Popularly used for centuries, cedarwood essential oil has been a constant in various cultures and traditions for hundreds of years. Once utilized for embalming by ancient Egyptians, for building temples and altars by Indians, and as a part of ceremonies by Native Americans, this woodsy, earthy, and slightly sweet essential oil remains a prominent favorite of many until today.
Versatile and potent, Himalayan cedarwood essential oil is absolutely worth your attention. So, today, let’s explore this wonderful essential oil in detail. In this article, you have everything from the, uh, essentials of this essential oil to its benefits and uses.
What is Himalayan Cedarwood Essential Oil Made Of?
Himalayan cedarwood essential oil is extracted from the wood of the Himalayan cedarwood. Now, the Himalayan cedarwood (Cedrus deodara) is one of the four main species of cedar trees around the world. The other species are Atlas cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), Texas cedarwood (Juniperus mexicana), and Virginian cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana).
Known as “the wood of the gods”, it is only fitting that Himalayan cedarwood thrives at high altitudes — especially in the Himalayan mountains. Native to the western Himalayas, northern Pakistan, and India, the tree can reach up to 160 feet tall.
As the Himalayan cedarwood is also grown as an ornamental tree with its needle-like leaves and drooping branchlets, you can find this particular cedarwood in parks and gardens.
How is Himalayan Cedarwood Essential Oil Extracted?
The Himalayan cedarwood essential oil is extracted from the inner wood and, occasionally, the pine needle of the Himalayan cedarwood tree via steam distillation. As an aside and a fun fact, did you know that people started to steam distill cedarwood about 5,500 years ago?
Today’s method of steam distillation involves pushing hot pressurized steam through the woods and pine needles. The steam then goes through a condensation and collection process.
Benefits of Himalayan Cedarwood Essential Oil
1. Possesses analgesic properties
Himalayan Cedarwood essential oil is a must-have for some natural pain relief because of its excellent analgesic properties. An animal study has confirmed that essential oil shows significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.
To use Himalayan Cedarwood essential oil to treat pain, add a few drops of the essential oil to a hot bath. Alternatively, blend a few drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil of your choice and massage into the affected area to soothe the pain.
2. Reduces inflammation and joint pain
Besides that, many who suffer from arthritis and rheumatism find Himalayan cedarwood essential oil to be vital in helping them to manage the pain stemming from the conditions. This includes aching joints, swelling joints, and stiffness in joints.
Mix a few drops of the cedarwood essential oil with a carrier oil and rub all over the painful joints for some quick relief. On top of that, a long soak in a bath with the essential oil can also help with the pain and stiffness.
3. Has antispasmodic properties
Additionally, the himachalol in the Himalayan cedarwood essential oil is shown to have a spasmolytic effect — able to relieve muscle spasm. This can be used for afflictions like muscle cramps, menstrual cramps, and potentially stomach problems.
To use the essential oil to ease painful cramps and spasm, blend the Himalayan essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and rub on the painful areas. For menstrual cramps, rub it on your lower abdomen as well as back.
Alternatively, place a few drops of the essential oil in the hot bath for some all-over relief.
4. Excellent antioxidant activities
Apart from that, Cedarwood essential oil has also been shown to have high antioxidant properties. This is especially so for the essential oils extracted from the pine needles of Himalayan cedarwood.
Its outstanding antioxidant activity can help to fight free radicals for a healthier brain and nervous system.
5. Treats acne and breakouts
Not only for the body, Himalayan cedarwood essential oil also works wonders for the face. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties mean that it can effectively be used as a treatment for various skin conditions, such as acne, blemishes, breakouts, and eczema.
The essential oil purges the pores to prevent clogging and also doubles as a guard against bacteria.
For supple blemish-free skin, mix a few drops of Himalayan essential oil with your daily toner or moisturizer. Alternatively, to use as part of your cleansing routine, simply add one or two drops to your cleanser or facial scrub. If you need spot treatment, on the other hand, blend the essential oil with a carrier oil and dab it on with a swab or cotton ball. Rinse it off 15-20 minutes later.
6. Natural insect-repellent
Another fun fact: Himalayan cedars can live up to hundreds of years. In fact, some even lived up to about 1,000 years. The reason for the Himalayan cedarwood’s long life can be attributed to the fact that the essential oil in it protects it from insects, beetles, moths, and other bugs.
So, what works for the cedars will work for you, too. Now you know that to get rid of flies, fleas, and other insects or bugs in your home, you can turn to Himalayan cedarwood essential oil.
For the purpose of keeping your home pest-free, a spray or diffuser with the essential oil will work best. Dilute the Himalayan cedarwood essential oil with some water and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray on clothes, furniture, carpet, and other appropriate household items. Take care to avoid getting it in your eyes and mouth.
If you would like to use it on your skin, replace the water with a carrier oil and spray or rub all over your body.
Mixing Himalayan Cedarwood Essential Oil with Other Essential Oils
Himalayan cedarwood essential oil is woodsy, earthy, and slightly smoky. It blends well with floral scents such as patchouli, lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang essential oils. However, it also pairs well with woodsy essential oils including sandalwood, juniper berry, and vetiver.
For relief to respiratory issues such as congestion and cough, Himalayan cedarwood essential oil is great with eucalyptus, rosemary, or frankincense essential oils.
For an easier time in catching the Z’s, a blend of Himalayan cedarwood essential oil with lavender, frankincense, and vetiver essential oils is the way to go.
If you are looking for a quick and soothing pick-me-up for your skin, mix Himalayan cedarwood essential oil with geranium, lavender, and frankincense essential oils. Remember to dilute the blend with a carrier oil such as argan or jojoba oil.
To keep creepy-crawlies away from your body and home, give a mix of Himalayan cedarwood essential oil and witch hazel, lavender, peppermint, and citronella essential oils a try.
Other Good-to-Know Information
Himalayan cedarwood essential oil is generally extremely safe to use. However, to err on the side of safety, always start with a patch test to ensure that there will be no adverse reaction.
Do not ingest Himalayan cedarwood essential oil as it is unsafe for ingestion because of its potency. Ingestion is likely to cause nausea, vomiting, and irritation to the digestive system.
Besides that, it is also best for pregnant and nursing women to refrain from using Himalayan essential oil.
Is Himalayan Cedarwood Essential Oil Right for You?
It is extremely easy to see (or sniff) the appeal of Himalayan cedarwood essential oil — woodsy, comforting, and just generally a delight. Its attractive scent coupled with its many health benefits makes it the right essential oil for just about everybody.
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