Characteristics of Cedar

Cedar is an evergreen tree belonging to the Pine family. There are different species of cedar, the best known being Cedrus atlantica. Its height exceeds 30 meters and it takes about 50 years to reach full maturity. It usually grows in the mountains near fir trees. Its trunk is large and its foliage has an irregular, massive form.
Its growth is favored by direct exposure to the sun, even in the most barren soils. It adapts easily to temperature changes and is a hardy tree, resistant to frost (down to -20 degrees Celsius) and drought. It belongs to the coniferous trees, like the pine, as it develops upright cones with a flat or sunken top. Cedar is a perennial tree with impressive blue-green needles which, together with the resin of the trunk, give off a
unique woody aroma.

Cedar essential oil is light orange and is distilled from the wood and needles of the tree by steam distillation.

History of cedar

Cedar is a tree with a long history through the ages. In our country it grows forming forests, the most famous of which is the cedar forest of Alyko in Naxos, covering an area of about 800 acres. It consists of centuries-old trees with many different varieties of cedars aged 200–300 years!! Cedars are also found in many parts of the
world such as Lebanon, the foothills of the Himalayas, Cyprus, Algeria and North America.

Cedar is known to be an ancient medicinal tree that has been associated in folk medicine with treatments for the respiratory system, and its presence as incense was essential in the ceremonies of the ancient civilizations of the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks.

Today cedar is used in the preparation of men’s perfumes for the woody scent it exudes, in the production of deodorant products and as an ingredient in hair-strengthening products.

Ingredients

Essential oil of cedar from the wood shavings and needles of the tree Cedrus atlantica, produced by steam distillation.

Chemical composition of cedar essential oil

Sesquiterpenes, sabinene, α,β-terpenes, terpineol, kaempferol, pinokaempferol,
isocentranol, centrol, limonene, β-pinene, deodarone, z-a-atlantone.

Instructions for use

- To improve acne, add cedar essential oil to jojoba oil and apply topically 2 times a day.
* Contact our pharmacist for the preparation of the blend.
- Hair loss and dry dandruff: mix 100 ml laurel oil with 10 drops of cedar essential oil and 10 drops of rosemary essential oil. Gently massage for a few minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
- For the treatment of cellulite: add 10 drops of cedar and 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil to 100 ml grapeseed oil and massage thighs and buttocks.
- Used in the preparation of soap, scented candles, insect-repellent herbal sachets.
- Put a few drops in a ceramic aromatherapy burner for clear thinking, mental clarity and concentration.
- Blends well with bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus.

Chinese medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cedar is known as Hue Song. It has a warming nature and is used to tonify the lung, kidney and bladder meridians.
Massage with almond oil and cedar essential oil on specific acupuncture points dispels dampness and cold from the body, increases vital energy in the head area and clears the mind. The therapeutic properties of cedar act on the respiratory system and improve skin conditions.

Useful tips

Cedar essential oil should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by young children. Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and mouth.
Essential oils are always used diluted in a carrier oil.
After use, avoid exposure to the sun.