The tree is native to the mountains of western Himalayas and ages up to
1,000 years. This is the tree Solomon used to build the Temple in Jerusalem.
Description of Cedarwood:
The trees grows upto 30 m, single-stemmed, crown narrowly erect to conical,
round or flattened. Bark is brown, exfoliating in thin strips, that of small
branchlets (5-10 mm diam.). Branches pendulous to ascending and branchlets
generally erect. It is tall with spicy-resinous scented wood thick ridged or
square-cracked bark and broad, level branches. The shoots are dimorphic,
with long shoots, which form the framework of the branches, and short
shoots, which carry most of the leaves. The leaves are evergreen and
needle-like, 8-60 mm long, arranged singly in an open spiral long shoots.
Appearance : Viscous transparent liquid
Aroma : Woody, Sweet, Slight aroma reminiscent of
artificial mothballs
Color : Light golden yellow
Chemical constituents: Cedarwood oil has various chemical
compounds that include atlantone, caryophyllene, cedrol, cadinene,
a-cedrene, b-cedrene, thujopsene, other sesquiterpenes and widdrol.
Extraction: It is extracted by the steam distillation of
the wood.
Aromatherapy uses:
The aromatherapy properties of cedarwood oil are antiseborrhoeic,
antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant,
fungicide insecticide, sedative and tonic. It has a calming and soothing
effect on the mind and is of great help in conditions associated with
anxiety and nervous tension.
Pharmaceutical uses:
Cedarwood oil benefits the skin by its sedating ability which relieves
itching. Its astringent action is great for acne, oily skin as well as for
hair and dandruff. It helps with chest and urinary infections acts as a
general tonic and has a pronounced effect on mucus membranes. It is also
useful in cases of arthritis and rheumatism.
Cosmetics and Toiletries:
This high grade fragrance oil is excellent to scent candles, freshen
potpourri, in soap making, massage oils and bath oil. It is also used as a
perfume body oil also. It adds a warm quality to fragrances. It combines
well with vetiver and sandalwood oils. It is also good for dry hair because
it increases the ability of the skin and scalp to hold in water. Cedarwood
is excellent repellent used for mothproofing and other insects.
