Cedarwood trees were highly valued in ancient culture, and today’s health-conscious society is rediscovering the plant’s wellness benefits.
Cedrus libani, or Lebanese cedar, is a species of tree in the pine family. Cedarwood is prized for its fine grain, attractive yellow color and fragrance. Its history dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who used it for embalming and purification as well as in cosmetics and perfumes. In the biblical Song of Solomon, cedarwood was used to build Solomon’s temple because it symbolized abundance, fertility and spiritual strength.
Used in aromatherapy, cedarwood libani essential oil has a natural, clean and slightly sweet scent with a woody undertone. It helps deodorize indoor spaces, repel ants and other insects, and prevent mildew. Cedarwood libani essential oil also is used in many hair care products, and has been found to cleanse and enhance circulation to the scalp, tighten the follicles, stimulate healthy growth, reduce thinning and slow hair loss.
Preliminary investigations and case studies suggest that cedarwood essential oil may also reduce pain and inflammation, boost stress-lowering brain chemicals, lower blood pressure, regulate breathing rates, improve sleep and \act as an antibacterial. More research is needed, however.
Used as a skin cosmetic, cedarwood libani essential oil helps soothe irritation, inflammation, redness and itchiness, as well as dryness that leads to cracking, peeling or blistering. Cedarwood oil helps regulate production of sebum (the skin’s oil content), eliminates acne-causing bacteria, guards the skin against environmental pollutants and toxins, reduces the risk of acne breakouts, helps eliminate unpleasant body odors, and obscures signs of aging.
