Health Benefits of Cedarwood

Virginian cedarwood is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising.

However, Lawless says that Virginian cedarwood should not be used during pregnancy.

In high concentration, cedarwood oil may irritate the skin.

When using Cedarwood oil care must be taken that it does not cause irritation to the mucus membranes.

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These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals.

One final note:

Many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.

In the case of any and all alternative healing topics here (and anywhere else on the Internet), we strongly recommend your physician is aware of any methods you are applying. Alternative healing, holistic healing, homeopathic health care and all other related subjects should not be considered a replacement for a doctor's care but rather as a possible aid to such care.

If you are uncertain on the safety of using any information please be sure to consult your doctor prior to proceeding.

A coniferous, slow growing, evergreen tree up to 35 metres high with a narrow, dense
pyramidal crown, a reddish heartwood and brown cones.

It grows in a fairly continuous belt running approximately from the central part of Virginia,
through North Carolina and the northern edge of South Carolina in Tennessee, central Kentucky and northern Alabama.

Virginian cedarwood is steam-distilled from the wood, stumps or from the sawdust.

Wood chips and sawdust are subjected to steam distillation to extract the oil and the yield is about 35 %.

The best quality essential oil is obtained from distilling wood chips from trees that are 20 to 30 years old.

Cedrus libani or Lebanon cedar, from which the first essential oil was extracted, is very scarce due to over use.

Parts of the plant used: Wood

Virginian cedarwood oil is a pale-yellow to slightly orange-yellow-coloured oil that is slightly less viscous than Atlas cedarwood.

The odour is at first oily and woody with a sweet balsamic scent typical of cedarwood lumber. The odour becomes drier and more woody as the oil dries out, and has a faint undertone of sandalwood.

Chemical components: %u03B1-cedrene 20.0, %u03B2-cedrene 6.6, thujopsene 18.9, other sesquiterpene 13.3, cedrol 31.60, widdrol 4.8.

Diuretic, circulatory stimulant, helps relieve symptoms of eczema, psoriasis and congestion.

Its expectorant properties help ease bronchitis & coughs.

The therapeutic properties of cedarwood oil are antiseborrhoeic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, tonic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticide, sedative and fungicide.

Nervous System:

Virginian cedarwood oil has a sedative effect, and may be used in conditions associated with anxiety and nervous tension. It is generally more useful for chronic conditions than acute ones.

Respiratory System:

Virginian cedarwood oil is recommended for treating catarrhal conditions, coughs and chronic bronchitis

Urinary System:

The oil is recommended for the treatment of cystitis and urinary tract infections.

Skin Care:

Its astringent and antiseptic properties are of greatest benefit to oily skin conditions - could help acne. Its sedating ability which relieves itching. It also helps to clear scabs and chronic conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis.

A good hair tonic and could be effective against seborrhoea of the scalp, dandruff and alopecia. Skin softening properties are apparently enhanced when mixed with Cypress and Frankincense.

Energetics:

Virginian cedarwood is fortifying and strengthening and it is considered a powerful tonic for the body. The oil is tonifying to the kidneys and spleen-pancreas and may be used for general lethargy, nervous debility, lower backache and poor concentration.

Cedarwood essential oil is known for its tranquilizing and soothing effects.

The botanical name for Cedarwood is Cedrus atlantica.

It is perhaps the first oil to have been extracted from plant.

In the bygone times, Cedarwood oil has been brought to extensive use by the Egyptians for varied purposes such as preserving mummies.

It is a fabulous antiseptic and expectorant.

Cedar Wood boasts of its rich woody spicy aroma.

For adding sensuality and setting the mood for love making, the best option is to give Cedarwood oil massage to your partner.

It will add a harmonizing, soporific and sedative effect to the atmosphere that is just apt to express your partner as to how special he/she is to you.

Cedarwood essential oil has a stimulating effect on the body and its application makes the person more zealous and enthusiastic.

Cedarwood aids in restoring and revitalizing the energy that is lost after having had a hectic work schedule.

It is sure to sooth each and every nerve of your body, thereby invigorating you completely.

It stabilizes the functioning of the body; therefore there is a sense of well being associated with it.

Cedarwood oil not just provides relaxation to the body, but also to the mind. It takes the charge of alleviating stress that has caused energy loss.

Talking about the health benefits of Cedarwood essential oil, it has proved to be of great use in treating many diseases such as arthritis, cystitis, cellulite, bronchitis, dandruff, acne, eczema etc.

By soothing your mind, it enhances your concentration, thereby enabling you to perform your tasks in a better manner.

When you are able to clearly focus on your priorities, it mitigates confusion and keeps away anxiety, fear and nervous tension.

What is acne?

Acne is the most common disorder of the skin. Mild acne is characterized by pimples as well as blackheads, usually found on the face, back and neck.

More severe cases are extremely painful, causing enlarged pores and leaving lasting impressions of scarred skin. Generally acne is caused by a natural overproduction of sebum, which helps to protect the skin.

Women using birth control pills can develop acne due to an imbalance of hormones. Alcohol and cigarettes also affect the skin as well as blood impurities that stem from a poor or unbalanced diet.

Always clean skin meticulously, an acne skin is very sensitive. Eat a well balanced diet, avoid fatty food and take plenty of exercise, especially in the out-of-doors.

Certain pure essential oil can be applied neat to individual marks - such as:

* Tea tree oil
* Lavender oil

This must however be done with great care, since neat oils can cause an allergic reaction.

Apply very sparingly at night after cleaning, using a cotton bud, and continue until the mark/spot has completely disappeared.

Treatment oil for acne

A facial treatment oil can also be made by using a suitable carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, and adding:

* Benzoin
* Cedarwood
* German chamomile
* Geranium
* Lavender
* Lemongrass
* Tea tree oil

The inclusion of the essential oils listed above must NOT EXCEED a 2% dilution.

Some skins may not react well to a treatment oil, but some people have reported very good results.

Burners and vaporizers - In vapor therapy, cedarwood oil can be used for arthritis, bronchitis, rheumatism, respiratory problems, as a general tonic and as an insect repellant.

Topical application - massage, compress, bath, douche, skin care.

Blended massage oil or in the bath - Cedarwood can be used in a blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath to assist with asthma, bronchitis, respiratory problems, catarrh, cystitis, painful joints, oily skin and dandruff. Care must be taken that it does not cause irritation to the mucus membranes.

Inhalation - direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vapouriser.

In a cream - When diluted in a cream, cedarwood oil is of great value to combat oily skin and related problems, as well as dermatitis and psoriasis, while bringing relief to the scalp from dandruff.

Blends well with - Bergamot, cypress, frankincense, juniper, lavender, lemon, lime, neroli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood and vetiver.

Subtle Aromatherapy - Virginian cedarwood can assist an individual to take a negative or
threatening situation and transform it into an experience from which strength and wisdom can be derived.