20 Aug Cedrus – Cedarwood

Cedarwood falls in the genus of coniferous trees known as Cedrus. Cedrus derives from the Arabic word kedron meaning ‘power‘. These majestic trees can grow to about 100 feet and live up to a 1,000 years old.

Our ancient ancestors were quick to recognise the valuable properties of cedarwood. Extremely durable and completely weather resistant, cedarwood has been used for construction of palaces and temples as well as ship building. Almost all of Alexander the Great’s ships were made from cedarwood and legend has it that King Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem was built with its wood.

The Native Americans also used cedar extensively, both for medicine and spiritual purification. The Guarani for example, hold the cedar as sacred, using both wood and oil in their shamanic practices. Cedar was the first tree their god Nanderuvuzu created and it still stands in their paradise. The ancient Syrians and Mesopotamians considered the tree a sign of enduring love, and nourished the spirits of their ancestors with cedarwood incense.

For the Ancient Egyptians, cedarwood arose from the god Osiris and became a symbol of eternal return. Its wood, but more specifically its oil, was thought to contain magical powers. Cedarwood played an extremely important part of the Ancient Egyptian mummification process. The natural properties of its oil serve as an effective insecticide, which had helped preserve the tombs insect free. You may use this oil in an aromatherapy oil diffuser or in a vaporiser in the kitchen, garden, garage or other places in your house that are infested with insects. You will be amazed to see how fast the aroma of this oil drives away insects, flies and mosquitoes.

The chief components of Cedarwood Essential Oil are Alpha Cedrene, Beta Cedrene, Cedrol, Widdrol, Thujopsene and a group of Sesquiterpenes, which contribute a great deal to its medicinal value and health benefits. Here are only a couple of reasons why you should be using cedarwood and its essential oils.

• Cedarwood’s natural oils help destroy microbes and prevent their development. It can safely be applied externally on wounds as an antiseptic. It also avoids contagions, such as tetanus!
• It has tonic properties, meaning it invigorates, refreshes and restores body functions. By defending the body against toxins, the cedarwood essential oil relieves the white blood cells and immune system of the extra stress, which allows them to better protect internal functions.
• Cedarwood essential oil is also a stimulant to facilitate tightening and toning up the body muscles, together with the stomach muscles. Its oils also aid in fighting cellulite!
• It is can also prevent and relieve spasms, convulsions and contractions.
• Specific studies have shown the inhalation of cedarwood oil to protect the body against various types of food poisoning, as well as plant, animal, and human fungal pathogens!
• At the same time, cedarwood essential oil augments the metabolic activities of your body, thereby aiding in weight loss and regulating your body weight.
• In fact, if you are suffering from an allergy, flu and cold use, cedarwood’s sedative properties promote healthy, restorative, and uninterrupted sleep!
• Cedarwood oil is equally beneficial in curing acne, arthritis, bronchitis, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, stress, kidney disorders and as a treatment against oily skin.