used cedarwood essential oil.⁵Cedarwood oil was shown to improve brain activity, and may help reduce the symptoms of ADHD.⁵

Read More: Essential Oils for Focus and Concentration

Note:While the preliminary research looks promising, further studies are needed before essential oils can be used as a complementary treatment. Essential oils should not be used as a replacement for proven treatments.

Side Effects of Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil is generally considered safe for inhalation and diluted topical use. Never ingest essential oil unless under the direct supervision of a health care provider.

Always follow the recommended dosage and directions suggested on the label. Users should exercise caution when using the essential oil on or around children; it is not recommended to use cedarwood essential oil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Where to Buy CedarwoodEssential Oil

Previously, high quality essential oils could only be bought at specialty health stores, or through expensive multi-level marketing companies. Now, due to advancements in technology, extremely high grade essential oils can be purchased over the internet at very reasonable prices.

Scientific Research Referenced in this Article

Eller, F., & Vander Meer, R. (2014, June). Bioactivity of cedarwood oil and cedrol against arthropod pests.Environ Entomol,43(3).DOI:10.1603/EN13270
Saab, A., & Lampronti, I. (2012). In vitro evaluation of the anti-proliferative activities of the wood essential oils of three Cedrus species against K562 human chronic myelogenous leukaemia cells.Nat Prod Res,26(23).DOI:10.1080/14786419.2011.643885
Dayawansa, S., & Umeno, K. (2003, October 31). Autonomic responses during inhalation of natural fragrance of Cedrol in humans.Auton Neurosci,108, 1-2.DOI:10.1016/j.autneu.2003.08.002
Chaudraki, L., & Jawale, B. (2012, January 1). Antimicrobial activity of commercially available essential oils against Streptococcus mutans.J Contemp Dent Pract,13(1), 71-74.PMID:22430697
Friedmann, T. S. (2001). ATTENTION DEFICIT AND HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) BY TERRY S. RIEDMANN, M. D., A.B.H.M. InDocplayer. Retrieved March 1, 2017, fromhttp://files.meetup.com/1481956/ADHD%20Research%20by%20Dr.%20Terry%20Friedmann.pdf
Chaney, W. R., & Basbous, M. (1978). The cedars of Lebanon: Witnesses of history.Economic Botany, 32(2), 118-123. doi:10.1007/BF02866865

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Cedarwood Essential Oil | Uses, Benefits & Where to Buy (2024)

FAQs

What is cedarwood oil best used for? ›

Uses for Cedarwood Essential Oil

Add cedarwood to your shampoo and conditioner with rosemary and lavender oils to promote hair growth. Make sure you massage your scalp well to stimulate your follicles. Destressing. Diffuse cedar in your work space or in your home when you're feeling under pressure.

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Can you apply cedarwood oil directly to skin? ›

Cedarwood oil is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Environmental Protective Agency when used topically as an insecticide or food additive. Reports of skin irritation caused by cedarwood oil are rare . Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying topically.

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What is the difference between cedar and cedarwood essential oil? ›

Cedar oil, also known as cedarwood oil, is an essential oil derived from various types of conifers, most in the pine or cypress botanical families. It is produced from the foliage, and sometimes the wood, roots, and stumps left after logging of trees for timber.

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Where do you put cedarwood oil for sleep? ›

Combine a few drops of cedarwood oil with a carrier oil base - like fractionated coconut oil or grapeseed oil - and apply to your pulse points such as your temples, wrists, and jawline. These areas will help release the scent across your body and keep you feeling safe and secure throughout the night.

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What is the spiritual benefit of cedarwood essential oil? ›

The mind calms and thus the skin/muscles /heart are liberated from the reactions of pain. Just as ancient priests used cedarwood to bring them closer to spirit and to protect them from the energies of harm, so today aromatherapists use cedarwood to consecrate amulets and to cleanse magical tools like their crystals.

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What does cedarwood oil do for hair? ›

Cedarwood oil on the scalp helps to cleanse, rebalance the natural oils in your hair, and combat fungal or bacterial infections. Therefore, using hair products that contain cedarwood oil can help to improve the condition of your scalp, and maintain a healthy head of hair.

What is good to mix with cedarwood essential oil? ›

To enhance the benefits of Cedarwood Oil, combine it with any of the following essential oils for a blend that is also aromatically appealing: Lavender, Frankincense, Rosemary, Juniper Berry, Bergamot, Lemon, Lime, Cinnamon, Cypress, Neroli, Jasmine.

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What does cedar oil repel? ›

Collaborating with other ARS scientists, he tested the oil against houseflies, ticks, and mosquitoes. “It killed them all. It was also repellent against economic pests such as the little fire ant in Hawaii and the red imported fire ant,” he says.

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How many drops of cedarwood essential oil? ›

When diffusing Cedarwood oil, use three to four drops in the essential oil diffuser of your choice and enjoy the grounding, calming effects that this oil has to offer.

Why is cedarwood so expensive? ›

This has been caused by a large trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. that has been going on since the 80's on all softwoods imported from Canada. Not only is this affecting Western Red Cedar, but it also affects Alaskan Yellow Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pine, and a host of other softwoods.

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Which cedarwood is best? ›

The Virginia Cedarwood Oil is commonly known for its stimulant and energy-boosting properties – which is why we consider it one of the best essential oils for boosting energy. To top it all off, this powerful oil offers a delightfully sweet, almost fruit-like aroma.

What essential oil is similar to cedarwood? ›

Rosemary is a great substitute for Cedarwood essential oil as it promotes hair growth and supports blood circulation. Other substitutes for Cedarwood essential oil include Rosemary, Peppermint, and Tea Tree.

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What does cedar oil do to bed bugs? ›

Cedar wood will not kill bed bugs. The oil in red cedar wood won't likely kill them, but will repel them with the unpleasant smell. Some cedar oil mixtures are used as natural remedies to kill pests like flying insects, roaches, termites and bed bugs.

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Where do you put essential oils before bed? ›

Rub a few drops on your chest, hands and neck

First, dilute the oils by combining one teaspoon of carrier oil for every drop of essential oil. Then, making sure to avoid any areas with damaged or broken skin, add a few drops to your chest, hands or neck.

Does cedarwood oil make you sleepy? ›

How It Promotes Sleep: Similar to lavender, cedarwood is thought to be good for detoxifying and clearing negative emotions. Because inhaling cedarwood triggers the release of serotonin in the brain which converts to melatonin, the essential oil is known for its sedative qualities and usefulness in treating insomnia.

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What are the disadvantages of Cedarwood oil? ›

Cedarwood oil does not cause skin irritation, but it may prove toxic when ingested.

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How to apply cedar oil? ›

You can easily incorporate Cedarwood oil into your daily facial routine by simply adding 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.