Cedarwood Essential Oil Botanical Name Virginia Silky Scents is the Global Leader of High Quality 100% Pure Certified Essential Oils, Organic Handmade Soaps, Pure Face Clays, Mud Masks, & more direct from farms and distilleries all around the world! Backing our High-Quality Essential Oils with Testing including GCMS, SDS, and COA Sheets. The use of natural essential oils for aromatherapy is an ancient and time-honored tradition that’s been enhancing moods and lifting spirits for thousands of years. Essential oils are liquid plant essences that are genuine reflections of the botanicals from which they’re born. Ingredients consist of 100% pure cedarwood oil only, created through a natural distillation process, offering the purest and most potent natural essential oil available. Natural essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used with care. For deep breathing, try Breathe Deep Blend: Add 1 drop each of cedarwood oil and pine oil, along with 5 drops each of eucalyptus oil and hyssop oil to a diffuser and enjoy.

 

This essential oil is unique and rare which is steam distilled from the leaves of the Western red cedar tree. It was used for thousands of years by the people of the Pacific Northwest. Western red cedar essential oil is used to nourish hair, skin due to the presence of high content of ketones. It possesses a strong aroma that helps to enhance meditation. The term plicata was derived from a Latin word ‘policy’ which means fold together or folded. Additionally, it is a clear liquid that is mostly used for its disinfectant properties.

Western Red Cedar Essential Oil Facts

History

It is native to North America and is found widely in Pacific Northwest. Its natural habitats are stream banks and forest swamps. It has been naturalized in New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and Western Europe.

A GUIDE TO CEDARWOOD OIL VARIETIES & THEIR BENEFITS

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (ATLAS)

Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: Morocco

Believed to:

• Range in color from golden-yellow to brown
• Exude a strong aroma that is woody, sweet, slightly reminiscent of mothballs, and sharper than that of Virginian Cedarwood, makes it a popular component in perfumes and colognes
• Have grounding, calming, uplifting, and aphrodisiac effects on the mood as well as warming effects on the skin
• Be ideal for enhancing skin quality and addressing acne
• Be ideal for soothing respiratory ailments, such as coughs and bronchitis, as well as physical stress and inflammation
• Be ideal for naturally reducing hair loss and dandruff

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (CHINESE)

Botanical Name: Cupressus funebris

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: China

Believed to:

• Range in color from golden-yellow to brown
• Exude a strong aroma that is sharp, fresh, and camphoraceous
• Be ideal for easing muscular aches and pain, for removing warts, and for soothing skin-related complaints
• Contribute anti-inflammatory properties to natural product formulations

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (HIMALAYAN)

Botanical Name: Cedrus deodorant

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: India

Believed to:

• Also called Tibetan Cedarwood
• Range in color from yellow to brown
• Range in consistency from thin to viscous
• Exude a strong aroma that is dry, woody, slightly camphoraceous, and smoky
• Be commonly used for its stimulating quality, making it an ideal component in aphrodisiac blends
• Contribute anti-septic properties to natural product formulations

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (TEXAS)

Botanical Name: Juniperus ashei / mexicana

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: USA

Believed to:

• Be colorless or pale-yellow
• Exude a strong, sweet, balsamic, woody aroma that is similar to but softer than Virginian Cedarwood
• Be ideal for easing respiratory difficulties
• Contribute circulation-stimulating and oil-balancing properties to natural product formulations

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (VIRGINIAN)

Botanical Name: Juniperus virginiana

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: USA

Believed to:

• Range in color from pale-yellow to a shade of brown
• Exude a strong aroma that is sweet, woody, softer than that of Cedarwood Atlas, stronger than that of Cedarwood Texas, and sometimes reminiscent of Sandalwood
• Be ideal for easing stresses of the mind and nervous systems, such as anxiety and tenseness, and for facilitating easier breathing
• Contribute antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to natural product formulations, making it ideal for preparations that address conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema

