Description
"Cedarwood Essential Oil" is steam-distilled from the wood of Juniperus virginiana (Virginia cedarwood) or Cedrus atlantica (Atlas cedarwood). This oil carries a deep, woody aroma with grounding and comforting qualities. Frequently used in meditation and relaxation blends, it fosters a sense of balance. It complements cypress and sandalwood, lending depth to rich, earthy scents. Its deep, grounding presence keeps it a prized element in natural wellness, used in aromatherapy and traditional practices.
Category
Single Oils
Add to my favorites
Color
Pale Yellow
Aroma Family
Woody
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Botanical Name
Juniperus virginiana
Common Names
Atlas Cedarwood, African Cedar, Libanol
Directions For Use
To diffuse, add 4 drops of cedarwood essential oil to a diffuser. For topical application, dilute 1 drop with 5 ml of carrier oil before applying to the skin.
To diffuse, add 4 drops of cedarwood essential oil to a diffuser. For topical application, dilute 1 drop with 5 ml of carrier oil before applying to the skin.
Oil Applications
Applied topically, cedarwood essential oil acts as a natural alternative to vapor rubs, alleviating congestion when massaged into the chest and throat. It reduces skin blemishes, prevents breakouts, and addresses skin impurities, excess oil, and inflammation. In aromatherapy, cedarwood essential oil soothes breathing issues caused by asthma, coughing, and congestion while calming the nervous system. Its relaxing aroma promotes restful sleep and reduces stress.
Applied topically, cedarwood essential oil acts as a natural alternative to vapor rubs, alleviating congestion when massaged into the chest and throat. It reduces skin blemishes, prevents breakouts, and addresses skin impurities, excess oil, and inflammation. In aromatherapy, cedarwood essential oil soothes breathing issues caused by asthma, coughing, and congestion while calming the nervous system. Its relaxing aroma promotes restful sleep and reduces stress.
Main Constituents
Virginia: a-Cedrene, Thujopsene, Cedrol, B-Cedrene, a-Selinene
Atlas: B-Himachalene, a-Himachalene, (E)-a-Atlantone, Gamma-Himachalene, Deodarone, (E)-Gamma-Atlantone, Himachalol, Isocedranol
Properties
Cedarwood essential oil offers antifungal, anti-seborrheic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticidal, sedative, and tonic properties. Its versatile benefits make it ideal for respiratory health, skincare, and emotional well-being.
Aromatic Profile
Cedarwood essential oil features an herbaceous, woody, and relaxing aromatic profile, offering a grounding and calming sensory experience.
Safety Considerations
Cedarwood essential oil may cause skin sensitivity. Keep it out of reach of children, and consult a physician if you are pregnant, nursing, or under medical care. Avoid contact with eyes, ears, and sensitive areas. Due to its estrogenic properties, it should not be used by individuals with endometriosis or estrogen-sensitive cancers.
Cedarwood essential oil may cause skin sensitivity. Keep it out of reach of children, and consult a physician if you are pregnant, nursing, or under medical care. Avoid contact with eyes, ears, and sensitive areas. Due to its estrogenic properties, it should not be used by individuals with endometriosis or estrogen-sensitive cancers.
[1] Aromatools. Modern Essentials : A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils. Aromatools; 2015.
[2] Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 3rd ed. International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Cop; 2017.
[3] Caddy R. Aromatherapy - the Essential Blending Guide. Amberwood Publishing Ltd; 2007.
[4] Caddy R. Essential Oils in Color. Amberwood Publishing Ltd; 2005.
[5] Coombes AJ. Dictionary of Plant Names. Timber Press; 1997.
[6] Damian P, Damian K. Aromatherapy: Scent and Psyche. Simon and Schuster; 1995.
[7] Davis P. Aromatherapy. C W Daniel; 1995.
[8] Fischer-Rizzi S. Complete Aromatherapy Handbook : Essential Oils for Radiant Health. Sterling Pub. Co; 1990.
[9] Grieve M. Modern Herbal; V. 2. Dover Pub; 1971.
[10] Guenther E. The Essential Oils: Individual Essential Oils of the Plant Families: Gramineae, Lauraceae, Burseraceae, Myrtaceae, Umbelliferae, and Geraniaceae; 1950.
[11] Haas M. Quick Reference Guide for 114 Important Essential Oils; 2013.
[12] Higley C, Higley A. Aromatherapy A-Z. Hay House, Inc; 2001.
[13] Lawless J. The Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils : The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatics in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health & Well-Being. Barnes & Noble Books; 1995.
[14] Lawless J. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. Conari Press; 2013.
[15] Price S. The Aromatherapy Workbook : Understanding Essential Oils from Plant to Bottle. Thorsons; 1993.
[16] Purchon N, Cantele L, Bordian T. The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness. Robert Rose Inc; 2014.
[17] Rhind J. Aromatherapeutic Blending. Singing Dragon; 2015.
[18] Rhind J. Essential Oils : A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice. Singing Dragon; 2012.
[19] Rhind J. Fragrance and Wellbeing. Singing Dragon; 2013.
[20] Rhind J. Listening to Scent. Singing Dragon; 2014.
[21] Rose J. 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols. Frog Books; 1999.
[22] Schnaubelt K. Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy. Healing Arts Press; 1998.
[23] Schnaubelt K. Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy. Healing Arts Press; 1995.
[24] Sellar W. The Directory of Essential Oils. C.W. Daniel Company, Limited; 1992.
[25] Sheppard-Hanger S, Lisin G, Watt M, Moyler D. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual : A Complete Reference Book of over 350 Aromatic Plant Extracts, Index of Biologically Active Phytochemicals, Clinical Index and Taxonomical Index. Atlantic Institute Of Aromatherapy; 1995.
[26] Sheppard-Hanger S. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual; 2000.
[27] Shutes J, Weaver C. Aromatherapy for Bodyworkers. Prentice Hall; 2008.
[28] Snyder M. The Essential Oils Hormone Solution: Reclaim Your Energy and Focus and Lose Weight Naturally. Ten Speed Press; 2021.
[29] Steffen Arctander. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin; 2019.
[30] Tisserand R, Young R, Williamson EM. Essential Oil Safety : A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, Cop; 2014.
[31] Tisserand R, Young R. Essential Oil Safety. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, Cop; 2014.
[32] Tisserand R, Young R. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd ed. Churchill Livingstone; 2013.
[33] Weaver WW. Sauer's Herbal Cures. Routledge, UK; 2001.
[34] Worwood VA. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and aromatherapy: Over 800 natural, nontoxic, and fragrant recipes to create health, beauty, and safe home and Work Environments. Novato, CA: New World Library; 2016.
[35] Worwood VA. The Fragrant Mind. Novato, CA: New World Library; 1996.
[36] Zielinski E, Zielinski SA. The Essential Oils Apothecary. New York: Rodale; 2021.
[37] Zielinski E. The Healing Power of Essential Oils: Soothe Inflammation, Boost Mood, Prevent Autoimmunity, and Feel Great in Every Way. New York, NY: Crown Publishing Group; 2018.