Essential Oil Atlas Cedar (15 mL)

Essential Oil Atlas Cedar

Atlas Cedar 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. However, the complicated names of cedar wood essential oil do not affect the medicinal uses of the oil, of which there are many.

Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is a coniferous tree native to the Atlas mountains of Algeria and Morocco. It is closely related to the biblical cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) but should not be confused with the North American Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), which is an entirely different genus.

Cedarwood gets its name from ‘cedrus’, which is a derivative of the Arabic word ‘kedron’, meaning ‘power’.

AROMA: very balsamic; it has a turpentine scent, but one which is sweeter and more agreeable, similar in some ways to sandalwood.

HISTORY OF USE

Over the years, Cedarwood’s rich fragrance has come to symbolize abundance, fertility, and spiritual strength.

The oil is sourced from the bark of the tree and is extracted by the process of steam distillation. Cedar has found frequent mention in Biblical texts and legend has it that wood from the Cedar tree was used to build Salomon’s temple. The Greeks and Romans burnt the wood for its fragrance and the Egyptians used it in the embalming process for mummies.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Known primarily for its fortifying and strengthening qualities, Cedarwood essential oil is widely used in the treatment of general lethargy, nervous debility, lower backache and poor concentration.
Another remarkable property of the oil is that it is a powerful decongestant which stimulates lymphatic drainage and encourages the breakdown of accumulated fats.
Its mild diuretic action helps combat fluid retention that contributes to weight gain, bloating and cellulite. Atlas Cedarwood also possesses astringent and disinfectant properties, which make it an effective digestive and respiratory tonic.

Cedarwood stimulates the circulatory system and counteracts water and lipid retention, which are common causes of weight gain.
Its powerful stimulant action draws out excess moisture and fat from the tissues, thus resulting in inch-loss. It also boosts metabolism and clears lymphatic blockages, thus detoxifying the entire system and inducing a feeling of “lightness”.
Add 2-3 drops of Atlas Cedarwood essential oil to an ounce of carrier oil and massage all over. Or better, get a bottle of Aromandina’s Detoxing Body Oil and apply it on a daily basis over the body.

Cedarwood offers multiple benefits for the entire body. Because of its decongestant nature and its anti-infectious properties, it is very helpful for genito-urinary and respiratory infections. Combine 5 drops each of eucalyptus, cedarwood and bergamot oils with 1 oz carrier oil and apply to lower abdomen and lower back to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by urinary infections. Due to its anti-inflammatory nature, it is also useful in the management of rheumatism and arthritis.

Few people know that Atlas Cedarwood is an excellent beauty tonic for the skin and hair. It is used in natural hair care products, particularly for the treatment of greasy scalp, dandruff and hair loss.
In fact, clinical studies indicate that Cedarwood may help reverse the effects of alopecia areata (bald patches) by 44% if used regularly in hair massage oil.
Cedarwood has a soothing action on the skin and its anti-inflammatory properties are helpful in managing skin conditions like acne, infections, rashes, eczema, dermatitis and itching.
It can even be used as a natural after-shave. Simply add 2-3 drops into an ounce of carrier oil and apply over affected area.
Cedarwood’s woody aroma makes it a popular ingredient in men’s perfumes and cosmetics.

In illness
Over the last 100 years, cedarwood’s beneficial effect on eczema, skin eruptions and disease has been noted, and it is highly valued in dermatology. For eczema and rashes, add 8 drops of cedarwood oil to 20 ml (4 tsp) wheatgerm oil. Apply three to four times daily.

As a stimulant, cedarwood can be added to your body oil, or to men’s products. Add 4 – 5 drops to a cold cream, and apply after shaving.
As the oil is also considered a sexual stimulant, it could be used for men’s body preparations. Cedarwood oil on its own, though, is rather dull, and needs to be mixed with oils with livelier notes like lavender or rosemary. (See also cystitis, dermatitis, oedema and pneumonia.)

In beauty
Cedarwood has a very therapeutic action on the scalp in cases of alo¬pecia, falling hair and dandruff. In France, it is included in commercial shampoos and hair lotions for alopecia. For any loss of hair – for both men and women, whether after illness, or during stress or pregnancy ¬cedarwood can be very helpful. Mix 35 ml (a good 2 tbsp) grape seed oil, 5 ml (1 tsp) first pressing virgin olive oil, 5 drops of wheatgerm oil and 20 drops of cedarwood. Rub this gently into the scalp a few hours before shampooing. Add 15 drops of cedarwood to an average sized bottle of mild shampoo.

If you have fair hair, use cedarwood with discretion. The oil has a tendency to darken the hair colour.