Cedarwood Oil

As you may know I am an avid reader of a small publication called Agroforestry News. This month they have a very interesting article about cedars in their magazine.

There are quite a few different species of cedar of which Cedrus atlantica, Cedrus deodara and Cedrus libani are the most commonly used for extracting cedar wood oil. The oil is extracted from the wood, not the needles. It involves steam distillation and is a bit laborious hence I am surprised that the price for this essential oil is quite acceptable.

Cedurs deodara is the oil used in Ayurvedic medicines and also for incense. The essential oil of Cedrus deodara is used as an insect repellent on the feet of horses, cattle and camels. It also has anti fungal properties which is why in many Arab countries the essential oil of Cedrus deodara is used to store spices. Furthermore the oil is used in microscope work as a clearing oil.

The scent of cedar wood oil is woody and balmy and it is often used in perfumery to add body and a warm tone to a blend.

In olden times the oil has been used to treat various ailments as it possesses therapeutic and calming qualities – it has astringent properties that nurture and protect oily as well as flawed skin. Furthermore cedar wood oil may fight cellulite which is why it is used in anti-cellulite body oils and lotions. Because of its astringent properties cedar wood oil is sometimes used to treat toothache and to tauten gums around the teeth but I have to advise to use it diluted in a carrier oil rather than neat. Glycerin would also be a good carrier for cedarwood oil and is has the advantage that it is sweet, lessening the bitter taste of the oil. The oil can also be used for seborrhoeic skin conditions, acne, dandruff, skin infections and to soothe minor cuts making it the preferred essential oil in shaving creams.