The benefits of cedarwood essential oil can be credited to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, antifungal, anti-infectious, diuretic, sedative, and insecticidal properties. This long list of potent properties makes cedarwood an excellent oil for common concerns like stress, infections, hair loss, skin issues, bad odors, and more!
Cedarwood essential oil comes from the wood of the cedar tree with the most popular type of oil coming from the Eastern red cedar, also known as the pencil cedar. Cedars are considered symbolic of wisdom, abundance, and protection. Today, we’re going to talk about the health and wellness benefits of cedarwood essential oil as well as dive into ways you can use it in your daily life.
10 Benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil
Hair Support
Cedarwood essential oil can help with hair loss and dry scalp. Many herbalists refer to cedarwood as a fabulous natural remedy for hair thinning and alopecia. It works to stimulate circulation and the hair follicles to help slow hair loss and speed hair growth.
Try using a combination of cedarwood oil with rosemary, thyme, and lavender. Research has found that this combo of oils increased hair growth in up to 44% of those suffering from alopecia areata.
For a dry scalp and dandruff, cedarwood’s antifungal properties can help when combined with coconut oil. Make a mixture with 2 drops of cedarwood essential oil and a teaspoon or so of coconut oil and massage onto the scalp. Let sit for 20 or so minutes and then wash out.
Eczema
If you suffer from the common skin disorder eczema, cedarwood essential oil can help. Dry, red, and itchy skin is painful and unpleasant. Cedarwood’s anti-inflammatory properties can help calm eczema and the pain associated with it. It’s antifungal and antiseptic properties can work to make sure no open wounds become infected.
Add a drop or 2 of cedarwood essential oil to coconut oil and rub onto the area of discomfort.
Scrapes and Wounds
As I mentioned above, cedarwood has powerful antiseptic properties, making it ideal for preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms that can negatively impact the skin. Use cedarwood to disinfect cuts, scrapes, and wounds. Mix a couple of drops of the essential oil with coconut oil and apply the mixture to prevent infection.
Calming and Sleep Promoting
Use cedarwood essential oil aromatically to calm and relax the mind and spirit. An animal study found that cedarwood essential oil has sedative effects, as well. So if you have trouble sleeping at night and find yourself tossing and turning, try diffusing cedarwood essential oil.
Just remember not to drive or operate machinery when using a sedative essential oil.
Aid in Arthritis Relief
If you have arthritis, you are no stranger to debilitating joint and tissue pain. Cedarwood essential oil is one of the best oils for arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Which means it’s no surprise to find out that a lot of topical joint and muscle pain relievers include cedar essential oil in them (1).
Use cedarwood essential oil topically to help relieve pain associated with arthritis. Adding 1-2 drops with a carrier oil to the area of pain will help reduce inflammation.
Purify and Deodorize
Cedarwood has a beautiful woody scent perfect for freshening up your home, thanks to its antifungal properties. If you want to deodorize your air and replace it with a perfect fall and winter scent, then cedarwood is a fabulous choice.
Add a couple of drops of cedarwood to your diffuser, and that will do the trick! Or you can try his fall diffuser recipe below:
Crunchy Leaves
- 2 drops cedarwood
- 2 drops frankincense
- 3 drops wild orange
- 1 drop myrrh
Helps with Skincare and Acne
Cedarwood’s natural antiseptic and antifungal properties make it an excellent natural remedy for acne. In 2013 the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study that showed how the addition of cedarwood oil to an acne patient’s routine was “helpful in controlling acne.”
To help treat acne, add 1 drop of cedarwood essential oil to your skincare, and gently apply. Avoid eye area.
Repel Bugs
Cedarwood is one of the best essential oils for repelling bugs. It’s great for protecting against ticks and crawling bugs like fleas. It’s ideal for wooded areas and is safe for pets! So if you want to protect your furry friend from fleas try adding cedarwood to a D.I.Y. natural insect repellent spray.
For more essential oils recipes to repel bugs check out this article.
Cough Relief
When sick season comes around, it’s always a good idea to have cedarwood essential oil in your medicine cabinet. Cedarwood’s antispasmodic abilities may make it an ideal all-natural remedy for relieving a cough. Before going to sleep at night, mix two drops of cedarwood with a carrier oil and apply to the chest and throat.
Fosters Focus
A cool study done by Dr. Terry Friedmann M.D. and Dennis Eggett discovered that using cedarwood on children significantly improved their learning capacity and focus. The study gave 34 children with ADHD one of three essential oils (cedarwood, lavender, or vetiver) to inhale.
The children inhaled deeply through their nostrils straight from the bottle three times a day for thirty days. At the end of thirty days, thirty children retook a T.O.V.A. and EEG test. The study found that the cedarwood and vetiver groups saw reduced ADHD symptoms, as well as improvements in brain activity!
To improve focus and learning capacity, try inhaling cedarwood essential oil directly from the bottle or diffusing it. Cedarwood blends well with bergamot, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, floral oils, juniper, and rosemary. A lot of which are wonderful for memory and cognition!
Check out our articles on using oils for ADHD or the perfect oils for back to school for more information.
When searching for cedarwood, always look for the highest quality from a trustworthy and reputable company.
Are you excited to get started with cedarwood for health and wellness benefits? Let me know in the comments if you’ve used cedarwood before and your experience.
Cites
Binge the Latest
Turmeric Benefits & The Best Turmeric Supplement
Ginger Benefits & The Best Ginger Supplement
Schizandra Berry Benefits & The Best Schizandra supplement
A Guide to Gut Health for Women