5 Cedarwood Essential Oil Uses

Categories : Herbal medicine
Tags : Alternative medicine

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Cedarwood Oil Overview

Cedarwood oil was used by ancient Egyptians and today in traditional Tibetan medicines. It has a woodsy smell and combines well with other carrier and essential oils. Cedarwood essential oil uses are varied and it can improve many health conditions.

Bug Repellent

If you’re camping or outdoors and having problems with stinging or biting bugs, try releasing a few drops of cedarwood oil. Cedarwood is a natural insecticide. Place a few drops on a cotton ball or a tissue and place around your body to keep the insects away. You could also mix a few drops with a lotion and apply the lotion for a natural bug repellent.

Helps Skin Conditions

Cedarwood oil is most well known for improving skin conditions. Cedarwood oil helps with dandruff, oily skin and acne. Place a few drops into an unscented shampoo or in some rinse water to fight dandruff. To fight oily skin or acne, add a few drops to distilled water and apply the solution using a cotton ball.

Improves Respiratory Conditions

If you’ve got a cough or other bronchial irritation, try dropping a bit of cedarwood oil onto a cotton ball. Close your eyes and inhale, concentrating to receive the most benefit. You can also try adding a drop or two to hot water and inhaling the steam coming off the water. The combination of the cedarwood oil and the steam may help release congestion.

Detoxifies

Cedarwood oil is a great natural detoxifier. Try adding some to a massage oil and massaging the lower back, paying particular attention to the kidney area. You could also add a drop or two to bath water to relax and detoxify at the same time.

Sedative

Like many essential oils, cedarwood oil is a natural sedative. This means that it’ll help you to relax, and may help with anxiety, depression and insomnia. Try inhaling a few drops before going to sleep to fight insomnia or if you’re feeling especially anxious.

Warnings

Avoid cedarwood oil during pregnancy. Cedarwood oil is a sedative so caution should be used if you’re going to drive or operate heavy machinery after using cedarwood oil.

Essential oils should never be ingested unless recommended by a care provider. In addition, never apply essential oils directly to the skin without a carrier oil. Caution should be taken with essential oils during pregnancy and if breastfeeding. If you have any serious health condition, please check in with your care provider before using essential oils since they may worsen your condition.

References

1. Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy: An A to Z Revised Edition. CW Daniel Company Limited, 1988

2. Dye, Jane. Aromatherapy for Women and Children. CW Daniel Company Limited, 1992

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This post is part of the series: Using Essential Oils to Improve Health

Essential oils such as peppermint, rosemary and lemongrass are important natural remedies to many health conditions such as headaches and even lice.