Cedarwood

Cedarwood is a common name for the essential oil of various trees that share the same properties.  The wood is used for everything from pencils to roofing.  The essential oil is used to aid with skin, hair, respiratory, attention, mood, joint and neurological issues.  It's a natural insecticide and a whole lot more.  Find out...

Music composed and performed by V. Karaitis

Transcript

Hey!  Thanks for listening!  I’m Chris Wagenti, and this is Who Gets It, Naturally.  Music was composed and performed by V. Karaitis.  I’m not selling anything, diagnosing anything; offering any cures or replacing your doctor.  I’m just sharing my passion for natural products.  If you’re pregnant, please consult your doctor before trying anything new.  Everyone is different so you may need to tweak the recipes a bit to work for you.  Always start with the least amount of essential oils…you can always add, you can’t take away.  Remember, these remedies don’t last forever, you need to reapply as needed.  If you are allergic to any of the ingredients I use, please substitute for something you’re not allergic to.  Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean you can’t be allergic to it.

I’ve mentioned this oil before, so let’s find out a little more about it…Cedarwood.  What is Cedarwood?  

Let’s start with the Cedar Tree.  Cedar is native to various regions, including the Himalayas and the Mediterranean.  As with all other plants and trees, there are many variations of Cedar, some of which are:  Atlas, Virginia, Himalayan, Lebanon, Texas, and Western Red.  Lebanon and Himalayan are said to be true Cedar. 

According to the New World Encyclopedia, found at www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Cedar, QUOTE: “Other trees known as cedars are also generally coniferous evergreens and include many with scented wood, such as "incense cedars", "whitecedar," or "western redcedar", “Japanese cedar", and Juniperus also known as "eastern redcedar," or "mountain-cedar" in the cypress family. Other "cedars" include the "Spanish cedar" and "Australian redcedar" in the mahogany family and "saltcedar”.”  END QUOTE

The term cedar applies not only to the trees but also to the wood of any of these species, and especially the light and durable cedarwood of the Cedrus genus, and the aromatic, reddish, durable wood of the eastern red cedar, Juniperus virginiana, the western redcedar (Thuja {thu-ya} plicata), and the incense cedar (genus Calocedrus).  Again, not technically classified as Cedar, however, they are very similar in a lot of ways, including their chemical properties.  Even the pollen is grouped together.  I pay attention to the dominant pollen in the air so I know what to expect (watery burning eyes; stuffed up nose; lots of sneezing; and so on).  I don’t recall seeing Cedar and Juniper separate (maybe once or twice)…it’s usually Cedar – slash – Juniper. 

Cedar is naturally repellant to insects and rot.  The scent is said to enhance spiritual awareness and has a calming effect.  This did not go unnoticed by the ancient Egyptians.  They used it to make sarcophagi, warships and temples.  Side note, Cedar was used to build King Solomon’s Temple.  It is believed that the first essential oil extraction was done on Cedar to be used as incense and was burned to heighten spirituality and send messages to the gods.  Needless to say, the huge demand for Cedar thinned out the forests of Lebanon and Himalaya since they weren’t up on environmental protocols back then, like replanting a tree to replace the one you cut down.  Cedar’s properties are believed to come from years of growing tall.  For this reason, you may find references to Cedarwood not really being made from Cedar.  All of these trees are similar in scent and properties, however, some people will say oils extracted from these trees aren’t really Cedarwood.  For purposes of this episode, when I reference Cedar and Cedarwood I am including all variations, unless otherwise noted.  

Besides being a beautiful color, durable and having a pleasant woodsy scent, Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects.  This makes it exceptional for outdoor uses such as decks, roofing, siding, outdoor furniture, fencing, ships, caskets.  It’s used for totem poles, instruments, birdhouses.  Number 2 pencils are made out of Cedar.  
 It’s commonly used for indoor furniture, especially wardrobes, closets, hope chests and trunks.  This helps protect clothes from moths.  Instead of keeping moth balls in your closets, try using Cedarwood. 

Cedar chips are used around tree trunks, flowerbeds and in gardens.  Besides looking pretty, this helps keep insects away.  Ever go to a steam sauna?  Those are usually made with Cedar.  Also, you may find some Cedar chips added to the coals used to make the steam.  Why?  Cedar is a natural decongestant.  It helps with cough, bronchitis, joint pain.  

Ok, I’ve just started and your head is probably spinning already.  Cedar is known as the Tree of Life because it has so many uses.  It’s not just used for structures and furniture, it’s also used to make rope, clothing, perfume, boxes, arrow shafts…and medicinally to help with skin issues, respiratory issues, fungal infections, muscular issues and more.  Some of its features are antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant.

Like with anything else, it can be a skin irritant.  Also, some of Cedar’s compounds can cause uterine contractions, so if you’re pregnant, stay away. 

Here’s an interesting tidbit – Cedar is sound resistant…its porous nature gives it the ability to absorb sound.  Think, recording studios, concert halls, stages. 

All of this, and I’m still just talking about the wood.  You can also make tea with the leaves.  

Again, there are slight variations with the different strains, so research to find the right one for you.

Let’s talk about the essential oil.  Depending on the manufacturer, depends on how they label the oil.  Their Cedarwood can actually be Eastern Red Cedarwood (which is really in the Juniper family), Atlas Cedarwood, Western Red Cedarwood.   In general, Cedarwood Essential Oils contain the following components: alpha-cedrene, beta-cedrene, cedrol, thujopsene (thu yop scene), widdrol and other sesquiterpenes.  What???!!!???

