The Deodar tree grows in abundance in the Himalayas. Its Sanskrit name, Devadaru, means ‘Wood of the Gods’. The inner wood yields an essential oil which has many uses. The oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial in alleviating joint pain. According to Indian Medicinal Plants—An Illustrated Dictionary by C.P. Khare, the aqueous extract of the bark supports normal blood sugar levels in the body.

Therapeutic constituents:

Deodar oil contains two major sesquiterpenoids a – and ß- himachalenes. Deodardione (1) and deodardione (2) are also isolated from the essential oil. The oil shows invitro antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity.

Key therapeutic benefits:

• Deodar oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which alleviate joint pain due to arthritis and rheumatism.
• The oil removes toxins from the bowel and improves digestive function.
• The oil is used to treat skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.

Deodar Tree

Deodar tree is also known as Himalayan Cedar and Devadar in Hindi. The botanical name is Cedrus deodara and belongs to Pinaceae (Pine) family. These evergreen coniferous trees are native of Pakistan and Himalayas as they thrive at altitudes of 1,500-3,200 meters above sea level. The national tree of Pakistan is Deodar tree.

The name “Deodar” is derived from the Sanskrit work “Devadar” meaning tree of the gods. Hindus consider this tree sacred. Lord Ganesha is offered this leaf during the 21 (leaves)  the chanting that is accompanied with the leaf is as follows: . Deodar tree and Deodar forests are mentioned in many Hindu epics.

Deodar grows to a height of 40–60 meters (131–164 feet) with a trunk diameter of 3 meters (10 feet).

The branches droop with needle-like slender green leaves, which are 2.5 to 7 cms long.

The female cones are 7 to 13 cms long and 5 to 9 cms broad, and the male cones are 4 to 6 cms long.

For a landscape to appear complete, a pine tree is a must have, hence many Deodar trees are planted for ornamental purpose in parks and gardens.

Uses:
The timber of Deodar tree is used as construction material for its durability. Boat houses of Srinagar, Kashmir are built using this wood.

In Ayurveda, the Deodar or Cedar Oil is known as Chilu Oil is used to treat many ailments.

How To Use Cedarwood Essential Oil In 21 Powerful Ways

Cedarwood essential oil has an abundance of therapeutic uses and health benefits, both psychological and physical. These benefits make cedarwood a welcomed addition to your medical cabinet.

 Types of Cedarwood and Essential Oils

• Himalayan Cedarwood (Cedrus deodara) – From the Cedar Genus
• Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) – From the Cedar Genus
• Texan Cedarwood (Juniperus Mexicana) – From the Juniper Genus
• Virginian Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) – From the Juniper Genus

History of Cedarwood Essential Oil

Himalayan Cedarwood (Cedrus deodara) and Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) are believed to be the very first essential oils ever to have been distilled. Ancient records show both the wood and oil were used for an extensive range of purposes including medicine, cosmetics and incense.

Himalayan Cedarwood essential oil and resins, as well as the pine needles and the bark of the tree, have been used in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Cedarwood has been used to cure illnesses ranging from cancer to rheumatoid arthritis to less severe hiccups, coughs and colds.

Properties and Health Benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil

Modern medical research has shown that extracts from the Cedarwood needles have a pain killing and antiseptic effect and that the tree has antioxidant properties.

Furthermore, the natural health benefits of cedarwood essential oil can be attributed to its properties, such as antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiseborrheic, antispasmodic, astringent, tonic, diuretic, expectorant, emmenagogue, sedative, fungicidal and insecticidal.

Ayurvedic practitioners use preparations from the Himalayan Cedarwood tree to treat diabetes, urinary tract infections, obesity, skin ailments, to aid digestion, to strengthen the heart muscles, to improve blood circulation and to treat pain. The oil is used for colds, coughs, hiccups, arthritis, headaches and gout.

Not all the genus’ of the Cedarwood/Juniper varieties contain the same compounds, so take note:

• Himalayan and Atlas Cedarwood based oils typically contain Alpha-pinene and Himachalol as key compounds.
• The Juniper based oils contain high levels of Cedrol and Thujopsene.

21 Powerful Remedies for Cedarwood Essential Oil

1.   Seborrhoeic Eczema

Seborrhoeic Eczema is a common scalp disease caused by the malfunction of the skin’s sebaceous glands. The increase of sebum production causes an infection of the epidermal cells which causes raised, inflamed, itchy and flaking rashes.

