Cedar essential oil
Element - Water
Property - refreshing
Note - Heart to base
Group - Essential oil
Synonym - Atlas cedar, Morocco cedar
Botanical name - Cedrus alantica
Plant family - Pinaceae (pine family)
Contents
Botany
Botanical name
Cedrus alantica
Plant family
Pinaceae (pine family)
The pine family (bot. Pinaceae) belongs to the order Coniferales (conifers). As vascular plants, the pines belong to the seed plants (Spermatophytina) within the Coniferopsida class. Pine plants usually present themselves as stately trees and are represented in some genera as shrubs. Pine plants have needle leaves. The needles of most Pinaceae species remain on the tree or shrub for several years and are evergreen.
Sources:
→ more information on the Pinaceae plant family
→ more about the cedar
Origin & distribution
The natural distribution area of the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is the North African mountain regions (mostly Atlas Mountains) of Morocco and Algeria. The Atlas cedar has been cultivated in France since the middle of the 19th century - especially for the reforestation of impoverished and erosion-prone areas.
Origin for the production of the oils
Morocco, France
Plant part used
Cedar essential oil is mainly the wood used for its production.
Ingredients Cedar essential oil
- Monoterpenes: 0.08% α-pinene, 1.2% limonene
- Sesquiterpenes: 70 -75%
- Sesquiterpenols: 8%
- Sesquiterpene ketones: 7%
- Oxides: 1%
Warnings Cedar essential oil
Internal use:
- Cedar oil is not suitable for internal use in pregnant women, infants and small children.
External application:
- In infants only in low concentration (<0.5%).
- Only use under professional supervision during pregnancy.
Background
In the "Song of Solomon", cedar and its fragrance are praised in several places and descriptions of the oil can be found from as early as the 5th century B.C. In Egypt, cedar oil was used to embalm the dead.
People in those days held cedar in high esteem because it represented fertility and abundance, strength and dignity. According to these writings, King Solomon had the pillars of the temple in Jerusalem made from cedar wood from Lebanon. This was mainly because of the scent of the wood: it was believed that the scent of cedar wood opened the worshipper's heart to the presence of God. This is why, for many centuries, people made pilgrimages to the legendary sacred groves of the Lebanon Mountains, where they enjoyed the aromatic scent of the trees while praying to their god. Today's state of Lebanon majestically bears the cedar tree on its flag. And Tibetan Buddhists still use the wood of the Himalayan cedar as incense in their temples. The cedar is said to invoke the help of angels, especially when it comes to wisdom.
Atlas cedar oil is widely used in the perfume industry. The fragrance conveys a feeling of warmth and fullness.
Aroma
Grade
Perfumery counts the essential oil of cedar among the Heart note with transition to Base note.
Heart note
The scent of the heart note only appears after the top note has evaporated and lasts for 2-3 hours.
After the top note has faded, about 15 minutes after applying an essential oil to the skin, the heart note follows. Its aromas gradually unfold together with the base notes. However, the heart note determines the character of the fragrance composition. The heart note describes flowery, fruity and herbaceous notes. The middle phase usually lasts two to three hours.
Base note
The scent of the base note is initially masked by the top and heart notes. It only makes a prominent appearance after the two have evaporated. However, it is particularly long-lasting.
The base note smells the longest, it is perceived for several hours. The base note therefore ensures the depth but also the durability of a fragrance composition. The base note contains woody, resinous and earthy fragrance nuances.
Fragrance
animalic, woody, balsamic, camphoraceous, coniferous
Mixes well with...
Carrier oils
Possible carrier oils depend on several criteria such as skin type and effect. Below I list some neutral carrier oils that can be used well because they are odorless and generally well tolerated.
You can find a wider selection of carrier oils in the → Aromatrix
Body, mind & soul
In the Body, Mind & Soul section, a possible therapeutic use of essential oils is described. An attempt is made to make both the Western and the Eastern perspective transparent.
The Western approach can be found under Effect and use differentiated according to body and mind & soul. For comparison, the Eastern approach describes the chakras and functional areas.
As an Aromatrix+ reader, simply read on now...
Western approach
This section is written for the aroma therapy expert:
Effect
BODY
astringent, anti-allergic, antibacterial, antihistaminic, antifungal, antiseptic, aquaretic, artery regenerating, expectorant, circulatory stimulant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antifoulant, diuretic, cleanses oily, blemished skin, strengthens the immune system, invigorating, lipolytic, lymphotonic, stimulates lymph circulation, expectorant, digestive, prevents scarring, heals wounds, strongly regenerates cells
Mind & Soul
aprodisiac, balancing, calming, relaxing, nerve-soothing, strengthening
Use
BODY
Acne, allergic rhinitis, arterial disease, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, respiratory infections, bronchitis, cellulitis, dermatitis, eczema, yellow fever, ulcers, weight gain, hair loss, urinary tract infection, skin inflammation, skin itching, cough, insect repellent, catarrh, lung disease, nerve pain, edema, fungal infections, rheumatism, dandruff, seborrhea, wounds
Mind & Soul
Anxiety, tension, lethargy, nervous weakness, lack of concentration, stress-related complaints
Eastern approach
This section is written for the TCM expert:
Pine Needle Essential Oil helps a person find the courage to overcome habitual limiting patterns and engage in new and more fulfilling situations.
5 elements
Element water
Cedar essential oil is associated with the element of water.
The element assignment of an essential oil is determined by the →Aroma profile and the direction of action. Cedar oil has mainly yin components. It is used as Yin classified as there are mainly inward movements in the fragrance.
Chakras
Assignment is made to several chakras.
Cedar essential oil is associated with the root, navel and forehead chakras (1st, 3rd, 6th chakra).
As an essential oil can have several properties, it can also be assigned to several chakras. In addition to the 1st root chakra, the 3rd navel chakra and the 6th forehead chakra are also addressed with cedar essential oil.
A detailed explanation can be found in the following article: → Etheric oils & chakras
Functional areas
Qi deficiency
Cedar essential oil balances the yin & yang of the kidneys on the physical level as well as on the psycho-emotional level where it balances determination and gratitude to promote wisdom.
- Stimulates the breakdown of fat; improves oily skin: the stimulating effect is gentle, slow, deep and long-lasting in contrast to the faster-acting oils thyme and oregano.
- Tonifies and strengthens the lung Qi, warms the lungs: Infections of the respiratory tract and urogenital tract, especially due to cold damp.
- strengthens the will; corrects wisdom: promotes self-control in negative or threatening situations
- Tonifies the kidneys (and spleen) YangFatigue, lower back pain, lack of concentration
- reduces moisture: Weight gain, cellulite, edema, abdominal bloating
Main use:
Sexual, psychological, mental and acoustic problems (hearing)
Psycho-emotional representation:
Loss of true essence and the ability to individualize oneself. Person is easily manipulated.
Sources:
Icon by Olga from Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)
Texts are based on the following publications:
Pocket dictionary of aromatherapy by Dietrich Wabner, Verlag Systemisch Medizin, 2013
Aromatherapy with Chinese Medicine by Dennis Willmont, Willmountain Press, 2003
Applications
Winter fragrance
5 ELEMENTS APPLICATION
Winter fragrance to strengthen the element of water.