CEDARWOOD ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OIL (ATLAS)

Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from wood

Country of Origin: Morocco

Believed to:

• Range in color from golden-yellow to brown
• Exude a strong aroma that is woody, sweet, slightly reminiscent of mothballs, and sharper than Virginian Cedarwood
• Be ideal for enhancing skin quality and addressing acne
• Be ideal for soothing respiratory ailments, such as coughs and bronchitis, as well as physical stress and inflammation
• Be ideal for naturally reducing hair loss and dandruff

Health Benefits

Anti-Rheumatic

If you or someone that you know is suffering from rheumatism, it can be one of the most painful and difficult ailments to deal with. There are generally two separate causes for rheumatism, one of which is the deposition of uric acid in the joints and muscles. The other is obstructed or improper circulation of the fluid in the body – namely, lymph fluid and blood. Due to the stimulant nature of this oil, it’s perfect to treat the aches and pains that are associated with this condition. Just a few drops of the western red cedar in a carrier oil like jojoba, massaged into problem areas, will give you a sense of relief.

Oral Care

Its astringent properties are helpful in our mouths and can be used to strengthen our gums. If you notice that your gums are sore or bleeding, you should first examine your oral health care regimen. If that’s not as consistent and detailed as it should be, you need to get a handle on it. You can also incorporate essential oils that will help to strengthen your gums. Western red cedar is one of them. This oil’s astringent properties will help your gums to become tighter and stronger. This will prevent loose teeth and further damage.

Reduce Water Swelling

If you start to notice signs of swollen ankles, feet, hands or other parts of your body, you may be holding on to water unnecessarily. Western red cedar essential oil is a natural diuretic which means it increases the quantity and frequency of urination and flushes out the toxins that tend to accumulate and cause issues within the body. You can add a couple of drops to coconut oil and rub the mixture into the parts of your body that are retaining water.

Respiratory Issues

Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies that make your head a congested mess, or coughs and colds that make it difficult to breathe and concentrate, this is the essential oil for you. Western red cedar is a natural expectorant which means that it helps to expel and get rid of phlegm that tends to gather in the chest. The clearing of mucus that takes place will help you to find relief so that you won’t feel so congested and unable to take deep breaths. This oil will also help to stop the incessant coughing and pressure that sometimes seems to be endless.

Hair Treatment

Western Red Cedar Essential Oil can be used as a hair treatment for ailments such as the flaky scalp or dandruff-ridden hair. Simply apply the blend topically onto the scalp and leave it on for a set amount of time, after which make sure to wash the liquid off.

Disinfectant

This essential oil has properties that can kill bacteria and germs, which is why it tends to be a common ingredient in certain medicines. If you have a fungus or a bacterial problem, you might want to apply the essential oil to the affected area.

Stress Reliever and Antidepressant

The relaxing and aromatic scent of the Western Red Cedar Essential oil is great for those who suffer from intense stress and depression. A good way for said individuals to make use of this essential oil is by using it as an aromatic or diffusing it into a room.

Pain Reliever

Another great use of essential oil is a pain reliever. Simply apply it only to the affected area and the strength properties of the blend might just whisk your pain away.

Anti-inflammatory Agent

Another popular medical use of essential oil is to ease inflammation. In order to make use of this amazing property, simply apply the oil into the affected area (be sure to wash it off after use).

Cedarwood oil for hair loss

Alopecia areata is a disease that causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Cedarwood is one of several essential oils that may improve hair growth.

A small 1998 study reported in Archives of Dermatology indicated that people with alopecia areata experienced significant hair growth when given a daily scalp massage of cedarwood, thyme, rosemary, and lavender essential oils, along with a carrier oil. This mixture was applied directly to the scalp for a seven-month period.

Cedarwood oil for scalp conditions

Massaging your scalp with a mixture of cedarwood oil and a carrier oil may also help reduce and soothe an itchy, flaking scalp. This may make it beneficial for treating dandruff and scalp eczema. You can also try adding four to five drops of cedarwood oil directly into your shampoo or conditioner.

