Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood Essential Oil is from the genus Cedrus Specifically the Cedrus atlantica. Commonly referred to as Atlas Cedarwood. There are however various other Cedar and Juniper species used to produce Cedarwood Essential Oil but the preferred choice is the Atlas Cedarwood.

The Cedrus atlantica tree is of the family Abietaceae. The tree is a native of Algeria.

Like many essential Oils, its use dates back to the Ancient Egyptians. Cedarwood oil is known to have been used as embalming oil by the ancient Egyptians as well as in cosmetic uses.

Cedar as a wood is well recognised as self-preserving. It is used in many outdoor applications without treatment. The natural oils found in Cedarwood Essential Oil are the extraction of the oils that provide the natural preservation of Cedarwood.

The Extraction processr
Cedarwood oil is extracted by Steam distillation. Various grades of sawdust and chips. Steam extraction works by pumping steam into a chamber containing the sawdust and chips of the Cedarwood. The steam causes the oil cells to burst mixing with the steam. The steam is then cooled and the water and the oil are separated.

Uses as an Essential Oil:

• Cedarwood essential oil is known to have tranquillising and calming effects. If have read positive results from use with ADD and ADHD in Children calming effects.

- Cedarwood Essential Oil is excellent for use as an insect repellent. A couple of drops in a drawer or wardrobe will assist in keeping moths and crawling insects at bay. Cedarwood balls have been used as an alte
ative to mothballs for years.

• The ancient Egyptians used Cedarwood Oil as a perfume and it is as common today as it was in Ancient times.

• Massaged into Joints, Cedarwood Essential Oil has been known to provide relief from sufferers of Arthritis and Rheumatism.

• Cedarwood Oil can be used as a preservative. The Ancient Egyptians discovered this when using it as Embalming oil. It can be used to assist in the preservation of animal skins, though an expensive option.

• For those having trouble sleeping, Cedarwood Essential Oil has been known to assist in sleeping. Try a couple of drops on the temples before going to bed.

Precautions
Essential oils have many benefits and can aid in the prevention or healing of many complaints. Every individual is different. Some essential oils can be toxic. Some oils must never be ingested while others require limited exposure to the sun due to phototoxicity. Read the label and ask your supplier if you are in doubt of the safest use for any particular oil. Not just the one in this article.