Welcome to our in-depth exploration of one of nature's most captivating gifts - Cedarwood essential oil.
Known for its remarkable therapeutic properties and soothing aroma, this versatile oil has been cherished for centuries. In this article, we will unveil a wealth of information about Cedarwood essential oil, including its origins, its numerous benefits, and the most effective ways to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Origins and Composition:
Young Living's Cedarwood essential oil is steam distilled from the bark of Cedrus atlantica, a close relative to the biblical Cedars of Lebanon, or Cedrus libani. Historically used by the ancient Egyptians in ceremonial rites, this variety of cedarwood is now grown primarily in Morocco, a majestic cedar tree, belonging to the Pinaceae family. Native to the cold climates of Morocco, North America, and the Himalayas, these towering evergreen trees carry a sense of strength, resilience, and grounding. The oil's composition typically includes cedrol, cedrene, widdrol, and a host of other beneficial compounds, making it a true powerhouse in the world of essential oils.
KEY CONSTITUENTS
Constituents are naturally occurring compounds in plants (and therefore essential oils) that give them sprecic health-supporting properties.
All three of the key constituents found in Cedarwood are sesquiterpenes. In fact Cedarwood is 98% sesquiterpenes, the oil with the highest amount!
Alpha-himachalene, Beta-himachalene, Gamma-himachalene: These compounds stimulate the limbic system of the brain, help lower brain waves from overly active to focused or from focused to meditative, help elevate the mood and calm the body.
Sesquiterpenes are a powerful tool! They help with oxygenating the pineal and pituitary glands, which are responsible for producing hormones related to sleep and stress. Sesquiterpenes also stimulate Beta Wave production in the brain, which helps with focus. When we are performing a difficult task or working on a problem, our brain increases the amount of beta waves. Sesquiterpenes stimulate and support that natural production and therefore ability to focus. These compounds also help delete negative information in the cellular memory, making them extremely helpful tools when experiencing or processing trauma of any kind (chemical, medical, physical, emotional, relational).
Benefits and Uses:
Enhancing Relaxation and Promoting Sleep:
Cedarwood was traditionally used for cleansing rituals, both physical and emotional. The Chinese, Sumerians and Egyptians used oil of cedarwood for embalming, disinfecting, hygienic, and other purposes more than 5,000 years ago and it was mentioned on a Babylonian tablet dated 1800 B.C. for multiple uses.
Cedarwood essential oil is renowned for its calming and soothing properties, offering a serene escape from the demands of everyday life. Diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically, it can create a massage oil that promotes relaxation and relieves muscle tension. Incorporating a few drops into an evening diffuser blend can help create a peaceful environment, aiding in restful sleep.
Because Cedarwood is extremely high in sesquiterpenes, it is a great tool for focus. Remember, sesquiterpenes are naturally occurring molecules in essential oils that deliver oxygen molecules to cells, just like hemoglobin does to the blood. Sesquiterpene compounds stimulate the limbic system of the brain, in turn elevating our mood and calming the body. A simple way to maximize this effect is to apply Cedarwood to the brainstem to support focus.
A study on essential oils and focus by Dr. Terry Friedmann found a 32% improvement in mental focus in children inhaling Vetiver, similar results in the Cedarwood group, and no changes in the Lavender group. The study was done using EGG testing of brain waves while administering the TOVA mental focus test. He had an unmedicated “low focus” group and a control group and administered the oils Vetiver, Cedarwood, and Lavender by having children inhale the oil deeply three times separately over the course of 30 days.
Other sesquiterpene rich oils:
- Vetiver 97%
- Spikenard 93%
- Sandalwood 90%
Some essential oils are especially good for opening up the emotional centers of our brain. This is an opening to address subconscious memories and unresolved feelings that affect our health! Cedarwood helps us deal with these repetitive program glitches in our nervous system while also calming the mind and making our thinking more productive. Like the sprawling evergreen tree that this oil comes from, Cedarwood's scent helps us to mentally and emotionally branch out, connecting and expanding our thoughts.
