Cedarwood oil is an essential oil which ensures immense benefits and usages. The oil is from the juniper family and is quite different from the Himalayan cedar. The oil has the smell with which people associate cedar chests. Cedarwood oil`s fragrance is wonderful for cleansing the atmosphere in a room; also a disinfectant for urinary tract infections, but should be avoided in acute kidney infections. It is also wonderful for sore joints and muscles; it has multiple uses for oily skin and acne and helps in provoking an overdue menstrual cycle. Cedrus libani or Lebanon cedar, from which the first essential oil is extracted, is very scarce due to over use.

Cedarwood oil has a heating and drying energy that is often used as antiseptic, expectorant, diuretic, nervine, rejuvenating catalyst. It also mixes well with Juniper oil, Camphor oil, Eucalyptus oil, Sandalwood oil, Patchouli oil, Vetiver oil and Citronella oil. The therapeutic properties of cedarwood oil are antiseborrhoeic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, tonic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticide, sedative and fungicide.

Origin of Cedarwood Oil
The tree of Cedarwood is native to North America and grows up to 30 meters (100 feet) and ages up to 1,000 years. The oil is steam distilled from the wood, which is why its scent is strong and aromatic.

Benefits of Cedarwood Oil

•Cedarwood oil has a calming and soothing effect on the mind.
•The oil is of great help in conditions associated with anxiety and nervous tension.
•The oil is capable of preventing wounds from becoming septic as well as protecting them from tetanus germs.
•It clears urinary infections, rheumatism and arthritis.
•It helps to cure toothaches, strengthens the grip of gums on teeth and protects them from falling out.
•The oil can be used as a general health tonic, since it tones the organ systems and stimulates metabolism.
•It is also used in soap perfumery.
•It is used as mosquito-repellent, disinfectant, insecticide, cleansers.
•It is used in compresses, teas, baths, massage oil, and inhalations.
•It is used for hair loss, dandruff, and itching.
•It can be used in meditation.

Precaution about Cedarwood Oil
Since it contains Thujon, it should not be taken orally in high doses, since it can irritate the central nervous system. It should also not be taken by pregnant ladies.