Cedarwood Atlas Essential Oil

Cedrus atlantica

Commonly called Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil, Atlas Cedar, Atlantic Cedar, African Cedar, and Moroccan Cedarwood.

Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Ginger, Juniper Berry, Marjoram, Oregano, Patchouli, Pine, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, and Ylang-ylang essential oils.

Known Uses

Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil is used in many perfumes and soaps. In aromatherapy it is said to produce a calm, meditative state of mind, having the ability to relieve nervous tension, anger, aggression, agitation, anxiety, vertigo, and stress. It is considered to be an aphrodisiac.

Atlas Cedarwood Oil also works on the respiratory and immune system and is great for the skin. It can be used to treat asthma, bronchitis, colds and coughs and is helpful in treating arthritis and rheumatism. It also has a soothing effect on sore muscles and joints. Atlas Cedarwood Oil’s uses for the skin include the treatment of acne, blemishes, eczema, oily skin, skin fungus, and skin ulcers. It also stimulates the breakdown of the fatty build up of cellulite and alleviates water retention (edema).

Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil’s varied uses include treating kidney and bladder disorders such as cystitis, treating hair loss, oily hair, and dandruff, as well as being an effective insect repellent.

History

The Atlas Cedarwood is a large, aromatic tree native to the Atlas Mountains of Algeria although essential oil production is done almost entirely in Morocco. It is thought to originate from the famous Lebanon cedars that grow wild in Lebanon and the island of Cyprus. Revered for millennia, Atlas Cedarwood has been used for embalming purposes, building material, medicines, cosmetics, and perfumery and is considered to be one of the earliest incense materials. Tibetans still use it in their traditional medicine practices for a variety of ailments.

Warning

Although there are no known toxicities, Atlas Cedarwood essential oil contains ketones. Therefore, it is not recommended for use with children under 10, elders, epileptics, pregnant and/or nursing women, and those with high blood pressure or heart disease.

Can cause possible skin irritation in sensitive people. Do a patch test first using a carrier oil. Because the scent is stimulating, it may counteract certain drugs. Consult a healthcare professional before using and do not use consecutively for more than a few days at a time.

Application Methods

For topical use, add 2-3 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage into affected area of skin

For bath water, add 8-10 drops to alleviate cystitis and kidney disorders

For diffuser, add 2-3 drops to alleviate nervous disorders or as an air purifier

For steam inhalation, add 2-3 drops for asthma, bronchitis, colds, and coughs

For dandruff or oily scalp, add 2-3 drops to conditioner; massage on scalp for 3-5 minutes, then rinse.

To slow hair loss, mix 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage on scalp periodically.

To repel insects, use a few drops on cotton balls and place in infested areas. (for ants and moths)