Types of Cedar Oil

Cedar Tree

Cedar oil is derived from true cedar trees through a steam distillation process. There should be nothing added or taken away from the oil. The purity of the oil will depend on the principals used while growing the tree. There are also a number of false cedar oils. You cannot rely on the common name for the tree or for the oil. This is less of a concern when using cedar oil for fragrance purposes. When essential oils are used therapeutically, the origin becomes much more important.

True Cedar Oil

The only way to verify a true cedar oil is to know the scientific name of the tree. There are two true cedars used to make essential oils. They are Incense cedar (Cedrus deodara) and Himalayan cedar (Cedrus atlantica). Both true and false cedar oils contain an active constituent called cedrol. Some of the false cedar oils also contain thujone. True cedar oil is safer and used much more for therapeutic purposes.

Thujone

Cedar leaf oil is from an arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis). Thuja oil contains thujone, which must be used with caution. It is the same ingredient found in wormwood (Artemesia), which was used to make absinthe. Absinthe was banned due to its addictive properties and side affects when mixed with alcohol. Sage oil also contains thujone. There is a difference between using the leaves of sage in cooking and using thujone oil in high concentrations. It appears to be the amount used that makes thujone either safe or toxic.

Other Cedar Oils

Another false cedarwood oil is from the genus Chamaecyparis. This cedarwood is used strictly for aromatic purposes. Too little is known about its properties to release it for other uses. Cedar nut oil is pressed from the seeds of Siberian pine (Pinus siberica). It is a safe oil used for its nutritional value. The oil of (Juniper virginiana) is also called cedarwood oil. The juniper oils are safe and used therapeutically. They are rubbed into the skin to alleviate cellulite and edema.

Household Uses

Cedar chips and oils have long been used in dog bedding. Cedar oil repels fleas and acts as a deodorant. There has been controversy over the safety of cedar oil for pets. The true cedar oils used in moderation are safe for dogs. Since cats are slow to metabolize essential oils they can be harmful to their liver and kidneys. It is better to avoid using cedar oil for cats. Cedar oil will also repel moths and is used in closets and storage areas.

Medicinal Uses

True cedar oil is known for its soothing effect on the skin. It is used for skin eruptions, eczema, rashes and scalp irritations. It is also used for arthritis and rheumatic problems. Cedar oil is not ingested orally but is rubbed on the skin. In most cases it is combined with a carrier oil to dilute it. The body needs time to assimilate essential oils so they should not be used every day. Burned in diffusers, cedar oil has a calming effect on the emotions.

References

• The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential oils, Julie Lawless, 1995