The health benefits of cedarwood essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antiseborrheic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, tonic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticidal, sedative, and fungicidal substance.
What is Cedarwood Essential Oil?
Cedarwood essential oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation from the wood pieces of the cedar wood tree, which has the scientific name Juniperus virginiana (also known as Cedrus doedara, Cedrus atlantica, and Cedrus libani, depending on the regions where they are found) in other nomenclature systems.
Cedarwood is basically a plant native to cold climates and is normally found at high altitudes. The chief components of cedarwood essential oil are alpha cedrene, beta cedrene, cedrol, widdrol, thujopsene, and a group of sesquiterpenes, which contribute a great deal to its medicinal value and health benefits.
Health Benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil
Here are the most popular and well-researched medicinal properties and benefits of cedarwood oil. Let’s take a look at them in detail.
Relieves Symptoms of Seborrhoea
Seborrhoea or Seborrhoeic Eczema is a dreadful disease caused by a malfunction of the sebaceous glands. This results in increased sebum production and subsequent infection of the epidermal cells. It looks very ugly, as the skin, colored white or pale yellow, starts peeling off, particularly from the scalp, eyebrows, inner ear, and anywhere else with hair follicles. Cedarwood oil can be beneficial in curing this inflammatory situation and can reduce this skin peeling, regularize sebum production, and treat the infection. The oil also reduces the ugly redness and obvious signs of the condition while eliminating it. [1]
Prevents Infections
Cedarwood oil prevents wounds from becoming septic. It can safely be applied externally to wounds as an antiseptic, and it is even used as an ingredient in herbal antiseptic creams. By defending the body against toxins, cedarwood essential oil relieves the white blood cells and the immune system of the extra stress, which allows them to protect the internal functions. [2]
Reduces Inflammation
Although studies have mainly been done on animals, early human tests have been very positive in terms of cedarwood oil’s anti-inflammatory effects on arthritis. Inhalation or topical application of this oil on the skin somewhat lessens the inflammation in the joints and tissues that result in debilitating pain or discomfort. [3]
Cedar nuts Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Relieves Spasms
Relieving spasms is yet another important medicinal property of cedarwood oil. Nearly all types of spasms and related conditions can be relieved using this oil. This includes spasms that affect the respiratory system, intestines, muscles, heart, and nerves. People who have trouble sleeping due to restless leg syndrome, respiratory seizures, asthma, and other spasmodic conditions also find relief from the soothing properties of cedarwood oil. [4]
Health Tonic
Cedarwood oil can be used as a general health tonic since it tones the organ systems and stimulates metabolism. It tightens and tones muscles in the skin, stomach, digestive system, and regulates brain functions. It boosts the functionality of the kidney and liver, which further improves overall health and wellness. [5]
Acts as an Astringent
As an astringent, cedarwood oil helps relieve toothaches, strengthens the grip of gums on teeth and protects them from falling out. It also tightens loose muscles and gives a feeling of firmness, fitness, and youth. This property can also be used to remedy diarrhea, by tightening the muscles of the digestive system and contracting those spasm-prone muscles. As an astringent, cedarwood oil is also a useful tool for protecting the skin from toxins and bacteria. Astringent substances also cause skin proteins to coagulate, where they dry and harden, forming a protective shield on the applied area. [6]
Promotes Urination
Its role as a diuretic is another beneficial property of cedarwood oil that can help with a number of conditions including obesity, hypertension, high blood pressure, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, urinary tract infections, and the accumulation of toxins in the blood. Being a diuretic, it increases the frequency of urination which serves as a medium for removal of fat, excess water, and toxins like uric acid from the body. These toxins and extra water accumulated in the body are the main causes of the above-mentioned conditions. [7]
Stimulates Menstruation
Those who are having obstructed and irregular menstruation can definitely benefit from using cedarwood oil, as it is an emmenagogue, which means it stimulates menstruation, while also regularizing the cycle. The pain and side effects like nausea, fatigue, and mood swings associated with menstruation are also relieved through the regular use of cedarwood oil because it can impact the hormonal function of various glands in the endocrine system. [8]
Eliminates Cough
If you are suffering from a cough, cold, and related congestion, you should try cedarwood oil to alleviate the irritation. It is an expectorant and efficiently eliminates a cough and removes phlegm from the respiratory tracts and lungs, thereby relieving congestion. It also provides relief from headaches, red and watery eyes, and other symptoms of cold and cough. A small amount of this oil can also help you get a good night’s sleep when suffering from a cough and cold. By stimulating the loosening of phlegm and the coughing which will remove it, you also protect your respiratory tract and overall health from toxins and conditions that excess phlegm can cause. [9]
Insect Repellant
Cedarwood oil has been in use as a mosquito and insect repellant for a long time. When used in vaporizers, it drives away mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. It is regularly sprinkled on pillows or sheets at night so mosquitoes and other irritating bugs and pests are driven away while you sleep. [10]
Sedative Effect
Its popular use as a sedative might be the most unexpected and valuable aspect. Cedarwood oil is an excellent sedative and has a great soothing and calming effect on the mind. It reduces inflammation and itching on the skin while relieving tension and anxiety. This feature also helps in promoting healthy, restorative, and uninterrupted sleep, so it is often used by patients suffering from insomnia. In aromatherapy, the scent can induce the release of serotonin, which is converted into melatonin in the brain. Melatonin induces a night of calm and restorative sleep. For this reason, cedarwood aromatherapy is recommended for people with chronic anxiety, stress. [11]
Reduces Fungal Infections
Cedarwood oil has effective fungicidal properties and may be employed to deal with fungal infections, both external and internal. Specific studies have shown the inhalation of cedarwood oil to protect the body against various types of food poisoning, as well as plant, animal, and human fungal pathogens. [12]
Other Benefits
Cedarwood oil is beneficial in providing relief from acne, bronchitis, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, stress, kidney disorders, and as a remedy for oily skin.
Word of Caution: Cedarwood oil may produce irritations on the skin if used in high concentration. Pregnant women should avoid its use altogether, and others should speak with their doctor before making any sort of drastic change or adding something new to their dietary regimen. Unlike some essential oils, cedarwood oil cannot be ingested in any quantity. It is a highly potent oil and can cause vomiting, nausea, and thirst, and extensive damage to the digestive system.
Blending: Oils like bergamot, benzoin, cypress, cinnamon, frankincense, juniper, jasmine, lemon, lime, lavender, rose, neroli, and rosemary form good blends with cedarwood oil.
