Cedarwood oil

Common Name:  Cedarwood oil

Botanical Name:  Juniperus virginiana

Other Names:  Atlas Cedarwood, Atlantic Cedar, African Cedar, Libanol.

Introduction

The scientific name of the Cedarwood plant is Juniperus virginiana, belonging to the Cupressaceae family. Cedarwood oil has a woody smell with a faint sandalwood undertone. This viscous oil is light orange to pale yellow in color. The Cedarwood tree is a North American native that can grow up to 30 meters and can be as old as 1000 years! The temple in Jerusalem built by King Solomon was by Cedarwood. The oil is extracted from the steam distillation of the sawdust and wood chips and produces about 35% yield. The key chemical components of the oil are a-cedrene, b-cedrene, thujopsene etc. 

Use of Cedarwood oil

Aromatherapy: The oil can be used for bronchitis, and respiratory problems when taken in as vapor. It is also used as aromatherapy massage oil. It has a soothing effect on mind and helps in the relief of stress and nervous tensions. It is also successfully used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism.

Medical uses: Besides the above-mentioned uses, cedarwood oil is also beneficial for the treatment of skin infections and sexual diseases like gonorrhea. It has been found very useful in the skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It is also beneficial for preventing hair loss, and in encountering diseases like TB and other lung infections.

It is sometimes used as a food preservative. However, high exposure to this oil can cause pulmonary and liver toxicity. 

Other uses: Cedarwood oil was one of the active ingredients that the ancient Egyptians used for embalming their dead.