Cedarwood Essential Oil: A Practitioner’s Guide
Plant Part & Extraction
Steam distilled from the wood of the Cedar tree.
Cedarwood essential oil has been treasured for thousands of years for its purifying, calming, protective, and spiritually grounding qualities.
Its aroma is warm, woody, earthy, resinous, and deeply calming.
One of the “Sesquiterpene” Essential Oils
Sesquiterpene-rich oils are traditionally discussed for their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
These oils have historically been explored in supportive wellness applications involving:
ALS
MS
Parkinson’s
Dementia
Documented by the Universities of Berlin and Vienna, 1994.
Other sesquiterpene-rich essential oils include:
Frankincense
Sandalwood
Vetiver
Myrrh
Patchouli
Ginger
Properties of Cedarwood Essential Oil
Traditionally described as:
Anti-infectious
Antiseptic (urinary and pulmonary)
Astringent
Diuretic
Insect repellent
Sedative
Traditionally recognized for:
calming
purification
emotional grounding
nervous system support
Aromatic & Emotional Benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood’s fragrance is traditionally believed to:
calm the nervous system
stimulate the limbic region of the brain
support emotional balance
encourage meditation and spiritual awareness
stimulate the conscious and unconscious mind
promote deep relaxation
It is also traditionally associated with stimulation of the pineal gland, which releases melatonin.
Many practitioners regard Cedarwood as emotionally stabilizing, grounding, protective, and centering.
Common Uses for Cedarwood Essential Oil
Traditionally used for:
acne
anxiety
arthritis
congestion
coughs
cystitis
dandruff
psoriasis
sinusitis
skin disease
water retention
nervous tension
purification
scalp support
encouraging hair growth
Traditionally recognized as an effective natural insect repellent for:
mosquitoes
fleas
moths
insects affecting clothing and papers
French Medical Uses
(French medical doctors are traditionally regarded as leaders in medicinal aromatherapy applications.)
Traditionally used for:
anger
arteriosclerosis
bronchitis
calming
cellulite
diuretic support
hair loss
nervous tension
tuberculosis
urinary infections
Historical & Clinical Notes
Dr. Terry Friedmann reportedly found in clinical observations that Cedarwood oil showed supportive benefits for children with ADD and ADHD.
Cedarwood has historically been recognized for its:
calming properties
purifying qualities
emotional grounding effects
Aromatic Profile
woody
warm
resinous
earthy
smoky
dry
balsamic
grounding
Cedarwood is one of the most grounding and stabilizing oils in aromatherapy.
Biblical & Spiritual Significance of Cedarwood
Cedarwood is closely associated with the Biblical Cedars of Lebanon and is referenced extensively throughout scripture.
Biblical references include:
Leviticus
Numbers
Samuel
Kings
Chronicles
Ezra
Isaiah
Ezekiel
Zechariah
Historically, priests used Cedarwood during purification ceremonies.
It was traditionally combined with:
hyssop
scarlet materials
for cleansing and purification rites.
Cedarwood was considered spiritually protective and purifying.
Historical Uses of Cedarwood
The Cedar tree was considered the “Holy Tree of Life” among the ancient Sumerians.
The Sumerians believed Cedar represented:
power
greatness
immortality
divine cosmic energy
Ancient clay tablets over 7,000 years old reference Cedar as one of the most sacred and valuable substances in existence.
Throughout history, Cedar was used by:
Egyptians
Phoenicians
Assyrians
Greeks
Romans
Persians
Celts
Hebrews
Ancient Egyptians used Cedar resin in:
mummification
sacred balms
preservation practices
The remarkable preservation of artifacts from Tutankhamen’s tomb is partially attributed to Cedar.
King Solomon famously used Cedar to construct:
the Temple in Jerusalem
his royal courts
Cedar wood was so valuable in ancient Rome that groves were protected by imperial decree.
In modern Lebanon, the Cedar remains a national symbol and appears on the country’s flag.
Esoteric & Energetic Uses of Cedarwood Essential Oil
Astrological Associations
Saturn
Sun
Jupiter
Uranus
Character
Yang
Crystals
Lepidolite
Amethyst
Sapphire
Elements
Fire
Light
Air
Number
6
Oriental Association
Cold, Dampness
Chakra Associations
1st Chakra — Root / Security
6th Chakra — Third Eye / Intuition
Traditionally associated with grounding, protection, intuition, and spiritual awareness.
Contraindications
Use cautiously during pregnancy
Additional Practitioner Notes
CEDARWOOD and LEMONGRASS are traditionally used as natural flea repellents for dogs and cats.
Many practitioners recommend applying diluted oils directly onto the skin rather than only the fur.
Cedarwood has also long been used in:
cedar chests
closets
storage areas
to repel insects and protect clothing and important papers.
Its purifying aroma continues to make it a favorite for:
meditation
grounding practices
emotional support
purification rituals
spiritual work
Source References
Information sourced from:
The Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Connie and Alan Higley
history-of-cedar-oil.pdf
historical religious references
traditional aromatherapy sources
Healing Drops Wellness Cedarwood Blends & Sprays:
This supportive blend is designed to help curb cravings while providing an uplifting sensory experience.
Inhale deeply several times throughout the day and/or add 1 drop to a glass of water. For topical use, apply 1–2 drops neat or diluted with a carrier oil to the temples, wrist pulse points, or back of the neck. Pleasant in both aroma and taste.
Formerly called Appetite Control
A deeply grounding blend for inner vision and multidimensional healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Root & Resin helps clear chaotic cellular memory, restore energetic balance, and strengthen your connection to Source and self.
Formerly called Deep Dark Bark
This blend is designed to support a flea-free environment for pets.
Cats: Apply 1 drop to the back of the neck and rub into the skin. This placement helps prevent licking and allows circulation through the body.
Dogs: Apply 1–3 drops, depending on size, to the back of the neck, or mix with a small amount of coconut oil and apply to paw pads or the inside of the ear flap.
A spray may also be made with distilled or filtered water and lightly applied to the fur before walks.
Formerly called Flea Repel
This soothing, earthy formula creates a protective barrier while calming the senses. Apply 1–2 drops all over exposed skin, mixed with a bit of coconut oil for complete coverage, or add 20–30 drops to distilled water in a 2 oz spray bottle for a refreshing mist. Can also be diffused to keep mosquitoes away indoors or outdoors.
Created by a naturopathic doctor, this grounding and restorative blend helps the body recover from chronic stress while strengthening the immune system. Promotes deep, restful sleep and supports overall vitality and emotional balance. Ideal for daily renewal and intense relaxation.
Formerly called No Stress
Grounding and protective, this blend is antibacterial, supports respiratory health, and supports spiritual alignment. Allows the crown chakra to open for prayer and meditation.
Formerly called Sacred Woods
Bring the rich aroma of a fresh-cut pine tree into your home!
Diffuse for grounding and centering, to create a peaceful, nature-inspired atmosphere that supports meditation and reflection.
This refreshing blend evokes the spirit of the forest: restorative, uplifting, and deeply calming, making it a cherished favorite throughout the holiday season.
Formerly called Woodlands
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