Cedarwood oil for skin

Cedarwood oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This may make it beneficial for skin conditions like acne.

One case study indicated that the addition of cedarwood oil to traditional acne treatments was helpful for alleviating and reducing stubborn breakouts. This finding is backed up by anecdotal evidence.

Try using cedarwood oil as an acne treatment by adding two or three drops to 5 teaspoons of non-comedogenic carrier oil and applying it to your skin for 20 minutes once or twice a week. You can also add a few drops of cedarwood essential oil to a facial scrub. Make sure to do a patch test first to ensure that you don’t have an allergic reaction. Cedarwood oil may also be beneficial for other skin conditions. For example, it may reduce the appearance of scars, treat minor wounds, alleviate arthritis pain, and soothe symptoms of eczema.

Cedarwood essential oil for sleep

When used as an aromatherapy treatment, cedarwood oil may have sedative qualities making it beneficial for alleviating occasional insomnia. Try using cedarwood oil as an aromatherapy treatment or add a few drops to a hot bath prior to going to bed.

Cedarwood oil for anxiety

According to an animal study reported in Physiology and Behavior. Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health, the cedrol in cedarwood oil may have a soothing effect on mood, making it beneficial for anxiety, and reducing stress.

Health Benefits of Western Red Cedar Essential Oil

• It is used to treat ringworm, athlete’s foot, chronic vaginitis, nail fungus, assist the urinary tract and respiratory system.
• It is useful for psoriasis, hair loss, alopecia, skin rashes, and rheumatism.
• It inhibits fungal and bacterial growth.
• Sweet Woodsy certified by Ecocert, our organic cedarwood essential oil carries a woody and earthy scent just like the cedarwood forests. With grounding smoky notes, this cedar tree oil boosts hair growth, relieves skin irritation, and protects your pets.
• Diffuse or Topical diffuse cedarwood essential oils to improve sleep quality. Blend essential oils cedarwood with carrier oils for topical use to soothe sensitive skin or apply on hair to improve natural growth.
• Steam distilled Cedarwood Texas oil is one of the best essential oils to nourish your skin deeply. Mix it with a carrier oil and apply on the skin as it is an effective nourishing agent and gives you a naturally healthier appearance.
•  Cedarwood Texas essential oil is extremely beneficial for massage & aromatherapy personal care formulations. It is the perfect oil for those times when you are feeling mentally & emotionally drained. Just add to your diffuser to combat stress and get relief from stress.
• SVA Organics is committed to providing our customers with high-quality authentic products that deliver an extraordinary experience. In a time when quality seems to be compromised by price by others, we are determined to be different and continue to offer the genuine quality we are known for. If you are ever unsatisfied with the quality of the product, you will receive a guaranteed full refund/replacement from us.
• Boost Hair Growth uses organic cedarwood oil for hair growth to stimulate scalp circulation and improve natural growth for longer, thicker hair. By using cedarwood oil essential, flaunt your fuller hair to your peers with overflowing confidence.
• Relieve Skin Irritation try essential oil cedarwood to soothe away redness, itchiness, and breakouts on the skin for a smooth, supple complexion. Feel confident again with your irresistible beauty by using cedar oil organic.
• Organic Ingredients Gya Lab’s cedarwood essential oil organic is harvested from Morocco and steam distilled to perfection. This cedarwood oil essential is perfect for aromatherapy with a diffuser, like cedarwood oil for skin, or use pure cedarwood essential oil organic for hair.
• Cedar oil spray is made from natural ingredients and smells great. This cedar spray gets rid of odors in a room instantly. Our cedar scented spray is the perfect solution for removing smells caused by pets, cigarettes, cooking, and other household odors.
• Cedar oil air freshener is incredibly simple to use. Simply spray our cedarwood air fresheners in any space and enjoy the fresh smell. Odors will be completely eliminated in a matter of seconds.
• This cedar oil spray is made from natural ingredients that are safe for your pets and your family, as well as the environment. This cedar essential oil spray is made of pure essential oils and is safe to be used around your pets and children.
• Cedar oil spray is not just cedar for closets, linen spray, or bathroom spray. This is also effective in fighting bad odors in the kitchen, living room, shoes, and more. Our cedar oil spray is also great as a cedar scented spray for cars, boats, and RVs. It’s the best cedar oil spray for your home and any spaces you need to deodorize. Our cedar oil spray is made of pure essential oils. The scent is gentle and not overpowering. Its soothing scent will help you relax and relieve stress.

