Cedarwood essential oil is derived with the steam distillation process of heartwood of Cedar tree which is scientifically called Juniperus Virginiana. The Cedarwood plant is inherent to cold climates and is found in high altitudes. Cedarwood Essential oil has vital componenets such as Beta Cedrene, Alpha Cedrene, Widdrol, Cedrol and Thujopsene. Traditionally it is used for its calming effects. Due to its sweet and hearty aroma, it is used in perfumes, cologne and incense. It is used by Egyptians and Native Americans for centuries for its medical and cosmetic benefits. It is also known as Western Red, Cedar Leaf oil, Virginian, red, Southern red cedar or Eastern red and Bedford cedarwood.

History

The tree is native to North America and grown widely in Pacific Northwest. It is naturalized and introduced in New Zealand, Australia, Western Europe and United States.

Health Benefits of Red cedar essential oil

The essential oil is extracted from cedar trees which has various components that benefits individual health. It possesses the natural ingredients such as beta cedrene, alpha-cedrene and cedrol that help to treat various health conditions. It possesses antiseptic, antifungal, sedative, astringent and diuretic properties.

1. Cure inflammation

Seborrhoea is caused due to the malfunction of sebaceous glands which results to high production of sebum and following infection of epidermal cells. The skin colors to pale yellow or white and starts to peel off from the eyebrows, scalp, inner ear having the hair follicles. This essential oil could be helpful to lower the skin peeling by regularizing the production of sebum and treating the infections. It also lowers redness and treats this condition. (1)

2. Acts as antiseptic

This essential oil prevents the wounds being septic and prevents it from tetanus. It is applied as an antiseptic in the wounds externally. It is also used as an ingredient in antiseptic creams. It defends the body from toxins and relieves stress of immune system and white blood cells. (2)

3. Lowers inflammation

The essential oil of cedarwood has anti-inflammatory effects on arthritis. The inflammation of tissues and joints leads to discomfort and pain which could be lowered by inhalation or applying the oil topically on the skin. (3)

4. Relieve spasms

Cedarwood oil provides relief from spasms and related ailments. It includes the spasms that affect intestines, respiratory system, heart, muscles and nerves. It also relieves respiratory seizures, restless leg syndrome and asthma. (4)

5. Serves as a tonic

Cedar wood essential oil stimulates metabolism and tones organs. It tones as well as tightens nervous system, skin, muscles, digestive system, stomach and brain functions. It promotes the functions of liver and kidney that promotes wellness and overall health. (5)

6. Cure ailments

Cedarwood essential oil strengthens gums, cures toothaches and prevents from falling out. It tightens loose muscles. It also cures diarrhea and tightens the muscles of digestive system. It also protects the skin from bacteria and toxins. (6)

7. Promote urination

Being a diuretic, it cures various health ailments such as hypertension, obesity, rheumatism, high blood pressure, gout, arthritis and urinary tract infections. It promotes the urination frequency that helps to remove excess water, fat and toxins such as uric acid from the body because these are the causes for the mentioned health ailments. (7)

8. Regularize menstrual cycle

The use of Cedarwood oil stimulates the menstruation cycle and lowers the side effects such as fatigue, nausea and mood swings. It has vital impact on the hormonal functions of endocrine glands. (8)

9. Alleviate congestion

Cedarwood essential oil provides relief from irritation caused by cold, cough and congestion. It removes excess phlegm from the lungs and respiratory tracts. It relieves red, watery eyes and headaches as well as symptoms of colds and coughs. It stimulates the loosen of phlegm. (9)

10. Sedative properties

Being a sedative, it calms and soothes mind, skin itching, cure inflammation and relive anxiety and tension. It promotes restorative, healthy and sound sleep. It treats the problem of insomnia. Cedarwood aromatherapy is helpful for the people with stress, chronic anxiety and depression. (10)

Traditional uses

• It is used as a treatment for warts, rheumatism and psoriasis.
• It provides relief from urinary tract infections and kidney as well as bladder disorders.
• It clears dandruff and improves oily skin.
• It helps to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and relieve itching.
• It is a treatment for urinary and chest infections.
• It is helpful for nervous tension, arthritis and anxiety.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Pregnant women should avoid it as may lead to miscarriage.
• Do not use it undiluted.
• For internal use, consult a health practitioner.
• Do a patch test before use.
• It should not be used on eyes, ears and sensitive parts of the body.
• It should not be ingested.
• The excessive use of this oil results in nausea, vomiting, damage digestive system, skin irritation and excessive thirst.
• Sensitive people might get skin allergies.

Other Facts        

• It is blended with other oils such as Benzoin, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Cypress, Juniper, Frankincense, Lemon, Jasmine, Lime, Rose, Lavender, Rosemary and Neroli.
• It is used in cleaners, sprays, perfumes and antiseptic creams.

Red cedar essential oil facts

Red cedar essential oil possesses balancing and powerful energies that promote meditation, strengthen body and clears mind. It has beauty enhancing properties that assist in dull and dry skin. It possesses antifungal, anti-bacterial, diuretic, antiviral, antioxidant and antiseptic properties.

Red cedar essential oil facts and benefits Quick Facts
Name:	Red cedar essential oil facts and benefits
Scientific Name:	Juniperus Virginiana
Origin	Native to cold climates
Colors	Clear, pale yellow, light orange
Health benefits	Cure inflammation, Acts as antiseptic, Lowers inflammation, Relieve spasms, Cure ailments

Name	Red cedar essential oil facts and benefits
Scientific Name of Red cedar plant	Juniperus Virginiana
Native	Native to cold climates The tree is native to North America and grown widely in Pacific Northwest. It is naturalized and introduced in New Zealand, Australia, Western Europe and United States.
Common/English Name	Western Red, Cedar Leaf oil, Virginian, red, Southern red cedar or Eastern red and Bedford cedarwood
Method	Steam distillation
Part of Plant distilled	Heartwood
Color	Clear, pale yellow, light orange
Health Benefits	Cure inflammation Acts as antiseptic Lowers inflammation Relieve spasms Cure ailments Promote urination Regularize menstrual cycle Alleviate congestion Sedative properties
Traditional uses	It is used to treat warts, rheumatism and psoriasis. It relieves from urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder disorders. It eliminates dandruff. It treats eczema, psoriasis and provides relief from itching. It is a cure for urinary and chest infections. It helps nervous tension, arthritis and anxiety.
Precautions	Pregnant women should not use it. Do not use in undiluted form. It is better to consult a health practitioner for use. A patch test should be done before use. Do not use on eyes, ears and sensitive parts of the body. Do not ingest. Its excessive use cause nausea, vomiting, damage digestive system, skin irritation and excessive thirst. Sensitive people might experience skin allergies.
Other Facts	It is often blended with Benzoin, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Cypress, Juniper, Frankincense, Lemon, Jasmine, Lime, Rose, Lavender, Rosemary and Neroli oil. It is added in cleaners, sprays, perfumes as well as antiseptic creams.