Nourishing and Strengthening Hair:
Bring life back to lackluster hair with Cedarwood essential oil. When added to your shampoo or conditioner, this oil can help promote thick and healthy-looking locks. It supports a balanced scalp and may help reduce dryness and split ends. Consider blending it with other beneficial oils like Rosemary or Lavender for an extra hair-loving boost!
Skin Care Marvel:
Cedarwood essential oil has long been used to address a variety of skin concerns. Dilute a few drops with a carrier oil like Coconut oil and apply topically to soothe minor skin irritations, such as insect bites or dryness. Its astringent properties make it an excellent choice for oily or blemish-prone skin. Add it to your skincare routine to experience its rejuvenating effects.
Supporting Respiratory Health:
Inhaling the calming aroma of Cedarwood essential oil can provide respiratory support, particularly during times when environmental threats are prevalent. Diffusing this oil may help clear the airways and create an atmosphere of purification and tranquility.
Daily Habits & Recipes with Cedarwood:
- Cedarwood makes a great cologne when paired with spruce oils:
- 10mL roller
- 15 drops Cedarwood
- 10 drops each Idaho Blue Spruce, Bergamot, Tangerine
- Fill with carrier
- Apply to the base of the brain stem for promoting focus and make a special roller for homework time.
- Combine with Lavender Lotion for nighttime leg troubles.
- Make this incredible DIY Hand Salve for soothing winter skin (not just hands!)
- ½ cup cold pressed organic olive oil (or 1 cup if not using arnica oil)
- ½ cup organic arnica oil
- 1 Tbsp shea butter
- 2 Tbsp unrefined extra virgin coconut oil
- 3-4 Tbsp beeswax pastilles
- 30 drops essential oils: Cedarwood, Frankincense, Lavender, Patchouli
- Using a double boiler, place several inches of water in the bottom and place a bowl or pan on top. Turn the heat to low-medium and add the olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil & beeswax and allow it to melt, stirring gently.
- Remove the bowl from the double boiler. Add Vitamin E oil and essential oils.
- Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to cool but not harden, then pour into the small containers.
- Essential oils to add for a masculine scent: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Idaho Blue Spruce
- Make this Winter Skin Bath Soak! Adding oatmeal to the bath is helpful for more acute skin needs, especially for children.
- 1 cup organic oats, ground
- ¼ cup organic powdered milk (or coconut milk) (or goat milk)
- 1 Tbsp liquid castile soap
- 2 tsp Vitamin E oil
- 15 drops Cedarwood
- 5 drops Lavender
- (Optional) 5 drops Frankincense or Helichrysum
- Sit and soak for 30 minutes or as long as desired.
- Make this nourishing DIY Goat Milk Soap:
- 2lb melt and pour soap base
- ½ cup powdered goat milk
- 2 Tbsp organic raw honey
- 1 Tbsp sweet almond oil
- 60 drops essential oils (Cedarwood, Lavender, Rosemary is a great combo!)
- Soap molds
- Chop soap base into cubes and melt using a double boiler. Whisk in all remaining ingredients and pour into soap molds. Option to add dried flowers. Let sit overnight
- Give your skin and your joints some love with this Soothing ACV Bath Soak:
- ¼ cup magnesium flakes
- ¼ cup organic oats, ground
- 2 Tbsp sweet almond oil
- 10 drops each Cedarwood, Lavender
- Mix together and add to bath water. Then add ¼ cup ACV to the water and gently mix.
- Make your own (effective) deodorant with this Natural Deodorant Spray recipe:
- 4 oz glass mister bottle
- 3 Tbsp grain alcohol
- 1 Tbsp witch hazel
- 1 Tbsp water
- ½ tsp glycerin
- 20 drops Cedarwood (or other essential oil)
- Optional: 10 drops Tea Tree
- Combine all ingredients and shake well.
- To use, spritz two sprays under arms as desired.
- Create mermaid-inspired waves in your hair with this Leave In Mermaid Hair Spritz:
- 3 Tbsp alcohol free witch hazel
- 1 tsp hemp seed oil (this is a veggie oil not an essential oil!)