Various applications of Western Red Cedar Wood

For centuries, it has been one of the most preferred types of wood to make longhouses, furniture, canoes, pergola trellis, and lots more. Even after thousands of years, western red cedar is still popularly used for outdoor structures, paneling, shingles, siding, fencing, furniture, musical instrument, and lots more. 

Here are some of the top benefits you can get while using Western Red Cedar Wood. 

Naturally beautiful 

 The western red cedar wood is attractive than many types of softwood. The tonal properties and the natural grains on the woods give the softwood an excellent finish. Therefore, the products made from this wood are undoubtedly beautiful. One of the best parts about this wood is that it is resin-free. Thus, different type of finish right from light stains to beautiful looking dark ones looks good on it. 

Naturally durable 

Western red cedar wood is naturally durable, and it is one of the reasons why it is commonly used for outdoor projects. One of the best things about it is that it does decay, shrink, crack and warp. Besides this, it contains oil that plays a pivotal role in keeping insects, termites, fungus, and bugs away. Moisture can make a timber twist, fluff, bow, and can eventually break it. As this wood has moisture-resistant properties, it protects and ensures the longevity of the wood. The average life of this wood is approximately thirty to forty years. If you can maintain it properly, then it can last long for many years.

Fire resistant 

One of the best benefits of the western red cedar wood is that it has fire-hazard prevention ability. Therefore, it is one of the most preferred types of wood for interiors. Moreover, it surpasses the minimum fire safety requirement as it meets the Building Code Level 3. This timber is also ideal for external use as it can withstand 12.5 levels of Bush fire, i.e., the second-lowest level. 

Environmentally friendly

The sustainability of any natural product will be anytime better than artificial materials. The best characteristic of the western red cedar wood is that it is biodegradable and recyclable. Thus, making it environmentally friendly. One least known ability of this wood is that it can reduce greenhouse gases. When burnt, this wood produces fewer toxins which are safe for the environment. It plays a crucial role in reducing air, soil, and water pollution compared to concrete, steel, or any other material. 

Acoustic properties 

Western red cedar wood has excellent acoustic properties as it can easily absorb and dissipate the sound coming from a room. Thus, it can give you much-needed privacy. When you use this wood for the exterior of your house, then it can prevent the sound coming from outside, thus keeping the inside nice and calm. The acoustic properties of this wood come because of its cellular structure. Therefore, it is one of the ideal options for any construction project that requires soundproofing. For instance, recording studios, auditoriums, banquet and conference halls, etc., can be made from this timber. 

Superior alternative 

Western red cedar wood is a superior alternative to resin or any plastic product because it is environmentally friendly. This type of wood is non-toxic as it does not require any chemical treatment, which many other types of wood require. 

Temperature resistant 

The temperature-resistant ability of the western red cedar wood has made it a popular choice to make sliding, roofing, and outdoor furniture. It is because it has a low-density wood with cell cavities in considerable proportion. The cell cavities contain air which is an efficient thermal insulator. Moreover, it is by far a better temperature-resistant alternative than steel, brick, and concrete. This timber does not absorb heat which can help you to keep your house cool. It reduces the usage of air conditioners that produces harmful greenhouse gases. 

