Cedarwood Oil: 10 Medicinal Benefits

Cedarwoodl oil comes from the wood chips and sawdust of the North America cedarwood tree. The pale yellow to light orange oil is extracted though a steam distillation method and has a soft, woody fragrance - like that of a freshly cut tree. As an essential oil, cedarwood oil has been used since ancient times and is used today for its many medicinal properties. The oil can be inhaled or used topically.

Note - Cedarwood (also spelled cedar wood) oil should not be used during pregnancy.

1 - Sedative Properties - As a sedative, cedarwood oil has relaxing and calming effects. Cedarwood oil soothes inflammation, cures itching skin and relieves tension and anxiety. For aromatherapy, the oil is used in a vaporizer, in a therapeutic bath, or through inhalation of the steam.

2 - Astringent Action - Used topically, the astringent properties of cedarwood oil is beneficial on the skin. It can be used to treat acne, control oily skin, and help heal nicks from shaving. Added to water as a hair rinse, cedarwood oil helps eliminate dandruff. Cedarwood oil also helps strengthen gums and cures toothaches.

3 - Anti-Seborrheic - Cedarwood oil helps normalize sebum production and treats the infection it causes. Seborrhea is a malfunctioning of the sebaceous glands causing abnormal sebum production - which results in an infection, most often occurring on the scalp, but also on the eyebrows. Cedarwood oil cures the inflammation and reduces peeling skin.

4 - An Expectorant - Congestion due to coughs or colds can be eliminated with the expectorant properties of cedarwood oil. The oil removes phelgm from the lungs and respiratory tract which will stop the coughing. It will provide headache relief and help eliminate other cold symptoms as well, such as watery eyes.

5 - Fungicide - The fungicidal properties of cedarwood oil will help cure fungal infections both internally and externally.

6 - Diuretic Benefits - Diurectic properties of cedarwood oil will increase the frequency of urination while flushing toxins out of the body. The oil acts as a medium for the removal of excess water, as well as toxins like uric acid (which can cause gout). By removing the accumulated toxins in the blood, cedarwood oil will help cure high blood pressure, arthritis, hypertension, urinary tract infections and obesity. 

8 - For Wounds - Cedarwood oil can be applied on wounds because it has antiseptic properties.

9 - Antispasmodic - Cedarwood oil has antispasmodic properties and can be used as a tonic to stimulate metabolism.

10 - Emenagogue - Cedarwood oil works as an emenagogue to bring about menstruation and make it regular.

Also - As an insect repellent, the oil is used in a vaporizer to drive away insects, such as mosquitoes and flies.

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