Uses of Cedarwood Essential Oil + Side effects

What is cedarwood essential oil?

If the name does not give it away, cedarwood is derived from cedarwood. It comes from conifers from within the pine and cypress family of cedar. You will often find it referred to as cedar oil or cedarwood oil. The oil is extracted through the distillation of the trees that would usually have been chopped for timber.

There are various ways that this oil is utilised. It is commonly used for its antibacterial and pesticidal properties. These are properties that make it medicinal. Beyond that, it is also used within art and perfumery. It has that woody scent that some men fancy. You will also find it in room sprays to reduce stress.

HISTORY OF CEDARWOOD OIL

Although no one can say for sure, the Egyptians and Sumerians were one of the earliest recorded users of cedarwood oil. The Sumerians are said to have used cedarwood oil as an ingredient in their paint. 

CEDARWOOD OIL USES: Benefits

• As a fragrance in perfumes, soap, insecticides, and cleaning agents
• As a polishing oil for clearing screens
• As part of aromatherapy 
• As insect repellent
• Reviving cedarwood smell on furniture
• As an antifungal 
• As an anti-inflammatory
• As a diuretic

Cedarwood Oil for Hair Loss

Hair loss is a massive problem among middle aged men. There are various causes for this issue. In cases where the issue comes down to your immune system targeting your hair follicles, cedarwood oil could come to the rescue.

The general idea in this is that the immune system attacks are generally the body’s response to inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties in cedarwood oil reduce inflammation. Once this is done, hair starts to grow again. This is the same idea that applies to Cedarwood oil for scalp conditions.

How top treat Scalp Conditions with Cedarwood oil

• Mix the cedarwood oil with another base oil or shampoo.
• Gently massage the oil onto your scalp
• If used in shampoo, wash off afterwards.

Cedarwood Oil for Skin Conditions

This one comes back to inflammation. A lot of skin conditions such as eczema and acne are directly linked to inflammation. When it comes to treating your skin, there is no one size fits all. The best way to go about it is always to start with small amounts and in a small area.

This could be adding a drop of cedarwood oil to whatever cream you are using on your face. As you see the results you can then increase or reduce the amount used, as well as the frequency of use. If in doubt, speak to your dermatologist.

Cedarwood Essential Oil for Sleep

Essential oils have always been used for relaxing. This is thought to be due to their sedative properties. If you are struggling with insomnia, cedarwood essential oil may help. You may use them in an oil burner or an oil diffuser.

This would usually come down to personal preference, as well as safety concerns. The diffusers tend to be electric, which make them safer than having a live fire in the home. Having said that, the burners are like a candle flame. It would take an error to cause a fire from this.

Cedarwood oil for Anxiety

Just as the with the sleep, you can use the same essential oil for calming down. The same sedative properties apply here too. You can use the oil in a burner or diffuser. It reduces stress.

Cedarwood Oil as an Aromatherapy Treatment

Aromatherapy is another use for cedarwood oil. It is fairly easy to do on your own. Most aromatherapy involves inhalation. You can get some cedarwood oil into your air and breathe it in. This can be done by spraying it into a diffuser or an atomiser. Spraying it onto surfaces is another way to keep it there longer. This can be on your pillow, for better sleep. You can pair your cedarwood oil with other fragrances as well.

Cedarwood oil in fragrances

As mentioned before, the woody scent in cedarwood is great for colognes. You will find it in a lot of eau de toilette. One of my favourites variants of woody fragrances is the “oud” variety. They are common in the Middle East, North Africa as well as in Tom Ford’s OUD.

The Middle Eastern variants tend to be alcohol-free, and oil-based. You can use cedarwood oil as a fragrance. As you would do with the Middle Eastern oil fragrances, you only need to rub a tiny drop onto your neck and cuffs. It usually lasts an entire day. Use in small amounts.

Cedarwood oil as a treatment for acne

To treat acne with cedarwood oil, dilute a drop of oil with your usual face cream or lotion. Wash your face and use this mixture. The idea is that cedarwood oil will do away with any toxins on your skin, allowing it to recover.

Cedarwood oil as a flea and moth repellent

Moths, fleas and some other flying parasites don’t fancy the smell of cedarwood oil. If sprayed in the air or rubbed onto surfaces, it will deter these parasites from coming along.

There is no evidence to say that cedarwood oil repels mosquitoes.

Are There Any Side Effects Associated with Cedarwood Oil Use?

The simple answer is NO. However, if used in excess, you are likely to irritate your skin. The best thing to do here is to use in small doses.

Contraindications Of Cedarwood Oil

The best to get the most out of your cedarwood oil is to try in small doses, in small areas. It is not considered to pose any danger to users. However, moderate use is advised. If you have concerns or see some adverse reactions to using it, speak to your doctor about it.

Recommended Product

The recommended product is based on great reviews and the fact that the bottle comes with a pipette. This makes it easier to apply it and to measure droplets.