Essential Oil 

The essential oil derived from the western red cedar wood has numerous benefits as it can help improve hair growth, scalp condition, reduce acne, insomnia, and others. The essential oil derived from this wood contains anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diuretic, and other properties that can promote various health benefits. Cedarwood oil can treat bacterial growth, nail fungus, alopecia, rheumatism, ringworm, and others. Moreover, the aroma of the cedarwood oil has a soothing effect on a person’s mood that helps to reduce stress, anxiety and allows the person to have a sound sleep. 

A Common and Useful Tree

Western red cedar is a widespread and popular tree in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It has been introduced to other parts of the world and is a useful as well as an interesting plant. It grows in both a wild and a cultivated form in Canada and the United States. It’s the official tree of British Columbia, where I live.

Historically, western red cedar (also known as western redcedar) was a very important plant for the indigenous or First Nations people who lived in the coastal area. In this article, I describe forty-two facts about the plant and the importance of the “tree of life” in the local culture. Unless otherwise stated, the photos of the tree were taken by me.

Leaves of the tree

The genus Thuja contains five species: the western and eastern red cedars native to North America and three species native to Asia. The members of the genus are often known as arborvitaes from the Latin words for tree of life.

Classification and Habitat

1. Western red cedar is not a true cedar. It has the scientific name Thuja plicata and belongs to the cypress family or the Cupressaceae. Cedars belong to the genus Cedrus and the pine family, or the Pinaceae.

2. To emphasize the plant’s real lineage, some people join the last two words of its name together and call it the western redcedar.

3. The tree is most strongly associated with damp and sometimes foggy coastal forests. It’s found from southern Alaska to Northern California. On the coast, it generally grows with Douglas fir and western hemlock.

4. A separate population of the tree can be found in damp areas in the interior of British Columbia. This population extends into Washington, Idaho, and Montana.

5. The plant is capable of growing in drier soil than is found in its coastal habitat and is sometimes seen at higher elevations.

Physical Features of the Plant

6. The bark of the western red cedar’s trunk is red-brown to grey. It tends to be brown when the trunk spends most of its time in the shade and grey when it’s often exposed to the sun.

7. The bark is fissured. When it’s mature, it can be pulled off in strips. First Nations people have made good use of these strips, as described below. (The First Nations are the indigenous people of British Columbia.)

8. The trunk is often buttressed at the base. A buttress root branches from a tree’s trunk above the ground and then extends into the ground. It provides extra support for the tree and sometimes extra nutrients as well.

The Bunya Pine: A Strange, Impressive, and Useful Tree

9. The normal branches of the red cedar trunk divide repeatedly to form ever-narrowing branchlets.

10. The terminal branchlets bear flat rows of leaves on either side in an arrangement called a spray. Each leaf is a small scale only 2 to 3 mm long.

11. The species name of the tree means “plaited”. The word likely refers to the complex arrangement of the leaf scales.

12. The leaves range from yellow-green to medium green in color, depending in part on the lighting conditions. They are a lighter shade of green on their undersurface, which sometimes has white markings.

13. A mature plant often has dead, orange leaves on the innermost part of its branches but can still look attractive due to the living leaves on the outermost part of the branches.

14. The tree is frequently conical but is sometimes irregularly shaped. It can reach a height of seventy meters.

The tree in my photos below emerges from the ground as one buttressed trunk but soon divides into two trunks. Western red cedars sometimes exhibit this characteristic, though the position of the division or divisions into different trunks varies.

Cones and Reproduction

15. The western red cedar is a conifer and therefore reproduces by cones. The female ones are known as seed cones and the male ones as pollen cones.

16. The seed cones are much bigger than the pollen ones. Both types of cones develop on the same tree and are woody in appearance when mature.

17. A pollen cone is about one to three millimeters long and is borne at the tip of a row of leaves. As its name suggests, it releases pollen grains.

18. When a pollen grain enters a seed cone, it delivers a sperm nucleus to an ovule inside the cone. Here the sperm fertilizes an egg cell and a seed is subsequently created.

