Cedarwood Oil Benefits

Cedarwood oil is a light yellow to orange-colored viscous oil, which is extracted from the wood chips and sawdust of the cedarwood tree. There are basically two types of cedarwood trees which are used for extracting this oil. One is the evergreen tree Cedrus atlantica, which is known as the true cedar, and the other is the Juniperus virginiana, which is popularly known as red cedar. However, in ancient times, it was the Lebanon cedar which was employed for this purpose. The wood chips and sawdust of these trees are steam distilled to extract the cedarwood essential oil.

Uses of Cedarwood Oil: Ancient and Modern Times
Cedarwood was of immense importance to the ancient world. It was the oil used by the ancient Egyptians for embalming the dead bodies during mummification, while for the ancient Sumerian, it was the base for paint. Like Egyptians, the Greek too used this oil for preserving bodies. On the other hand, the Asian countries seemed to be aware of its therapeutic benefits since a long time, as it was used for treating urinary tract infection and infection of the respiratory tract.

In Tibet, this oil is still a part of traditional medicine, and also used as incense in the temples. In the modern world, it have found applications as a bug repellent, sedative, expectorant, an ingredient in herbal antiseptic creams and an important aromatherapy oil. It is used for repelling fleas and other insects like, bugs, mosquitoes and moths.

Advantages of Using Cedarwood Essential Oil
It is an essential oil, with a soothing, woody and spicy aroma. It has detoxifying properties and is widely used along with other essential oils in aromatherapy. The sedative effect of the oil helps the body and the mind to relax. Due to this quality, it is considered to be very effective in reducing or relieving stress, anxiety, insomnia and depression. It provides significant relief in nasal and respiratory congestion, by helping to expel the phlegm and mucus from the lungs and the respiratory tract due to its expectorant quality.

This oil is known for many other therapeutic benefits due to its antiseptic, antispasmodic, fungicidal, anti seborrhoeic, astringent and emmenagogue properties. Due to its anti seborrhoeic properties, it can regulate sebum production and hence, can prove quite beneficial for oily skin and acne. The same property makes it an effective home remedy for another condition, known as seborrhea or seborrheic eczema, caused by the excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands. This oil can also be used for minor cuts or wound, as it is a natural antiseptic.

Many people who have used it for hair, have experienced considerable reduction in hair fall, and premature graying of hair. The individuals with dandruff can also benefit from it. For women, it can ensure regular menstruation, and relieve the discomforts like, nausea and fatigue, that usually accompany menstruation. Apart from these cedarwood benefits, the oil can improve overall health by improving metabolism, and promoting the functions of the digestive and nervous systems. Other important benefits include, relieving toothache, dermatitis, skin rash, arthritis, spasms of the respiratory system, bronchitis, spasms of the muscle, kidney disorders, hypertension, cystitis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

No doubt, that with so many health benefits, cedarwood oil has found a wide range of applications in human society since ancient times. However, it should not be taken internally without consulting an appropriate health professional. Generally, essential oils are applied on the skin along with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. If used in higher concentration, it can cause skin irritation. Therefore, it has to be used with appropriate care and in the required amount under the guidance of a health care provider. However, breastfeeding as well the pregnant women are generally advised to avoid this oil.