Cedar Wood Oil
Cedar Wood oil is extracted from Cedar tree. This tree is a member of the Cupressaceae family. Cedar tree is indigenous to North America. This tree grows up to a maximum height of 30 meters. Cedar is a long living tree and lives up to 1000 years. These conical shaped trees have pencil-like smell. This faint smell has a slight similarity to that of sandalwood. Cedar wood is soft and pale yellow to light orange in color. The leaves are dense and needle-shaped. These leaves spread into four angles in all directions. Cedar leaves are bluish-green or silvery-blue in color. The yellow flowers bloom at the tip of the leaves. The trunks are split and bear branches that are spread across. The bark of this tree is reddish brown in color. Cedar wood oil is extracted from the pieces of wood of this tree. This oil is extracted using steam distillation method. Cedar oil has a spicy aroma. The first essential oil of cedar was extracted from the Lebanon cedar tree and this oil is extremely scarce due to over use. Cedar trees are also used for ornamental and decorative purposes.
Latin name: Juniperus virginiana
Alternative names: Virginian, Red Cedar, Cedrus Doedara, Bedford Cedarwood, Eastern Red Cedar, Southern red cedar, Cedrus Atlantica, Cedrus Libani.
Cedar woods are very strong and it is been said that Solomon used these woods to build the Jerusalem temple. These woods are also used for construction purposes, making pencils, boats, baskets, bowls, blankets, capes, boxes and weapons. Cedar trees are generally found growing in the mountainous areas. The fertile growth of these trees is supported by abundant rainfall and moist soil. Cedar is usually a tree that grows in high altitudes and cold climatic conditions. Cedar oil contains Beta Cedrene, Thujopsene, Sesquiterpenes, Alpha Cedrene, cedrol and widdrol. This oil is said to have emenagogue, antiseptic, tonic, fungicide, anti-seborrhoeic, sedative, antispasmodic, astringent, expectorant, diuretic and insecticide properties.
Uses: Cedarwood oil is often used in stimulating metabolism and enhancing the function of skin, digestive system, nervous system, brain, muscles and the total system of the human body. This oil calms the muscles and soothes nerves. Respiratory problems, headaches, cough, cold, red and watery eyes, skin inflammations, wounds, infections and toothaches are also treated with the curative benefits of cedarwood oil. Cedar wood oil helps treat obesity, gum problems, hypertension, rheumatism, gout and infections of the urinary system. This oil also helps in tightening loosened muscles, strengthening gums and supporting a healthy system.
