Cedar oil, or well known as cedarwood essential oil is extracted from different kinds of conifers, which mostly fall under cypress or pine botanical families. It gets processed from the stumps, leaves, bark, berries, roots, foliage, and wood of abandoned cedar trees.
Cedar oil gets extracted through the process of steam distillation from the wood pieces of cedar wood tree. Cedarwood tree is a plant is generally found at high altitudes. The primary components of cedarwood essential oil are thujone, widdrol, cedrol, beta cedrene, alpha cedrene.
A group of sesquiterpenes also contributes to its health and medicinal benefits. Read on to know the different types of cedar oil and amazing cedarwood oil benefits.
Types of Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood oil is one of the extremely beneficial oils with several health benefits. Cedar oil originates from different species of cedarwood. The different types of cedarwood have different properties and benefits as they have different compositions and come from different trees. Here are some of the popular types of cedar oil.
[Also Read: Health Benefits of Tea Tree Oil]
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Virginian
Virginian, also called as Juniperus Virginiana is used for tackling anxiety, stress, and nervousness. The oil also gets used as an antiseptic and an expectorant.
It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can be used for other inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. The most common use of Virginian cedar oil(1) is as a powerful acne fighter.
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Texas
The Texas cedar oil or better known as Juniperus Ashei is colorless and very thin. Virginian and Texas cedar oils belong to the “Juniper” family and other cedar oil types belong to the “cedar” family. It’s used for skin issues, oil hair, sinusitis, and circulatory problems. Texas cedar oil has a sweet and strong fragrance like Virginian.
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Himalayan
The Himalayan cedar oil is known as Cedrus Deodora which is usually colorless and thin. The oil finds its use as a stimulant, antiseptic, and aphrodisiac love potions. The Himalayan cedar oil has stimulating properties. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using Himalayan cedar oil.
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Chinese
The Chinese cedar oil is also known as Cupressus Funebris and is a light yellow and thin fluid. You can use the Chinese cedar oil for various skin conditions, to treat muscle aches and pain, and wart removal. Also, it finds use in different health care, fragrance, and beauty products for its mild nature and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Atlas
Atlas cedar oil is called as Cedrus Atlantica, often used to help with respiratory and skin problems ranging from joint inflammation, acne, stress, cough, and dandruff. The atlas cedar oil has strong warming and skin conditioning properties. The cedarwood oil is perfect for hair loss treatment and is also used in perfumes and aromatherapy.
Cedarwood Essential Oil Benefits
Read on to explore the wide health benefits and uses of Cedarwood essential oil.
1. Kills Fungal Infections
Cedar essential oil helps in curing food poisoning and fungal pathogens. It is highly rich in antifungal properties. Research done at the department of oral medicine and radiology in India found that cedar oil is a viable alternative to other antibacterial agents and is an effective module used in the control of both yeast and bacteria responsible for oral infections.
[Also Read: Natural Remedies to treat Fungal Infection]
2. Stimulates Menstruation
Those who suffer from irregular or constructed menstruation can get relief from cedar oil, as it is an emmenagogue which stimulates menstruation. Also, cedar oil delays menopause and relieves menopausal symptoms in women.
The oil also increases blood flow to the pelvic area and uterus, motivating menstruation(2) and helping in curing irregular periods in women. The pain, fatigue, nausea, and mood swings also get relived through the regular use of cedar oil by balancing the hormones in the endocrine system.
3. Relieves Tension
Cedarwood oil contains sedative properties and has the power to relieve stress and tension which can negatively affect your health. It has a calming and soothing effect on the mind which minimizes skin irritation and reduces the inflammation and muscle pain.
A 2017 research claims that the scent of cedarwood essential oil contains cedrol that can promote sleep by enhancing parasympathetic activity and increasing serotonin production.
4. Relieves Cough
The antispasmodic ability of cedar essential oil helps you relieve cough and cold. Try cedar oil before bedtime if you have a cough. You can rub two drops of oil mixed with a carrier oil like coconut oil onto your throat and chest.
[Read: Essential Oils for Cough]
5. Nurtures Skin
Cedarwood oil protects the skin from fungal infections and harmful bacteria. Cedarwood essential oil works as a natural home remedy in healing acne, scars, and cuts, wounds, sores, treating eczema and relieving burns.
Cedar oil reduces unpleasant inflammation and dryness. You can enhance your skin health by rubbing cedarwood oil on the itchy or infected area along with a carrier oil or by adding the oil to your skin lotion or soap.
6. Natural Deodorizer
Cedarwood oil possesses a pleasant wood-like scent that is reassuring and comforting. The oil adds a warm tone to any blend of perfumes or oil mixtures. The pleasant scent of cedar oil freshens the air around the home and acts as a natural deodorizer. Adding cedar oil or diffusing it in a natural essential oil body/room spray can have long-lasting therapeutic effects for you.
Cedarwood Essential Oil For Aromatherapy
Cedarwood essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy for its sedative and calming effects. It is used as a calming agent to alleviate anxiety and stress. Cedar oil also helps ease urinary tract infections and plays a role in adding respiratory problems as well as skin issues.
How to Use Cedarwood Oil for Aromatherapy?
- By using steam distillation
- Inhaling directly or diffusing to promote healthy respiratory functions
- Adding 1-2 drops to moisturizer or facial toner
Side Effects and Precautions
Here are some side effects and precautions of cedar oil. Have a quick look.
- Cedar oil has skin irritant properties, so people with skin allergies and other skin issues are suggested to consult a medical expert before going ahead with this oil.
- Another possible side effect is that it disrupts the digestive system. If experience something similar, stop using the cedar oil right away
- It’s best to avoid this oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The cedar oil is undoubtedly one of the most dependable solutions for all your health issues and depression. The cedar oil aromatherapy relives stress and helps you to sleep well. The benefits of cedar oil, discussed wondrously, do not cause any harm to your body.
However, taking a quick look at side effects and precautions for cedar oil can give you spectacular results. Embrace the goodness of cedar oil benefits to boost your standards of a healthy lifestyle.
