Cedarwood Essential Oil - History and Recipes

The aromatic oil from the evergreen cedar tree hasbenefits the urinary track system. Cedarwood
been used by various cultures around the world forstimulates the circulation to relax the nervous
centuries. Each civilization has their unique applicationssystem. It is also known to have a tonic effect on
for the woodsy essential oil. Traditionally, Nativethe entire body. On an emotional level, cedarwood oil
Americans used it for respiratory infections. Thehelps to relieve nervous tension and stress-related
ancient Egyptians utilized cedarwood essential oil forconditions, dispel gloomy thoughts, anxiety, and fears.
embalming. The people of the Middle East haveToday, cedarwood essential oil is used extensively as
employed it for various practices since Biblical times,a fixative in perfumery, particularly in soap making. It
and Tibetan monks use it today as incense and tois also used in room sprays, disinfectants, and other
help in meditations.household products. It is an excellent insect repellent
The cedar tree is a slow-growing evergreen treeand was once used with citronella as a commercial
with reddish heartwood and brown cones that caninsecticide.
get up to 108 feet high and can have a trunkUsed externally, cedarwood oil is relatively non-toxic
diameter of over 5 feet! Cedars are native to Northbut can cause acute local irritation and sensitivity in
America, especially the Rocky Mountain regions. Itssome people. If applying to your skin always perform
strongly aromatic wood contains a high percentagea patch test. As with all essential oils, never use them
of essential oil. The essential oil is extracted by steamundiluted. Do not take internally and keep away from
distillation from the timber waste, sawdust, shavings,children.
and the like. The pale yellow or orange oily liquid hasAntidandruff Treatment Recipe:
a mild, sweet balsamic scent.Add 6 drops cedarwood, 6 drops rosemary, and 4
The cedarwood scent blends well with neroli, jasmine,drops cypress essential oils to 1 1/2 fluid ounces (50
juniper, chamomile, geranium, lavender, frankincense,mL) olive oil. Massage into the scalp with your
ylang ylang, rosewood, vetiver, rose, and patchouli.fingertips, cover, and leave overnight (if possible).
Its antiseptic properties make it a popular choice forShampoo thoroughly the following morning. Use half
treating acne, oily skin, and dandruff. As a diuretic, itof the recipe for children.