
Cedar essential oil is one of the most useful plant products. Due to its woody aroma, it is widely used in aromatherapy and folk medicine. Cedar essential oil helps to reduce nervousness, increase concentration, mental and physical activity. It is a product that has beneficial effects on the skin, rejuvenates and soothes it, increases elasticity. Cedarwood essential oil can also be used as a natural deodorant, reducing sweating.
Production technology
There are differences between cedar essential oil and base oil. The latter is obtained from cedar nuts by cold pressing, while the former is obtained from cedar needles and young cedar shoots by water-steam distillation. True cedar essential oil is a viscous, colorless liquid with a characteristic odor of resin and tannin. It resembles a yellow-brown syrup.
Essential oil can be obtained from four types of cedar, but the highest quality product comes from the Atlas cedar, which grows in Morocco.
Composition and medicinal properties
Since cedar belongs to the family of Conifers, its essential oil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, diuretic and analgesic effects. Depending on the specific type of tree, cedar essential oil may have a different composition. However, in any case the product contains cedrol (sesquiterpene alcohol).
Cosmetic applications
Cedar essential oil helps to improve the condition of the skin. The product is useful in treating acne, rashes, as well as skin problems associated with hormonal imbalances. It is used for atopic dermatitis and eczema, allergic rashes, to eliminate pigmented and traumatic spots. It is often used for rapid healing of wounds, burns and skin infections, improving skin conditions with herpes and fungal infections.
Cedar essential oil is also used to treat hair and scalp. It restores shine and elasticity of hair, helps reduce hair loss. It is an effective remedy for seborrhea. In the perfume industry this oil is an additive component of colognes, lotions and deodorants.
Traditional medicine applications
Cedar essential oil is useful in the treatment of colds and infectious diseases:
- sore throat;
- pneumonia;
- bronchitis (combine rubbing with inhalation).
Inhalation with a few drops of this oil has an expectorant effect and helps get rid of coughs. It is sufficient to breathe the vapors for a few minutes to achieve a therapeutic effect. In addition, cedarwood essential oil increases immunity and reduces the risk of SARS and flu.
In the treatment of sciatica and inflammation of the sciatic nerve is useful massage with 10 ml of base oil (olive, almond, etc.) and 10 drops of cedar essential oil. To enhance the therapeutic effect it is recommended to take a hot shower beforehand.
Aromatherapy applications
Cedarwood oil is also known for its aromatherapy properties - just add a few drops to an aroma lamp to reduce emotional tension, achieve nervous balance and peace of mind. The pleasant, cedar aroma helps to relax and relieve stress accumulated during the day. The product is also used in bath and beauty treatments to scent the air.
Contraindications
Cedarwood essential oil has practically no contraindications for use. It is a product that has anti-allergenic properties. It is not recommended to use it in case of individual intolerance to the components of the chemical composition. You should exclude the use of this type of oil with alcohol, during a course of chemotherapy, as well as when carrying a fetus.