Cedarwood essential oil | Juniperus virginiana

Traditional use: Cedar is one of the most long-lived trees, and its wood is extremely resistant to damage. Perhaps this is why cedarwood essential oil is widely used among aromatherapy enthusiasts who are inspired by the strength and longevity of this tree. Traditionally, cedarwood oil is used to support the fight against infections. The active compounds it contains are able to stimulate natural immune responses of the body, so that pathogenic microorganisms are neutralized with greater efficiency. In addition, this oil helps decongest the upper respiratory tract during a cold, as it facilitates expectoration of lingering secretions and relieves coughing. At the same time, it has a beneficial effect on the skin and hair, so it is often used as an ingredient in shampoos and conditioners. It soothes skin ailments, especially acne lesions and dandruff. It works well for both dry and oily skin, giving it a healthy appearance full of natural radiance. The warm, woody scent of this oil brings peace and harmony. It helps to reduce stress and muscle tension, so it’s great for a gentle, relaxing massage. It can also prove helpful in the fight against insomnia. Thanks to its calming properties, this oil makes it easier to fall asleep and helps the body to recover effectively during sleep.

Occurrence: Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), also known as Virginia juniper, is an evergreen coniferous tree in the cypress family (Cupressaceae). It naturally occurs in the eastern part of North America, where it grows to a height of about 40 meters and lives up to 300 years. The oldest tree of this species comes from West Virginia in the US and is more than 940 years old. Cedar is also cultivated in Europe, although the trees growing on this continent reach smaller sizes. The crown of red cedar is slender and shaped like a cone or column. Attention may be drawn to the cones of the juniper, which take on a purple color when they ripen and look similar to blueberries.

Biochemistry: Virginia juniper contains many chemical compounds that are responsible for its distinctive aroma. Among them, the most significant are sesquiterpenes, including: thujopsene, alpha-cedrene, beta-cedrene, alpha-copaene, cedrol, alpha-selinene and widdrol.

The oil available in our shop is obtained by steam distillation with cedar wood from trees grown in the southeastern states of the US. Thanks to that, each drop contains an optimal concentration of active ingredients and a unique aroma.

Fun fact: In the United States, the wood of the Virginia juniper is used to make pencils. The hard part of the trunk (heartwood) is best suited for this purpose. In the 1940s, the number of trees of this species drastically decreased, so now pencils are more often produced from other types of cedar, including California cedar.