Cedar wood

Juniperus virginiana also known as cedar wood comes from different trees grown in all over the world. The wood, roots and foliage of cypress and pine botanical families can be used to produce cedar oil (sometime called cedar wood oil). The cedar oil extracted has a woody aroma with special pesticidal and bactericidal effects. The oil is yellow in colour and is quite viscous.

Production of cedar wood oil involves distilling wood from different junipers and cypresses. The oil can also be extracted in small quantities from the leaves of certain species of the cedar genera.

Cedar wood oil has various benefits to the human society but can be broadly categorised as follows;

1. Benefits to the body

·         Cedar oil is used in aromatherapy. The woody aroma brings about harmony to the body and mind. This effect calms the consumer and releases tension making the body to feel refreshed and balanced.

·         When applied on the skin, cedar wood oil acts as a repellent and drives away disease causing insects like mosquitoes and tsetse flies.

·         The oil which has been derived from the leaves of cedar wood trees  can be used to clear nasal passages hence treating colds and respiratory diseases

·         Menstruating women can use it to alleviate discomforts that come with menstruation like fatigue by facilitating regular menstrual cycles.

·         Due to its anti fungal and antiseptic properties, cedar wood oil can be used to relieve toothaches. It does this by cleaning the cavities found in decaying teeth and killing germs

·         The woody spicy aroma of cedar wood is known to be used in relieving insomnia and depression since it relaxes the mind and induces sleep and rest.

·         Cedar wood oil contains compounds which augment metabolic activities and can therefore help persons on a diet or those watching their weights.

·         The oil also promotes functions of the nervous and digestive systems improving metabolism and the general well being of the body.

2. Benefits to the skin

·         Cedar oil helps in the regulation of sebum production. High levels of sebum cause oily skin and acne therefore the oil can be used to control this.

·         Cedar oil is an antiseptic that occurs naturally, it therefore helps in the treatment of cuts and bruises.

·         The oil tightens skin pores in the process inhibiting dust and other microbes from entering into the skin resulting into a toned up skin. It also tightens skin on the face maintaining its youthful appearance

·         The antiseptic nature of cedar oil enables it to be used in beauty and skin care products

3. Benefits to the hair

·         Cedar wood oil keeps hair healthy by reducing hair fall and greying

·         The oil also moistens the scalp therefore treating people with dandruff

Precaution and use

With so many benefits, cedar wood oil is vastly used in our society today. However, it is advisable to consult a professional before using it. This is because essential oils should always be applied on skin along with carrier oils e.g. coconut oil. Skin irritation may occur in case the oil used in high concentrations. It is also advisable for breastfeeding and pregnant women to avoid the use of this oil.