- 5 drops each: Cedarwood, Lavender, Rosemary
- Add ingredients in a 4 oz spray bottle
- Fill the rest (mostly!) with distilled water
- Shake before use, and spritz then comb through to deeply nourish wet hair
- Make a simple cuticle oil! This also makes a great gift and pairs well with the Gardener's Hand Salve:
- DIY Roll-on Cuticle Oil
- 1½ teaspoons V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex
- 10 drops Cedarwood essential oil
- 5 drops Frankincense essential oil
- Add all the above to an empty 15 ml essential oil bottle and add an AromaGlide Roller Fitment. Roll onto your cuticles anytime, anywhere.
- Make a Focus Roller to use during work, homework, school, meetings or anytime to help focus the mind:
- To a 10mL roller bottle add:
- 15 drops Frankincense
- 10 drops Cedarwood
- 5 drops Peppermint
- Fill with a carrier of choice. Apply over the heart, back of the neck, on the wrists liberally and frequently.
- Make a Sweet Dreams sleep roller:
- 20 drops each Lavender, Cedarwood
- Optional: 10 drops Frankincense
- Fill with carrier oil of choice
- Apply over to the big toe, bottom of the feet, neck and behind ears before bed or more frequently as desired.
- Make these Sweet Dreams Bath Salts to use before bedtime (great for helping kids wind down as well!)
- 1 cup magnesium flakes
- ½ cup epsom salts
- 10 drops Cedarwood essential oil
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
- Add to a glass jar and mix well.
DIFFUSE
Diffuse this woodsy oil to support focus, calm the atmosphere and bring a sense of serenity to your home:
- Sweet Dreams: 5 drops Cedarwood, 4 drops Lavender, 3 drops Frankincense
- Calm & Collected: 4 drops each Cedarwood, Peppermint, Lemon
- Enchanted Forest: 4 drops Cedarwood, 3 drops Ylang Ylang, 3 drops Vanilla, 2 drops Idaho Blue Spruce
- Grounded & Grateful: 3 drops each Cedarwood, Patchouli, Tangerine, Northern Lights Black Spruce
- Let it Go: 4 drops each Cedarwood, Lavender, Vetiver
- Summer Camp: 4 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce, 3 drops Cedarwood, 4 drops Tangerine
Best Practices and Safety Considerations:
Remember, it is essential to handle Cedarwood essential oil with care. Always dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin, and conduct a patch test on a small area to ensure there is no adverse reaction. When using Cedarwood oil for young children or the elderly, consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified aromatherapist before use.
Cedarwood essential oil has captivated humanity for centuries, offering an array of benefits that promote wellness and balance. Whether you seek a peaceful night's sleep or want to achieve vibrant, healthy hair and skin, this oil can be an invaluable addition to your daily routine. So, why not allow the enchanting fragrance of Cedarwood to infuse your life with tranquility and vitality? Explore its wonders and experience the unparalleled benefits that only Young Living's Cedarwood essential oil can provide.
TESTIMONIES
- This oil has really helped to support our son with sensory and speech difficulties. - Alicia D.
- This is one I won't be without... Diffuse almost daily, use a drop or two in my shampoo, I've made a Mirah oil to spray on hair, and there's more uses I didn't know about above. Love, love, love it. - Judy D.
- I diffuse it every night with lavender and it's been a game changer for sleep! I also put it in my DIY dry shampoo. - Olivia M.
- I have used this oil alone in a pillow spray. I also diffuse it with several other oils in the bedroom to help me sleep - Cedarwood, Peace and Calming, Stress away, Lavender, Sandalwood. - Gail V.
- One of our favorites for hair and sleep! - Marie V.
- L O V E this oil. I sleep so soundly with it! - Robin C.
- I use this oil in a spray bottle mixed with water and spray it on my scalp after my shower. I have also started applying it to my forehead for emotional balance. - Tami S.
Note: Please remember to consult a healthcare professional before embarking on any new wellness or aromatherapy routine.
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