Cedarwood essential oil is said to be the first oil extracted from a plant. With a rich and woody aroma, cedarwood essential oil offers a variety of uses for mental and physical health. Here are a few of the most popular and well-researched medicinal properties and benefits of Cedarwood Oil.
Fungicide: Cedarwood Oil has good fungicidal properties and may be employed to cure fungal infections, both external and internal. Specific studies have shown the inhalation of cedarwood oil to protect the body against various types of food poisoning, as well as plant, animal, and human fungal pathogens!
Treat skin disorders: Cedarwood oil is often used to treat skin disorders because of its antiseptic and astringent properties. Cedarwood oil prevents wounds from becoming septic as well as protecting them from tetanus germs. It can safely be applied externally on wounds as an antiseptic, and it is even used as an ingredient in herbal antiseptic creams. Use it regularly as a skin therapy for acne, oily skin, eczema, wrinkles, and blemished skin.
Insect Repellent: Cedarwood oil has been in use as a mosquito and insect repellant for a long time. Mix 3-5 drops in 1 ounce of water in a small spray bottle and use as a natural insect repellent – be sure you avoid your eyes! It is regularly sprinkled on pillows or sheets at night so mosquitoes and other similarly irritating bugs and pests are driven away while you sleep.
Treat arthritis: Cedarwood oil is sometimes used to sooth pain and swelling caused by arthritis. For arthritis and rheumatism, add 2-3 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage into affected areas. Can also add 8-10 drops in bath water.
For respiratory system: Cedar oil is thought to ease the discomfort caused by cold and flu, such as cough and congestion. To make a steam bath, add boiling water to a bowl, cover with a towel. Have your cedarwood oil in hand, place your head into the towel over the bowl, add the oil to the water and inhale the vapours for at least 3-4 minutes. It clears out all of the phlegm in the chest and helps to breathe better, which also cuts down on the chance for bronchitis and pneumonia.
Nervine tonic: Cedarwood essential oil is a powerful nervine tonic, working to relax the entire nervous system. In aromatherapy, inhaling the aroma of cedar essential oil (or absorbing cedar essential oil through the skin) is thought to transmit messages to a brain region involved in controlling emotions. Known as the limbic system, this brain region also influences the nervous system. The aroma can induce the release of serotonin, which is converted into melatonin in the brain. Melatonin induces fatigue and calm, restorative sleep. For this reason, cedarwood aromatherapy is also recommended for people with chronic anxiety, stress, and depression, since it can relieve those conditions as well.
A Few Words of Caution: Cedarwood Essential Oil is safe for all ages. Diluting for those under 6 is always a good practice. Additionally, pregnant women should not use this. Used with care, Cedarwood Essential Oil can be of great use, but as is the case when using any essential oil, professional advice should be sought, if unfamiliar in the use of essential oils.