Cedarwood essential oil can aid in the treatment of seborrhoeic eczema due to its healing, antiseborrheic and anti-inflammatory properties. While Cedarwood helps to treat seborrhoeic eczema, it can reduce the symptoms, as well.

Remedies: 

• Add several drops of cedarwood essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner.
• Add 5 drops cedarwood essential oil to your bath water if the rash persists at the base of your neck.
• Blend a massage oil with 8 drops cedarwood oil and 4 tsp of a carrier oil.

Or, try this essential oil blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops chamomile essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

2.   Arthritis and Nerve Inflammation

Arthritis and rheumatism are types of joint pain and joint pain diseases most commonly accompanied by inflammation of the joints and nerves. There are over 100 different types of arthritis.

Because of cedarwood’s anti-inflammatory qualities, the oil is often used to treat the stiffness and pains of the joints associated with arthritis and rheumatism.

Remedies:

• Add 5 drops cedarwood essential oil to your bath water.
• Blend 8 drops cedarwood oil to a carrier oil and massage it into sensitive areas.

Or try this essential oil blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

3.   Insomnia

Cedarwood essential oil has natural sedative properties which can combat insomnia. Its aroma elevates the release of serotonin in the brain which converts to melatonin and encourages restful sleep and a peaceful mind. Try these remedies to help:

Remedies:

• Place a few drops of cedarwood oil on your pillow cover so you can inhale the aroma all night.
• Use cedarwood oil in your room diffuser to fill the air with the scent.

Or, try this essential oil massage blend:

• 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil
• Massage into the body and heels of your feet before bedtime

4.   Minor Wounds

Cedarwood essential oil has antiseptic properties which can assist in treating minor wounds and skin damage. It prevents infection and toxins from entering the body.

Remedies:

• Make your own balm by adding a few drops of cedarwood oil to coconut oil and massage it gently onto the wound.

Or, try this essential oil blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

5.   Pain Relief

Cedarwood essential oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Animal studies have shown Himalayan Cedarwood reduces pain and inflammation.

Remedies: 

• Take a hot bath with 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil.
• Blend 8 drops cedarwood oil with 4 tsp carrier oil.

Or, try this essential oil blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

6.   Hair Loss

Cedarwood oil strengthens and stimulates your hair follicles and promotes improved blood circulation to your scalp. Research for the use of essential oils for alopecia patients confirms that cedarwood essential oil in combination with rosemary, lavender and thyme has a safe and significant effect on a high percentage of people who used the blend.

Remedies:

Hair Oil Treatment:

• 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops thyme essential oil
• 8 tsp olive oil
• Blend well and rub it into your scalp and through your hair

7.   Improve Focus, Memory and Symptoms of ADHD

In recent studies, cedarwood essential oil has been shown to improve focus and reduce symptoms of ADHD in children.

Remedies:

In a room diffuser, add:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops vetiver essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil

8.   Heals Acne

Cedarwood essential oil can help to protect and heal your skin against unsightly acne. It inhibits the clogging of pores and protects it from invasion by toxic particles and bacteria.

Remedies:

Make a natural face wipe serum:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 4 tsp jojoba carrier oil

9.   Natural Deodorizer

Cedarwood essential oil is reassuring and comforting as a natural deodorizer. Furthermore, it possesses a pleasant, wood-like scent. The oil adds a warm tone to any blend of perfumes or oil blends.

Remedies:

• Add several drops to your favorite deodorant.
• Create your own deodorant with cedarwood oil, baking soda and corn starch.
• Furthermore, try adding several drops to a spray bottle with water and spray it around garbage cans and anywhere where musty smells can erupt.

10.   Natural Insect Repellent

Cedarwood essential oil is a natural insect repellent as insects such as mosquitos and fleas hate the aroma.

Remedies:

• Add 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil to an ounce of water in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use and spray on your skin and clothes. You can also add several drops of a carrier oil to the spray mixture to help absorb it into your skin easier.
• Drop several drops on your pillow and bed sheets at night to repel insects while you sleep.
• Spray inside your home, on screens and around doorways to keep fleas and other insects from entering the home.

