Aromatherapy is the practice of burning essential oils to help achieve emotional states and as an alternative health practice. One essential oil that is said to help with health is cedarwood oil.
Overview of cedarwood oil
Cedarwood oil is known as Juniperus virginiana. It is extracted from the wood of the red cedar tree. To extract the cedarwood oil, wood chips and sawdust from the cedar tree are subjected to a regime of steaming and cooling, to achieve condensation. The chemical composition of cedarwood oil is made up of a and b-cedrene, thujopsene, cedrol, widdrol and other sesquiterpenes. It is described as having a pencil-like smell and is a pale yellow to orange in colour.
History of cedarwood oil
The cedar tree grows abundantly in North America and can reach heights of close to 100 feet. The tree can live up to 1,000 years. The legend is that the cedar tree was used by Solomon to build the Temple of Jerusalem.
The Egyptians used the oil extensively in their culture. Cedarwood was used when mummifying the dead, was found in cosmetics and used, like citronella, as an insect repellent. Native Americans used cedarwood oil for spiritual purposes and in medicine.
Therapeutic uses of cedarwood oil
Cedarwood oil is used in the treatment of itching conditions such as dandruff, acne, and itchy skin. It also is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections and for chest conditions. Its most common use is as a sedative, as it has properties to help soothe nerves and calm people. Cedarwood oil is also used as a dietary aid. When using cedarwood oil, the user will experience frequent urination, which leads to excess toxins being flushed from the body.
Application Techniques
Cedarwood oil is generally applied in one of three ways, depending on what is being treated. Using a vaporizer, the oil can be used in the treatment of chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and also interestingly enough as an insect repellent.
The oil can also be mixed with water and sprayed directly onto the skin, and it will act as insect repellent. When applied as a massage oil or in a hot bath, it benefits arthritis sufferers, respiratory chest infections, joint pain, and skin conditions like dandruff, acne, and oily skin. When applied as a cream, cedarwood oil is good for treating dandruff, psoriasis, dermatitis and oily skin.
Cedarwood oil blends well with jasmine, juniper, geranium, lavender, rose, rosemary, chamomile and frankincense.
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