Woodsy, warm, and familiar, cedarwood essential oil has a rich history and has long been used by various cultures. From Native Americans to the Tibetans and ancient Egyptians, cedarwood essential oil is highly valued.
However, did you know that there are several species of cedar trees around the world? Plus, some of these trees that are referred to as cedars are actually juniper trees. The four main species of cedar are Atlas cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), Himalayan cedarwood (Cedrus deodara), Texas cedarwood (Juniperus mexicana), and Virginian cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana).
Here, we will highlight the cedarwood essential oil from the Texas cedarwood. Join us as we cover more about this essential oil including its many benefits and other essential oil it blends well with. Let’s begin!
What is Texas Cedarwood Essential Oil Made Of?
Cedarwood essential oil is derived from the wood of the Texas cedarwood. Potent, balsamic, and woodsy, Texas cedarwood essential oil has properties that are rather similar to Virginian cedarwood as they are both from the Juniper Genus. It is, however, a tad bit more subtle than Virginian cedarwood when it comes to scent.
This yellowish to light brown oil has many uses in perfumery, art, and medicine traditionally. It was once used to clarify emeralds, embalm bodies, and as the base for paints. A true multi-tasker, indeed.
Now mostly sourced from the United States, the trees are found throughout the Southwestern United States. To prevent waste, many opt to derive the oil from leftover trees and stumps.
How is Texas Cedarwood Essential Oil Extracted?
The Texas cedarwood essential oil — and also other cedarwood essential oils — is usually extracted by steam distillation. In fact, steam distillation of cedarwood began approximately 5,500 years ago.
With steam distillation, hot pressurized steam is forced through the woods. The steam then condenses and is collected.
Benefits of Texas Cedarwood Essential Oil
1. Has excellent antiseptic properties
Cedrol — a type of alcohol found in various types of cedar oils — makes up approximately 19% of Texas cedarwood essential oil. This alcohol has antiseptic properties which makes it extremely useful in treating minor wounds such as cuts, scrapes, and abrasions.
Besides that, it also helps to protect the body against infections, toxins, and harmful bacteria.
Mix a few drops of the cedarwood essential oil with a carrier oil (especially coconut oil) and dab it on the affected area gently.
2. Naturally relieves joint pain and inflammation
Apart from treating wounds, Texas cedarwood essential oil also helps with alleviating pain caused by arthritis and rheumatism. The cedrol in the oil has anti-inflammatory properties and, thus, eases joint pain and stiffness. In addition to that, its analgesic properties likely help, too.
For pain relief, add a few drops of the cedarwood essential oil to your bathwater. Alternatively, mix a few drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil and massage into the sore areas.
3. Helps with respiratory problems
On top of that, Texas cedarwood essential oil potentially reduces coughs and clears phlegm from the lungs and respiratory tract. Scientists have shown that inhaling cedrol can treat respiratory infections and help with congestion.
Additionally, its anti-spasmodic properties would come in useful to reduce coughs, too.
To use the Texas cedarwood essential oil as a remedy, add a few drops of the oil into your diffuser. Alternatively, blend a few drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil and massage onto the chest area.
4. A remedy for insomnia
For those of you who are having trouble falling asleep, Texas cedarwood essential oil may be the answer to this problem. It is naturally sedative when inhaled and its scent aids to promote restful sleep.
Dab a few drops of the essential oil on your pillow cover or add a few drops to the diffuser to fill the room. For some extra relaxation, add a few drops of the oil to your hot bath. To take it further, add in a few drops of other essential oil that is popularly used for relaxation such as lavender and chamomile. Epsom salts would work, too.
5. A natural relief for stress and anxiety
Additionally, Texas cedarwood essential oil can lend some help to relieve stress and anxiety, too, with its natural calming and soothing effects. Studies have shown that cedarwood essential oil can potentially be used to “relax mind and enhance comfort for medical purposes” thanks to the cedrol in the oil.
To ease stress, mix Texas cedarwood essential oil with a calming essential oil (lavender would be great here) and a carrier oil. Then massage all over the body, paying close attention to the chest.
As another option, add a few drops of the cedarwood oil with bergamot and chamomile essential oils into the diffuser and let it work its magic.
6. Heals problematic skin
Texas cedarwood essential oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it the ideal treatment for various skin conditions including acne, breakouts, blackheads, and eczema. Not only does the oil prevent the clogging of pores but it also protects the skin from bacteria that cause the said problems.
For crystal-clear blemish-free skin, add a few drops of Texas cedarwood essential oil to your cleanser or facial scrub. To use the oil as a spot treatment, dilute it with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin with a swab or cotton ball. Rinse it off after about 20 minutes. Do this once or twice a week. Alternatively, you can add cedarwood essential oils to your moisturizer and toner, too.
7. Works as a natural insect repellent
Fleas, ticks, ants, bugs, and moths — Texas cedarwood essential oil works on all of them. Insects hate its odor and the cedrol in the oil is toxic to the insects and their eggs. Hence, the oil is the perfect natural alternative to store-bought harsh chemicals.
For a pest-free house, dilute the Texas cedarwood essential oil with some water in a spray bottle. Give the bottle a shake and spray on your clothes, curtains, bedsheets, doorways, and everywhere, really.
This solution is also safe to be sprayed on the skin. However, if you are using it on your skin, it would be best to switch out the water with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oils.
Mixing Texas Cedarwood Essential Oil with Other Essential Oils
For a restful night’s sleep, mixing Texas cedarwood essential oil with lavender or chamomile essential oils is the way to go. The blend will soothe and calm you right down before bedtime, making it easier for sleep to come.
If you need some tension-relief, on the other hand, Texas cedarwood’s woodsy fragrance pairs well with Bergamot essential oil’s citrusy scent to keep the stress and anxiety at bay.
Warm and comforting, Texas cedarwood essential oil also goes well with herbaceous oils like clary sage and clove.
For more options, try blending the cedarwood oil with patchouli, vanilla, or vetiver.
Other Good-to-Know Information
While Texas cedarwood essential oil is generally recognized as safe, it is not meant to be ingested orally. This is because its potency can cause nausea, vomiting, and damage to the digestive system. Besides that, pregnant and nursing women are also advised not to use the essential oil without consulting their physician.
As always with any essential oils, do a patch test before using the oil to ensure there is no allergic reaction or irritation.
Is Texas Cedarwood Essential Oil Right for You?
If you love essential oils with a warm and woodsy scent, give Texas cedarwood essential oil a shot. You may find that it is everything you are looking for in essential oil.
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