Aromatherapy Properties
One of the most popular uses of cedarwood is in aromatherapy. The sweet, woody aroma of cedar has been used for centuries to impart both physical and emotional benefits.
Promotes Relaxation
The comforting scent of cedarwood is known for its ability to promote tranquility and relieve stress. Inhaling cedarwood essential oil triggers the release of serotonin in the brain which boosts moods while also reducing anxiety. Placing a few drops of oil onto a cloth or tissue and breathing deeply can quickly calm the mind when feeling tense.
Diffusing cedarwood at home or work creates a pleasant environment that melts away worries.
Eases Respiratory Issues
Cedarwood oil can provide relief for certain respiratory conditions thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. The aroma helps open airways making it easier to breathe. For sinus congestion, dilute oil and rub onto chest or add to a vaporizer.
Cedarwood can also minimize asthmatic reactions when inhaled directly.
Improves Focus
The earthy scent of cedarwood is mentally stimulating, enhancing concentration and improving focus. Keep a vial of oil at your workspace and take a whiff when you need an energy or productivity boost. Add it to your diffuser blends when studying or doing mentally demanding tasks. The sharpening effect can increase alertness and retention.
Promotes Sleep
While invigorating in smaller amounts, more concentrated cedarwood aroma brings on feelings of drowsiness. Placing a few drops onto a pillow or diffusing near your bed promotes restfulness and a good night's sleep. The soothing qualities encourage the body and mind to power down after an active day.
Skin Care
Cedarwood oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it useful in natural skin care. It can reduce acne breakouts, treat eczema, and improve inflammatory skin conditions when applied topically.
The aroma also has a calming effect that decreases stress-related skin issues.
Health and Medicinal Uses
Beyond just its pleasant scent, cedarwood provides a number of potential health benefits thanks to its active organic compounds and oils. Some key ways cedarwood can improve wellness:
Reduces Arthritis Pain
Cedarwood essential oil is an anti-inflammatory that can alleviate the joint pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis when massaged into the skin. It also boosts circulation which provides additional relief for tender joints.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Inhaling cedarwood triggers the release of dopamine which in turn relaxes artery walls and brings down high blood pressure. The calming effect also slows down heart rate leading to lower overall stress on the cardiovascular system.
Improves Dental Health
Chewing on cedarwood sticks or using toothpaste with added oil helps eliminate bacteria in the mouth that cause plaque buildup and decay. Cedarwood's antimicrobial compounds protect gums and clear up oral infections.
Aids Digestion
Cedarwood has carminative properties that help relieve uncomfortable gas and bloating in the intestines. It also reduces cramping, stomach spasms, and other signs of indigestion. Drink cedarwood tea or rub diluted oil over your stomach to aid digestion.
Balances Hormones
The emmenagogue qualities of cedarwood oil bring on menstruation in women by stimulating the production of estrogen and progesterone. This makes cedarwood useful for relieving PMS symptoms and mood swings associated with hormonal fluctuations.
Kills Harmful Microbes
Cedarwood oil contains potent antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and insecticidal compounds that destroy or deter harmful microorganisms. Applying it topically protects against infections while inhaling it combats airborne bacteria and viruses.
Around the Home
Aside from the many health benefits, cedarwood also has a number of practical uses around the house thanks to its sturdy wood and pleasant aroma.
Natural Pest Control
Cedarwood oil disrupts the pheromone trails insects use to communicate and breed. Placing it around the perimeter of your home and gardens repels invading bugs. Chests and closets lined with cedar planks ward off moths.
Long-Lasting Furniture
Cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insect damage thanks to its protective oils. Outdoor furniture and fixtures crafted from cedar hold up well in any weather. It's also perfect for lining closets, chests, and storage trunks.
Pet Odour Eliminator
Cedar's refreshing woody notes overpower foul odours from litter boxes, accidents, and musty basements. Place cedar blocks in pet areas or spritz cedarwood oil mixed with water wherever smells arise. It also deters bugs that pets can bring indoors.
Fire-Safe Material
Cedar has a very high ignition temperature and is naturally flame retardant. It's perfect for flue pipes, chests, and outdoor fixtures where sparks may occur. The oils also self-extinguish minor flames and coal embers.
Sachets and Potpourri
Small cedar blocks or wood shavings add pleasant aroma to drawers, closets, and linen chests. Cedar mixes well with other herbs and essential oils to create custom potpourri blends.
Biological Insect Control
The Thuja tree that cedarwood comes from serves as a host plant for insects that prey on plant pests like aphids and scale. Interplanting cedar trees helps establish populations of beneficial predators.
Cedarwood Varieties
There are several different types of cedar trees used to produce cedarwood oil, each with its own distinct aromatic properties:
Atlas Cedarwood
Atlas cedarwood comes from trees native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Warm, woody notes make it excellent for relaxation blends. It also has high levels of sesquiterpenes which boost other oils.
Texas Cedarwood
Texas cedarwood has a bold, masculine fragrance. It contains more cedrol than other varieties giving it enhanced antifungal action. Texas cedarwood promotes focus and vitality.
Yellow Cedarwood
Yellow cedar from Alaska has a clean, refreshing scent. It blends well with citrus and floral oils. Yellow cedar improves mental clarity while also easing anxiousness.
Himalayan Cedarwood
Himalayan cedarwood is steam distilled from old growth trees in the mountains. Deep, rich notes relax the body while stimulating the mind. It also contains grounding alpha-cedrene.
Virginia Cedarwood
Virginia cedarwood comes from younger trees, giving it a brighter, grassier aroma. It relieves respiratory issues and also repels flying insects. The cost is lower than aged varieties.
Chinese Cedarwood
Chinese cedar has intense woody notes with subtle backdrops of spice and smoke. It deeply relaxes the nervous system. Chinese cedarwood also naturally repels snakes.
No matter which variety you choose, cedarwood is an aromatic treasure with an array of uses beyond basic moth prevention. Keep enjoying the benefits of natural cedarwood oil and lumber in your home.
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