Red Cedar,
aka Virginia Cedarwood - Juniperus virginiana
Red Cedar is not a true cedar, it is a variety of Juniper. This slow growing evergreen tree is native to North America and can grow up to 100 ft tall with large branches that spread from 8 feet to 20 feet. Cedar trees can live to be up to 2,000 years old. They provide shelter to the wild animals and birds love the berries they produce.
Cedarwood is well known for providing lumber to make furniture, fences and decking. The shavings are widely used as bedding for pets as it repels fleas and other small insects.
Cedarwood has a long history in religious rituals and spiritual communication by the Egyptians and North American Indians. Today it is still widely used in meditation to help promote spiritual awareness as well as in purification, healing and protection ceremonies.
In aromatherapy, Cedarwood has many uses. It is good for easing colds, flu and bronchitis. Use the essential oil in a diffuser or a steam inhalation bath. This oil can be used for arthritis and rheumatism. Simply add a few drops to the bath or massage the oil directly to affected area.
Cedarwood is a natural anti-depressant and a sedative. These calming properties make it good for nervous tension, stress and anxiety.
The dried Cedarwood chips and shavings can be used to repel moths, burned as fire starter or incense, for meditation and as a filler for potpourri blends. It blends well with Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Jasmine, Rosewood, Lavender, Patchouli, Vetiver and Sandalwood.
It takes about 29 pounds of dried plant material to produces one pound of Cedarwood essential oil. This oil is great for hair care as it controls dandruff and improves the condition of the hair by stimulating the scalp and hair follicles. Great for promoting hair growth while minimizing hair loss. It's astringent effects are useful for oily skin, acne and blemishes.
Cedarwood has been use extensively in the soaps, cosmetics and perfume industry. Great for polishing hardwood floors. Use undiluted or dilute in a spritzer bottle with linseed oil.
Properties include: anti-fungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, sedative, mild aphrodisiac and insect repellant.
Cautions: High concentrations may irritate sensitive skin.
Avoid when pregnant.
Dried Herb Usage
Incense - Burn as incense in spiritual rituals and meditation.
Insect Repellent - Put Cedarwood sachets in the closets,
drawers and attics.
Aromatherapy/Home Use
Skin Care: Acne, eczema, oily skin, and psoriasis.
Hair - Dandruff control, scalp stimulation.
Circulation, Muscles & Joints: Arthritis and rheumatism.
Respiratory System: Asthma, bronchitis and congestion.
Immune System: Colds and flu.
Nervous System: Anxiety, stress, tension.
Massage Oil: Rub over abdomen for bladder infection and
pain.
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Cedarwood Recipes
Stimulate Hair Growth
10 drops Rosemary essential oil
8 drops Bay essential oil
7 drops Cedarwood essential oil
Add essential oils to about 3 tablespoons Jojoba oil. Apply to
dry hair and scalp. Gently massage your scalp for a few minutes.
Wrap hair in towel and leave on from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Wash
hair out as usual.
Romance Blend
3 drops Cedarwood essential oil
3 drops Lavender essential oil
2 drops Sweet Orange essential oil
Use this blend in an aromatherapy/oil burner. Be sure to light
some candles and put on soft music. Inhale!
High Awareness Bath
3 drops Cedarwood essential oil
2 drops Sandalwood essential oil
1 drop Frankincense essential oil
Add essential oils to a full tub of water. Swirl around. Bathe
in this mixture to direct your consciousness toward higher things,
to promote spirituality and to combat Earth-obsessions such as
uncontrolled spending, overeating, sluggishness and all forms
of unbalanced materialism.
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