MAIN Health Alternative Aromatherapy Cedarwood

The most common cedar tree used for aromatherapy is red cedar (Juniperus virginiana.) There are two other types of cedar trees, Texas cedarwood (Juniperus mexicana) and the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlanticus.) All three are members of the Pinaceae family.

Red cedar is native to North America; the Texas cedarwood is native to Mexico, southwestern U.S., and Central America. The Atlas cedar is named after the Atlas Mountains of North Africa where it grows. The Texas cedarwood is the smaller of the three growing only 21 feet tall. Both of the other cedar trees can reach amazing heights of 100 feet!

Ancient Egyptians used cedarwood oil in the embalming process. They also made sarcophagi from cedarwood and many of them are still in good condition some 3,000 years later.

Since cedarwood acted as an insect repellent, the Egyptians began using it to build furniture and ships. Every pharoah had a cedarwood barge of his own. Lining closets and drawers with cedarwood has been popular to ward off moths. Other medicinal uses were treating arthritis and interestingly enough some sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or venereal warts.

Cedarwood is an excellent expectorant. It helps to dislodge and dispel any mucus from the lungs. It helps tone the urinary tract so people with incontinence might benefit from using cedarwood oil. It also increases urination which helps flush out urinary tract infections. Massaging cedarwood oil into the feet may help clear up any athlete's foot or other skin rashes. The discomfort that is associated with backaches, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatism, and arthritis can all be relieved by rubbing cedarwood oil into the skin of the affected areas.

Because it stimulates circulation and releases wastes, cedarwood oil has also been recommended for diminishing the appearance of celluite. The same stimulating qualities help minimize hair loss or initiate hair growth when used in shampoo.

Emotionally, cedarwood oil restores confidence, can help with adjusting to a strange environment while its fragrance is good for calming down the body in general.

Precaution: cedarwood oil's stimulating properties might increase mentrual flow so if you are pregnant do not use cedarwood oil.

More about cedarwood oil around the Web:

Annie's Remedies - Cedarwood Oil

How Stuff Works - Cedarwood Oil

Organic Facts - Health Benefits of Cedarwood

Essential Oil Recipes - Cedarwood

Cedarwood Oil - Wikipedia

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This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.