[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
Botanical name: Cedrus atlantica
Moroccan Cedarwood, Thuja, atlas cedarwood
Family: Pinaceae, the pine family
Origin
Native to the Atlas and Rif Mountains of Morocco and Algeria, where atlas cedar still grows in its highest concentration of any forest in the world. Atlas cedar is a large evergreen tree, growing between 30-35 meters tall, and is considered a sub-species of the Lebanon cedar because they’re very similar in features and difficult to distinguish.
Botany
Cedrus atlantica is an endangered species, however, they are currently not protected from being harvested for essential oil distillation or any kind of exploitation. Because of this, it is our job as the consumer to be aware of our impact and choose to purchase other species of cedarwood with similar constituents that should be used in replace of Atlas cedarwood. These include:
Parts used
Wood is harvested to make furniture, and can be burned for smudging rituals. The wood can be steam distilled to extract the essential oil.
Energetics
Fortifying and strengthening and is considered to be powerful tonic of the body's Qi (energy).
Warm and drying
Essential oils
Cedarwood essential oil is steam distilled from the wood, stumps, and sawdust, and is yellow to orange-yellow or deep amber in color..
The best quality cedarwood oil comes from the wood of trees that are 20-30 years old. The oil distilled from the heartwood is considered warmer, more balsamic and aromatic.
Aromatherapy
Cedarwood has strengthening and comforting effects.
Warming, harmonizing and life giving.
Calms fear and nervous tension and stabilizes energies that have been thrown out of balance.
Therapeutic Actions
Anti-bacterial: destroys and inhibits the grows of bacteria
Anti-catarrhal: reduces the production of mucus
Anti-fungal: destroys and inhibits the growth of fungus
Anti-inflammatory: relieves inflammation
Anti-seborrheic: prevents excessive production of sebum from sebaceous glands
Anti-septic: destroys and inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria
Astringent: contracts tighten and binds connective tissue
Decongestant: relieves or reduces congestion
Depurative: purifies and detoxifies the body, especially the blood
Diuretic: increases the production and excretion of urine
Expectorant: loosens and expels mucus from the airways
Insecticide: kills insects
Sedative: reduces nervousness and induces sleep
Tonic: strengthens and improves bodily performance
Mucolytic: thins mucus of the airways to be easily removed
Uses
Nervous System
Cedar is useful for relieving general lethargy, nervous debility, and poor concentration.
Tonic properties aid to recover energy and rebalance bodily functions.
Sedative properties reduce anxiety, tension, and aid in sleep.
Lymphatic System
Cedar encourage lymphatic drainage and stimulates the breakdown of accumulated fats.
The oil is toning to the kidneys, spleen, and pancreas.
Respiratory System
Has decongesting and antiseptic qualities that that are useful for the treatment of respiratory infections.
Cedarwood’s expectorant, mucolytic and anti-catarrhal effects are used to remove build up of mucus in the airways and can treat sinus pressure/infections, coughs, and chronic bronchitis.
Urinary System
Recommended for the treatment of cystitis and urinary track infections.
Skin Care
Astringent and antiseptic properties that makes cedarwood excellent in skin, body, and hair care.
Aids in hair growth and increases strength of hair.
Depurative properties purify the blood, soothing acne and skin disorders from the inside out.
Anti-seborrheic properties improves oily skin, acne, dandruff, and skin disorders like seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Insect Repellant
Cedarwood has insecticide properties that can be used to kill unwanted insects in the garden and be used topically to prevent insect bites.
Metaphysical and Magical Uses
Healing, Purification, Money, Protection, Community, Connection
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Emotions addressed: inability to form bonds or social roots, loneliness, feeling disconnected or separate from the family, antisocial.
Cedar brings people together to experience the value and strength of community.
Recommended for those who struggle to form bonds within social groups. Cedarwood inspires the feeling of belonging and assists the heart in opening to receive love, compassion, and the support of others. So that the individual can stand strong within the inner workings of the community. Cedarwood offers space for intimacy when there is strain and tension of the heart.
Put Cedar around the home for protection. Place a piece of cedar in the wallet to draw financial gain. Add to love oils and burn to induce psychic powers. Burn cedar for purifying a space. Smell cedar oil before bed to prevent bad dreams.
Safety
Non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitising when applied topically.
Should not be used internally.
Should not be used excessively during pregnancy, because it may have neurotoxic and abortive effects on the fetus. Toxic doses are cumulative.
Drug Interactions
There are no known contraindications with cedar.
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness