Cedar, Himalayan (Cedrus deodara) wild harvest from India

Cedarwood has been associated with strength and nobility from time immemorial. The Latin name for Cedarwood ‘cedrus’ is derived from the Arabic ‘kedron’ which means ‘power.’ In the ancient Middle East, the Cedars of Lebanon were greatly prized for their strength and ability to repel insects. The Temple of Solomon was said to be built of Cedarwood. The ancient Egyptians used the wood for their furniture, boats, and coffins. Cedar oil was one of the elements used in mummification as well. The ancient Teutonic tribes associated Cedar with the powerful Odin, god of storms, magic, and the harvest.

Although the biblical Cedars of Lebanon do not exist anymore, a similar species is Himalayan Cedarwood. This essential oil contains the chemicals caryophyllene, cedrol, a-cedrene, b-cedrene, and widdrol among others.

Cedarwood essential oil is often used for its warming, drying properties. It is helpful for respiratory ailments including bronchitis. Like many essential oils, it is antiseptic and antispasmodic, easing coughing and drying out mucous for congested lungs.

This familiar-smelling essential oil (pencils are made from Cedarwood) has a strong effect on the urinary tract. It is a diuretic and an antifungal. It tones the kidneys and bladder, and can be used for urinary tract infections. The best way to do this is to take a sitz bath. A sitz bath is a shallow bath intended to heal the urinary and/or reproductive organs. Preparing a sitz bath is very easy. Simply run a shallow (hip level),warm (not hot) bath, add about 5 drops of essential oil, and swirl the water with your hand to distribute the oil evenly. Then sit in the oil-infused water for at least 10 minutes. A sitz bath with Cedarwood oil can be effective for urinary tract infections, as well as Candida, especially when a drop or two of Lavender and/or Tea Tree is added. Baths with Cedar and Lemon are helpful for reducing cellulite and toning lymph as well.

Essential oil of Cedarwood can be used in preparations for oily skin, dandruff, and hair loss. It tones the scalp and cleans the hair follicles.

Emotionally and spiritually, Cedarwood is an extremely fortifying oil. It can ground the spirit and open the mind, allowing us to feel balance, strength, and certainty. Cedarwood seems to bolster the ego; banishing fear, anger, and anxiety. It reinforces the will and raises confidence levels, giving us the energy we need to weather a crisis.

Here at Kamala's Own, we use Cedarwood essential oil as an ingredient in our Grounding, Courage, and Odin blends, among others.

Always dilute your essential oils in an unscented carrier oil like Sesame or Jojoba. Do not take essential oils internally. Always store essential oils out of heat and sunlight. Keep essential oils away from children and pregnant women.

All information in this description is copyright Kamala’s Own LLC. Please ask for permission to reprint it. This description is not medical advice and the information herein comes from personal experience, research, and folklore. If you believe you are ill, consult an M.D. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any medical condition. Nothing here has been evaluated by the FDA.