Our signature Lime Vetiver fragrance blends 10 incredible essential oils to create notes that are rich with the heritage of India. Here we look in-depth at Cedarwood essential oil and discuss its uses and benefits!
Botanical Name: Cedrus deodara
Aroma: Woody, warm and sweet
Aromatic Note: Base
Benefits: Supports nervous + respiratory system, soothes dermatitis. Antioxidant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic
Did you know? Cedarwood oil is derived from various coniferous trees, although our ingredient is from the Cedarwood Himalayan variety, not be be confused with the Virginian varietal, which are becoming endangered. In India in particular, cedarwood is considered a holy wood, used to build temples and altars and in religious blessings and ceremonies
What it is used for? Medicinally, it has a vast number of uses across the alternative medicine spectrum, from treating inflammation and eczema, as a sedative, curing fungal infections, and easing aching muscles. It is also naturally antibacterial and disinfectant
Will I like it? Aromatically, unsurprisingly, it has an intense woody balsamic aroma, making it excellent as a base note ingredient. Emotionally, Cedarwood is strengthening and stabilising. This oil is ideal for use during periods of confusion and emotional upheaval to help focus the mind and ground the soul.
How can I use it? Try this Soothing Body Butter recipe from Andrea Butje, which revitalizes the skin, relaxes the muscles and calms the mind. This recipe, first makes 7oz (196g) of luxurious body butter.
The ingredients required are:
- 1oz (28g) beeswax
- 2oz (60ml) jojoba
- 2oz (56g) cocoa butter
- 2oz (56g) coconut oil
Directions: Place a pyrex measuring cup in a bowl of simmering water. Add the beeswax first as it will take the longest to melt. Once melted, add the jojoba and stir gently with a glass stirring rod or spoon handle. Add the cocoa butter until it has melted into the liquid. Add the coconut oil and melt and continue to stir gently until the the whole blend has melted, then remove from the heat. Now add the following ingredients to the body butter
- 11 drops neroli
- 15 drops patchouli
- 31 drops cedarwood
- 27 drops gingergrass
Place in glass jars and allow approximately 15 minutes to cool and solidify.
How can I make sure I am using Essential Oils safely? An understanding of the use of Essential Oils is key. You should check out our Ultimate Guide to Essential Oils for tips and resources on the safe use of essential oils! If you are regularly making blends for yourself and others, it is worth investing in Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young for a greater understanding across 400 oils and over 200 constituents.
Safety Information: Tisserand and Young do not comment on any special precautions to take when using Cedarwood Oil. However, always be sure you are purchasing Himalayan Cedarwood essential oil as there is a type of “cedar leaf oil” which can be toxic and comes from a different species of cedar. Read Tisserand and Young's full profile on this oil for the complete breakdown.
Disclaimer: Before you make any recipe, check the shelf lives of your ingredients and any safety concerns for the essential oils. These blend suggestions are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition and should be used on the understanding that Malavara accepts no responsibility for any adverse reactions caused as a result of following these recipes.
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