11.   Relieve Dry Scalp

Cedarwood essential oil encourages healthy blood circulation to your scalp and contributes to reducing any itching or drying that you might be enduring.

Remedies:

• Add several drops to your shampoo and conditioner.

Or, 

• Add 8 drops to a carrier oil and massage it into your scalp
• Let it sit for 20 minutes then rinse it out

12. Relieve Congestion

Cedarwood essential oil efficiently reduces coughs and discharges phlegm from the lungs and respiratory tract, thereby relieving congestion. Furthermore, the oil can help to relieve other symptoms of a cold such as a headache and watery eyes.

Remedies:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil
• Rub into your chest as needed

Or, add the same blend without the carrier oil to your room diffuser to help breathe easier and reduce coughing.

13.   Stress and Anxiety Relief

With its natural calming properties, cedarwood essential oil is perfect for stress and anxiety relief.

Remedies:

Message Blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

Room Diffuser Blend:

• 2 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 2 drops bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil

14.   Tighten Muscle and Skin Tone

Cedarwood essential oil has natural astringent properties and can be massaged into your skin to tighten the muscles and skin. Furthermore, it can enhance the quality of your muscle and skin tone leaving it feeling firmer and reinvigorated.

Remedies:

• Blend 8 drops cedarwood essential oil with a carrier oil and massage it into your skin and muscles. 

15.   Relieve Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is the uncontrollable urges to move your legs constantly. There are many good essential oils to help treat RLS.

Cedarwood essential oil can help relieve the symptoms because of its calming and soothing properties.

Remedy:

Massage Blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops vetiver essential oil
• 3 drops black pepper essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

16.   Relieve Asthma

Cedarwood essential oil has antispasmodic properties which can help to reieve spasmodic conditions such as asthma.

Remedy:

Massage Blend:

• 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil
• Massage onto the chest area to reduce the symptoms of asthma

17.   Treat Fungal Infections

Cedarwood essential oil is antifungal and antibacterial so it’s ideal for treating fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and toenail infections.

Remedy: 

Massage Blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops tea tree essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil
• Massage into the infected area

18.   Natural Diuretic

Cedarwood is a natural diuretic and can improve a number of ailments including hypertension, high blood pressure, urinary tract infections and the collection of toxins in the blood. Being a diuretic, it enhances the frequency of urination which works as a medium for removal of excess water, toxins like uric acid, and fat from the body. Toxins and extra water accumulated in the body are the main causes behind the above-mentioned illnesses.

Remedy:

Massage Blend:

• 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil
• Massage into the abdomen several times per day

19.   Irregular Menstruation

Cedarwood essential oil is an emmenagogue which means it stimulates and brings about menstruation. To keep you on a regular schedule, massage cedarwood oil into your abdomen when you are due to menstruate each month.

Remedy:

Massage blend:

• 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

20.   Oily Skin

Cedarwood can help even out oily skin complexions.

Remedy:

Blend:

• 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 2 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 4 tsp jojoba essential oil

Use on your face as a facial wipe with a cotton ball to help eliminate oily skin and unclog pores.

21.   Smells Great!

Even if you don’t have any medicinal reasons for using cedarwood essential oil, its scent is a good enough reason.

The scent of cedarwood essential oil is best described as a delightful, woodsy, balsamic aroma and will leave your house smelling glorious!  Furthermore, it will work wonders on your mind and mood.

Remedy:

Use it in your room diffuser in combination with these other essential oils:

Cedarwood essential oil blends well with these other essential oils: Benzoin, Cypress, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Juniper, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lime, Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary and Neroli.

Remember Your Carrier Oils

Please bear in mind that before using essential oils topically, they must be diluted with a carrier oil.

Cedarwood Essential Oil Precautions

• It’s not safe to ingest cedarwood essential oil orally. Because it’s such a powerful oil, it can cause nausea, vomiting, thirst and damage to the digestive system.
• Furthermore, if you are pregnant you should not use cedarwood essential oil.
• If used in large concentrations, cedarwood essential oil can cause skin irritations so do a patch test before using this oil for the first time.

In conclusion, we here at Up Nature, hope that these 21 wonderful, cedarwood essential oil remedies will help with your everyday health concerns.

And, If you found this information useful, please “Like it” and share it with your friends so that they can learn how cedarwood essential oil can help them, as well.