In these times of uncertainty, stress and anxiety have become a part of our daily lives. Even though people can't step out to get some kind of relaxing spa or other therapies, a simple body or head massage at the comfort of your home is effective enough to provide relief from the growing stress and even insomniac conditions. And here comes Cedarwood essential oil, a widely used tincture in Aromatherapy sessions, Shirodhara massage or Abhyanga to your rescue.

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So, What Is Cedarwood Essential Oil?

Cedarwood essential oil is a yellow-coloured sticky oil obtained from the needles, leaves, bark, and berries of cedar trees. These trees are available in nature in various species mainly Cedrus deodara, Cedrus atlantica, Juniperus mexicana, and Juniperus virginiana, which are more commonly recognized as Himalayan, Atlas, Texan, and Virginian Cedarwood, respectively. Being indigenous to cold climates, the cedar tree usually thrives well in higher altitudes and mountaineous regions. Extracted via the steam distillation, cold compress or carbon distillation method, the cedarwood oil has both cosmetic and therapeutic applications.

Folklore has it, that owing to the sweet, woody, warm and comforting fragrance, ancient Egyptians used this oil for the process of embalming the mummies since they believed that the incense of this aromatic oil is a powerful aid to help them in their journey of the afterlife. Apart from this, ancient Greeks, Romans and even Egyptians even used this oil in cosmetics, perfumes and even added them to their bath and beauty rituals.

Additionally, cedarwood essential oil is among the ingredients used for making ‘mithridat’, an antidote for poison that was utilized by royals, centuries ago. It was also used in religious ceremonies, spiritual practices, such as communal prayer and independent meditation. Over the years, scientists, herbalists and health experts have discovered that cedarwood essential oil can provide aid in a number of skin issues and is even used to treat inflammatory conditions like arthritis, respiratory disorders, kidney problems, anxiety and stressful conditions and also widely used in the process of aromatherapy and other massage procedures.

Owing to the presence of bioactive constituents like Alpha Cedrene, Beta Cedrene, Thujopsene, Cedrol, Widdrol, along with a group of Sesquiterpenes, cedarwood essential oil exhibits antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, and insecticidal properties. Owing to these active constituents, essential oils, and pharmacological properties, the potent herb has been gaining quite a bit repute in treating umpteen health anomalies.

Thanks to its invigorating aroma, the raw oil has now paved its way into a variety of formulations as well. Be it perfumes, deodorants, shower gels, shampoos, serums, hair oil, creams, lotions, scrubs, insect repellents, potpourri preparations, massage oils or infusions, this magical tincture bestows one with a soothing aromatic experience.

So without further ado, let’s embark on the journey to know more about this sweet-scented aromatic oil.

Incredible Benefits Of Cedarwood Essential Oil

Diminishes Stress And Anxiety

Being a strong sedative and mood enhancer, cedarwood essential oil plays a significant role in thwarting off stress and eliminating various symptoms of anxiety which include uneasiness, restlessness, cold hands, and feet, etc. The calming and grounding properties also actively helps to uplift the mood and promote feelings of hope and joy. Just pour a few drops of this oil in the potpourri and relax in the aromatic environment or get a head massage with a few drops of this oil to get rid of stress and insomnia.

Augments Skin Health

Being a light carrier oil, products like face wash, toners, cleansers or moisturizers infused with cedarwood essential oil helps to purge the skin of impurities and excess oil, shields it against microbes, wards off infections, and decreases inflammation as well as peeling. Bestowed with umpteen active ingredients and anti-bacterial properties, the essential oil from cedar trees is extremely beneficial for treating eczema and seborrheic conditions. It also fortifies the skin against oxidative damage, prevents the various signs of ageing and blesses one with crystal-clear radiant skin.

Promotes Hair Growth

The plethora of bioactive constituents in cedarwood essential oil makes it a one-stop remedy for all your hair woes. Sanctified with anti-microbial properties, this oil not only improves blood circulation in the hair follicles but also prevents various hair infections and actively takes part in collagen formation. It treats dandruff, alopecia and reduces hair thinning. Regular use of the oil improves hair texture, adds shine and stimulates hair growth. By effectively alleviating stress, it also prevents hair fall and premature greying of hair.

Add 2-3 drops of this oil to regular coconut oil and get a proper head massage to increase blood circulation and promote hair growth.

Relieves Pain And Inflammation

Arthritis is quite a painful condition causing inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties, the cedarwood essential oil works wonders by subduing the pain. Being a natural vasodilator, it is also used to treat painful muscle spasms, sore muscles, headache, and other inflammatory conditions. Just massage the oil at the site of the debilitating pain to reduce inflammation and joint stiffness.

Also Read: 5 Amazing Essential Oils To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Remedies Respiratory Anomalies

The abundance of bioactive components and anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, in cedarwood essential oil play a quintessential role in treating various upper respiratory tract illnesses like the common cold, cough, sinus and flu symptoms. It helps in reducing chest and nasal congestion, gets rid of excess catarrh deposits and stops nasal discharge. It is also beneficial in treating sore throat, pharyngitis, bronchitis and asthmatic conditions.

Also Read: Top 5 Essential Oils To Revamp Your Skin Health

Corrects Spasms

Cedarwood essential oil is extremely effective in providing relief from different types of spasms affecting the intestines, muscles, heart, respiratory system, and nerves. People who face continuous trouble while sleeping due to respiratory seizures, restless leg syndrome, asthma, and other spasmodic conditions also find comfort from the soothing properties of cedarwood essential oil.

Stimulates Menstrual Flow

The emmenagogue action of cedarwood essential oil helps in triggering menstrual flow in women who have irregular menstruation and hence regularizes the flow. The symptoms associated with menstrual flow like nausea, fatigue, and mood swings are also relieved through the regular use of cedarwood oil because it has a positively influences the hormonal functions of various glands in the endocrine system.

Repels Insects

Insects and bugs form the preliminary cause of several problems. Being carriers of different types of viruses, bacteria, or other microbes, not only can they contaminate food and trigger food poisoning but also cause problems ranging from rashes and itching to fever and hallucinations. Some insects can even lead to lethal infectious diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, yellow fever, etc. The abundance of anti-microbial properties in cedarwood essential oil forms an absolute remedy for all types of insects including mosquitoes, head lice, fleas, etc. When used in vaporizers, it eliminates mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.

Conclusion:

This amazing aromatic tincture has immense health benefits. Enriched with powerful bioactive constituents and a wonderful set of qualities, cedarwood essential oil is extremely beneficial in improving respiratory health, enhancing skin and hair health, relieving painful conditions and remedying stress and anxiety.