FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $75

Essential Oil Profile Directory

Essential Oil Profile: Cedarwood (Himalayan)

April 14, 2020

by Amelia E. Hoard, RN

 

Common Name: Cedarwood (Himalayan)

Synonyms: Deodar cedarwood

Latin Binomial: Cedrus deodara

Family: Pinaceae

Production Method: steam distallation of wood

Countries of Origin: Himalayan mountains from eastern Afganistan to north western India.

Typical Constituents: a- Himachalene (20.0-30.0%), a-Cedrene (12.0-16.0%),  b-Himachalene (8.0-13.0%), [E]-a-Atlantone (5.0-7.0%),  Deodarone (4.0-6.0%),  [Z]-a-Atlantone (2.0-3.0%), b-Cedrene (0.5-1.5%), allo-Himachalol (0.5-1.5%), Cedrol (1.0-2.0%),  Himachalol (1.0-2.0%)

Description of Oil: Yellow to brownish yellow, slightly viscous liquid with a clean balsamic woody odor.

Description of Plant: A 120 foot conifer.

History, Folklore and Myth: Used by the ancient egyptians for embalming, cosmetics, and pufumery. The oil was an ingredient in a renowned poison antidote that was used for centuries. Traditionally used in the East for bronchial and urinary infections, as a preservative and incense. In the bible cedar trees are symbolic of abundance, fertility and spiritual strength.

Properties and Uses: Acne, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, fungal infections, oily skin, hair loss, skin eruptions, ulcers, bronchitis, arthritis, rheumatism, relieves nervous tension and stress, promotes sleep, mental clarity & aides meditation.

Precautions and Contraindications: None known

Other Interesting  Information: Chemically and biologically similar to cedarwood (atlas).

 

References:

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Virginia, Queensland, Australia: The Perfect Potion. 1995.

Tisserand, Robert, and Tony Balacs. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. 1995.



Also in Essential Oil Profile Directory

Essential Oil Profile: Angelica Root

April 14, 2020

by Jeffrey S. Hoard Common Name: Angelica Latin Binomial: Angelica archangelica L. Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) Other Common Names: Angel’s Herb, Root of the Holy Spirit, Garden Angelica, Archangelica officinalis Part Used: Root (An oil is also distilled from the seed – see below.) Production Method: Steam Distillation Countries of Origin: Angelica archangelica is considered to be

Continue Reading

Essential Oil Profile: Aniseed

April 14, 2020

by Jeffrey S. Hoard Common Name: Anise, Anise Seed, Aniseed Latin Binomial: Pimpinella anisum Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) Other Common Names: Anisum officinalis, Anisum vulgare Part Used: Seeds, dried and crushed. Production Method: Steam distillation. Countries of Origin: Native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. Poland and Russia are among the largest producers of Aniseed oil from locally

Continue Reading

Essential Oil Profile: Basil

April 14, 2020

by Amelia E. Stone, RN Common Name: Basil (ct. linalool) Latin Binomial: Optimum basilicum L. Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae) Other Common Names: Sweet basil and common basil Production Method: steam-distilled Countries of Origin: tropical Asia and Africa, Egypt Typical Constituents: Linalool (34.4%), Eugenol (33.7%), Linoleic & linolenic acids (9.7%), 1,8-Cineole (3.1%), T-Cadinol (1.9%), Palmitic acid

Continue Reading

Never Miss An Update

Attracting new email subscriptions is a great use for a popup, but you can also use it for other purposes, like an 'agree-to-terms' entry point, or to link directly to pages and products in your shop.