19. Both the sperm and the egg are haploid, which means they have half the number of chromosomes found in the plant. When they join, they form a diploid zygote, which has the full number of chromosomes and becomes a new plant.

20. Each seed or female cone produces around three to six seeds on average. They have small wings and are distributed to new areas by the wind. Conifers don’t produce fruits. The seeds are released from the parent plant on their own.

21. Both self and cross-pollination occur in the western red cedar.

22. The plant is capable of vegetative reproduction. Fallen branches sometimes develop roots, for example.

Three Interesting Chemicals in the Tree

23. Thuja plicata contains three interesting chemicals (and probably many more that would be interesting to investigate). The wood contains lactic acid, which can provoke asthma and allergies in sensitive people. This can be a major problem for people who work with wood and is common enough to be considered an occupational hazard.

24. Plicatic acid can also provoke contact dermatitis, which is inflammation of the skin after touching a harmful substance. The condition generally involves redness and itching.

25. The plant contains a chemical called thujone, which produces a scent like a menthol when the leaves are rubbed or crushed. Some people say that the smell of the crushed leaves is more like pineapple, but it isn’t for me.

26. Thujone is used in some perfumes. The quantity of the chemical that’s used is often strictly limited because it can have harmful effects on the nervous system.

27. The wood contains a chemical called thujaplicin, which acts as a fungicide and a bactericide. This is one reason when the wood is often resistant to decay.

Historical Uses and Importance

28. In earlier times, the western red cedar had both a cultural and a spiritual significance for the people of the First Nations. It’s still valuable in their culture today.

29. Coast Salish people have a lovely legend about the creation of the tree. There once existed a good man who gave his belongings to people in need. When he died, the Creator created the western red cedar on top of his burial site so that the people could continue to receive what they needed.

30. The tree was once widely used by First Nations people, but the actual uses of the plant varied according to the culture of a specific group.

31. The wood of the tree was used to create totem poles, masks, canoes, paddles, spears, hooks for fishing, and longhouses. Fibres from the bark were used to create baskets, cords, ropes, and fishing nets.

32. Fibres from both the red and yellow cedar were used to weave clothing, hats, blankets, and mats.

33. The western red cedar was harvested with care. Only a section of bark was removed on a particular tree in order to keep it alive. Trees were cut down, but not excessively.

34. Traditionally, a prayer was said and the tree’s spirit thanked before it was cut

Modern Uses and Significance

35. Western red cedar timber has many uses in construction today. It’s valued for both its durability and its relatively lightweight.

36. The wood is used to build shingles for roofs, siding for homes, and indoor panels. In addition, it’s used to make decks and both indoor and outdoor furniture.

37. Wood from western red cedar is sometimes used to make the soundboard of guitars. The back and sides of the instruments are made of different wood, such as rosewood, mahogany, or wood that is more easily obtained. Some rosewood and mahogany species are experiencing problems at the moment.

38. Several parts of the tree were once used medicinally by First Nations people. Today oil is distilled from its leaves. As with other essential oils from plants, it’s very important to investigate effectiveness and safety before using the liquid for any purpose. It’s a concentrated substance when it’s first obtained. No part of the tree should be ingested until information about safe and harmful concentrations and amounts has been obtained from an authoritative source.

39. Researchers from the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University (another major university in the province) have found that the oil kills certain fungi and bacteria found in ventilation ducts of “sick buildings”. This is the term used for buildings that cause symptoms of ill health in the people who work there.

40. Wildlife also makes use of the tree. It’s an important source of food for deer, for example.

41. Bears, skunks, and raccoons build dens in cavities in the tree’s trunk.

42. In addition, the tree provides a good place for some birds to nest.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Do not use undiluted.
• Use it under the supervision of a health practitioner.
• It should be avoided during pregnancy.
• Perform a patch test before use.
• It should not be used internally.
• People having sensitive skin might get allergies.
• People with medications should consult the doctor for its use.

References

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