Sesquiterpene, S-E-S-Q-U-I-T-E-R-P-E-N-E, is a class of secondary metabolite. As defined by Science Direct, found at www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/sesquiterpene, QUOTE:  “Sesquiterpenes are C15-terpenoids built from three isoprene units. They are found particularly in higher plants and in many other living systems such as marine organisms and fungi. Naturally, they occur as hydrocarbons or in oxygenated forms including lactones, alcohols, acids, aldehydes, and ketones. Sesquiterpenes also include essential oils and aromatic constituents with several pharmacological activities.” END QUOTE  A bit sciencey…let’s just say, they’re what give living organisms their properties such as antibacterial.

Alpha-cedrene, C-E-D-R-E-N-E, has anti-leukemic, antimicrobial and anti-obesity activities.  It is used as a fragrance, a solvent, an antiseptic, a mucolytic agent, can be used against tumors and bacterial infections; insect repellent; household cleaners and air fresheners.

Beta-cedrene has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, tonic, astringent, diuretic, sedative, insecticidal and antifungal properties.  It is used in fragrances, cosmetics, beverages, sweeteners and baked goods.

Cedrol, C-E-D-R-O-L, has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antifungal and anticancer properties, and aids with neurological disorders.  It is used as a fragrance in perfumes, cosmetics, soap, shampoo, household cleaners and detergents.

Thujopsene (thu yop scene), T-H-U-J-O-P-S-E-N-E, gives Cedarwood its woody aroma. Its antifungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular ingredient for shampoo, deodorant and perfume.  It also has expectorant properties to aid with respiratory issues.

Widdrol, W-I-D-D-R-O-L, according to www.spandidos-publictions.com, QUOTE: “is an odorous compound derived from Juniperus chinensis that is widely used in traditional medicine to treat fever, inflammation and cancer.”  END QUOTE.  It's an antimicrobial, antioxidant, helps condition hair and protect skin and is a humectant (basically, a humectant keeps things moist – it attracts and retains moisture which means it helps keep skin, hair and lips moist).

Ok, what does all of this mean?  It means that Cedarwood Essential Oil is an anticancer, antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, antispasmodic, tonic, astringent, diuretic, sedative, insecticidal, and it won’t make you rot.  😊

Okay, I want to go back to season 1, where I often pointed out that there’s a lot of overlap with essential oils as far as their properties go.  You can substitute just about any oil in any recipe for any reason, and pretty much get the same results.  With Cedarwood, you’re pretty much not getting Cedar, which is in the Pine Family.  (because of the thinning of Cedar trees way back when).  American and Canadian Red Cedar are actually Thujas (thu yas).  Virginian and Texan Cedarwood are Junipers.  They all share the same compounds, (or sesquiterpenes), which means they share the same properties.  This is also why they all pretty much smell the same.  

They are grounding, calming, uplifting, natural diuretics, deodorize, disinfect, enhance the appearance of skin, benefit skin conditions like acne, balance the scalp, improve hair growth, reduce inflammation, ease arthritis pain, inhibit tumor growth, fight fungal infections, aid sleep, relieve tension, reduce cough, improve focus and ADHD, repel bugs and mosquitoes and so much more.  

Cedarwood also mixes well with other essential oils like Lavender, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Bergamot, Frankincense, Chamomile, Cypress, Clary Sage, Basil, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Ylang-Ylang, Tea Tree, Ginger, Juniper, Lemon.  Combinations and substitutions are pretty much endless.  

Instead of putting moth balls in your closet, try some Cedarwood.  Put some on a cotton ball, I crochet rings out of bamboo to put on the bar, get a small diffuser to put on the shelf…whatever works.  Trouble sleeping and don’t like Lavender?  Try some Cedarwood.  Put a few drops on a washcloth, then put it under your pillow; diffuse some when you go to bed; get a 1 or 2 ounce amber Boston round with a mister cap, add about 1/8 of a teaspoon of vodka, about 5 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil – swish around, then fill the bottle with distilled water.  Spray some around your bedroom before going to bed…on your pillowcase, night shirt, just in the air.  Find what works for you.  

Revisit the Bug Spray and Pet Care episodes.  You can use Cedarwood in those recipes, if it’s not already in them!  😉 You can even use Cedarwood as a wood polish.

I’ve been testing it.  After I shower, while my hair is still wet, I pour a few drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil into my palm, then add some Jojoba Oil. I massage it into my scalp and through my hair, then brush my hair.  My hair has been shinier, curlier – it looks healthier.  I’ve noticed it's not falling out as much as it was.  The scent of the Cedarwood is with me pretty much all day, so I’ve been calmer and in a better mood, which is always a good thing!

Remember, Cedarwood shouldn’t be taken internally, and you shouldn’t use it if you’re pregnant.  Other than that, have fun experimenting!  Find the ways Cedarwood can help you.

As always, if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to email me at vobyjypsee@usa.com, or send a text from the podcast… You can follow me on X and Instagram … @vobyjypsee; or LinkedIn…search either Chris Wagenti, Who Gets It, Naturally or Voice Overs by Jypsee.  Please download this episode, and make Who Gets It, Naturally a favorite on your preferred channel so you don’t miss an episode.

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