How can Cedarwood Oil be Used?

Cedarwood oil is a versatile essential oil with an interesting history. It is believed that the oil comes from the same tree that was used to build the temple of Solomon in the Bible. It is also believed to be used by Native Americans for a variety of uses, including spiritual communication and medicinal benefits.

What are the Medicinal Uses of Cedarwood Oil?

Cedarwood oil can be used for a variety of purposes to for medical ailments. These include:

Bronchitis

Diffuse the oil or use the oil topically on the throat to help lessen the symptoms.

Psoriasis

Application to the skin with a carrier oil (grapeseed or sweet almond is best) can help clear the dry patches on the skin.

Cough

Inhaling this oil may help to stop continuous coughing associated with the common cold and other ailments.

Sedative

Due to the oil’s calming effect for most people, it can be used as a sedative. The best ways to use the oil in this way is to either diffuse or inhale it. This can help give the calming, sedative effect you may be looking for.

Skin Care

Just like many other essential oils, cedarwood oil may be helpful in the clearing of acne. Using the oil out of the bottle and with a carrier oil, or making an astringent with the oil and some distilled water may help.

Other Uses of Cedarwood Oil

Additionally, there are some other uses that cedarwood oil may be beneficial for, but there isn’t as much scientific evidence to support its use.

Water Retention

While it is not recommended to use this oil internally, it can be used topically to help with water retention.

Hair Loss

Using cedarwood oil on the scalp may help with hair loss in both males and females. Using a recipe of a few drops of oil in a vinegar solution is one of the easiest ways to use this method. It can also be effective in controlling dandruff.

Respiratory Infections

Use of this oil to assist the respiratory system is one of the most common ways to experience cedarwood oil. Usually, this means rubbing it on the chest or diffusing it in the air. Both of these methods may be helpful for this delicate system of the body.

Purification

This goes back to the Native American use of the oil. It was widely used to purify a sacred space and you can do that too. Simply diffuse the oil in a diffuser and let the aroma cleanse and purify your home.

Arthritic Pain

Cedarwood oil may be helpful in managing the pain of arthritis. To be honest, the studies still need to be evaluated but I am sure you can find someone who has used the oil to their benefit for this condition.

Scientific Research to Support the Uses of Cedarwood Oil

There have been some studies with regards to the use of cedarwood oil. Here are a few of those studies.

• This study investigates the effect of cedarwood oil on mosquitoes and the potential of using the oil to repel mosquitoes.
• This double-blind study investigates the effects of inhaling the oil to control anxiety.
• This study looks at the bacteria killing benefits of cedarwood oil on such bacteria as E. coli and listeria.

Cautions

While this oil is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for its many uses, there are some precautions to keep in mind.

If you are pregnant or nursing, it is recommended to use this oil with caution. Check with your doctor before using
any essential oil during pregnancy but Cedarwood may be harmful in pregnant or lactating women.

This is one of a few oils that I do not recommend using internally. There are no real benefits to using it in this fashion and it may cause unpleasant reactions in the body. Therapeutic Grade essential oils are not harmful and will not cause death if ingested in therapeutic doses, but it is important to know what oils can be used internally and those that cannot. Cedarwood oil may cause digestive issues and nausea if taken internally.

A Final Note

I’d like to share my favorite ways to use this amazing oil. I have used cedarwood oil for many of the conditions listed above. I also enjoy using it as a deodorant. I know that sounds funny, but it helped me not to offend my coworkers all day!

When using this oil, it is important to remember not just the good things that can be done with this oil, but also the precautions. I am always looking for new and exciting ways to use this great oil. If you do your research, I am sure you can find some wonderful uses that I may not have even thought of. If you do, post them in the comments below this article. I would love to see them!

Additional References

• Worwood, Valerie Ann. “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy”
• Devereux, Charla. “Aromatherapy: Essential Oils and How to Use Them”
• Higley, Alan & Connie. “Reference Guide to Essential Oils” 14^th Edition Copyright 2013 Abundant Health Inc.
• The Best Uses of Cedarwood Oil http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/the-best-uses-for-cedarwood-essential-oil/
• Benefits of Cedarwood Oil http://www.livestrong.com/article/127122-uses-cedar-oil/

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