Health Benefits of Cedarwood

Cedarwood has many health benefits that you may not have heard of.  I must admit I only knew it as a scent sometimes used in aftershave and I have never thought about it as having lots of other positive uses as an essential oil.  

Eczema

Eczema is a common skin disorder that causes dry, red, itchy skin that can blister or crack. Cedarwood essential oil can cure the inflammation that leads to this irritating skin issue — it reduces skin pealing and treats the infection with its antifungal properties. There are a few ways to add cedarwood essential oil to your daily routine. Add the oil to your skin lotion or soap, rub it on the infected or itchy area directly, or make yourself a bath with five drops of cedarwood oil added to it.

Antiseptic properties

Cedarwood essential oil can safely be applied topically on wounds as an antiseptic. It defends the body against toxins and relieves your white blood cells and immune system of stress or malfunction this protects your internal functions and fights off bacteria in the body. Create an oil rub by mixing cedarwood essential oil with coconut oil, and then rub the mixture on your body to help with wounds, scars or infections.

Reduces arthritis

Inflammation of the joints and tissues, which are common symptoms of arthritis, can lead to debilitating pain or discomfort; this can be lessened with the use of cedarwood essential oil. By inhaling the oil, or using it externally on the skin, you reduce inflammation — which minimizes joint stiffness. Try making yourself a bath with five to 10 drops of cedarwood essential oil.

Relieves spasmodic conditions

If you struggle with restless leg syndrome, respiratory seizures, asthma and other spasmodic conditions, you can find relief by taking advantage of the calming and soothing properties of cedarwood essential oil. These spasms may affect the respiratory system, muscles, intestines, heart and nerves.

Tightens muscles

Because cedarwood essential oil is an astringent, it tightens loose muscles and creates a feeling of firmness and youth. It also hardens the muscles of the digestive system, which helps with stomach issues like diaorrhea. Rub three to five drops of cedarwood essential oil into your hands, and then massage any sore or tight muscles. Massage your abs, arms, chest and legs. You feel a soothing and fresh sensation.

Serves as a diuretic

Cedarwood essential oil increases the frequency of urination and therefore removes harmful toxins, excess water and fat from the body. Rub two drops of cedarwood essential oil into your hands and massage your bladder and kidneys. This helps with urinary tract infections, water retention and kidney issues.

Improves Focus and ADHD

A study performed by Dr. Terry Friedmann M.D. and Dennis Eggett from Bringham Young University found that using cedarwood oil on children could greatly improve their focus and learning capacity. 34 children with ADHD were given different single oils including vetiver, cedarwood, lavender and an oil blend.
Children held up a bottle of essential oils and took three deep inhalations 3x a day for thirty days. At the end of the study subjects retook an EEG and T.O.V.A. test and with both vetiver and cedarwood oil there were significant changes. The results showed cedarwood oil inhalation improved focus in children with ADHD by 65%!

Cough relief

Cedarwood essential oil has the power to remove phlegm from the respiratory tract and lungs, which reduces congestion from a cough or cold. Try using a cedarwood essential oil before you go to sleep — it loosens bothersome phlegm and relieves headaches as well. Rub two drops of oil onto your chest and throat and rub it in for a minute; you can also add the oil to your nose and upper lip to help with breathing.

Relieves tension

Because cedarwood essential oil is a sedative, it has the power to relieve tension and stress that affects your health. It has a soothing and calming effect on the mind, reduces inflammation and muscle pain, and minimizes skin irritation or itchiness. The scent of cedarwood essential oil encourages the release of serotonin, which is converted into melatonin in the brain. Melatonin induces restorative sleep and leaves you feeling calm.

One interesting study measured the sedative properties of cedarwood oil. The study included rats that inhaled cedrol, a component of cedarwood oil. Motor activity in the rats decreased significantly; the rats that were given caffeine and categorized as hyperactive also showed a decrease it activity. Sleeping rates in the rats increased as well.

Stress and Depression

These aromatherapy properties of cedarwood essential oil help people with chronic stress and depression. All you have to do is inhale cedarwood essential oil directly from the bottle; you can also diffuse a few drops of oil or rub a drop of oil right above your eyebrows to relieve tension.

Kills fungal infections

Cedarwood essential oil cures internal and external fungal infections. It can protect you from fungal pathogens and food poisoning. One study done at the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology in India found that cedarwood essential oil is a viable alternative to other antibacterial agents and is an effective module in controlling both bacteria and yeasts responsible for oral infections. The study also proved that cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil, clove oil and eucalyptus oil have the same antifungal properties.

Source