Well, I’ve gone and done it. Intrigued by the many cedarwoods available, and knowing how personal scent is, I ordered some new species of cedarwood essential oil. And then wondered. What is the difference in therapeutic properties amongst the four I now stock. So here’s the low down:When I looked at the latin names, I noticed that some were cedrus and others were juniperus. True cedarwood oil comes from comes from Atlas or Himalayan cedar. Virginian and Texas cedars are from the juniper family. None of these should be confused with trees from the Thuja family, which have to be used with extreme caution (we carry cedar leaf which falls into this category).Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica) and Cedarwood Himalaya (Cedrus Deodora) can be used as a meditative aid for the calming properties. Not surprisingly, then, it is also attributed to being an aphrodisiac. As with all essential oils, there are many other therapeutic aspects to these oils. It is said to help with dermatitis and acne, as an antiseptic; and for coughs and colds as an expectorant and mucolytic agent. Altas may also assist with hair loss.Cedarwood Texas (Juniperus ashei) and Cedarwood Virginian (Juniperus virginiana), though not true cedarwoods, still have their uses. And, in fact, share quite a few attributes with their cedar cousins including calming stress, oily skin and scalp and colds. It is also the wood used traditionally to fend off moths.Each scent is distinctive and I invite you to come experience the scent of each of these oils, as well as over 100 other therapeutic grade essential oils from all over the world.
Note: I f you have any health conditions, please consult with your health professional before using essential oils.
©2018 Heather Garrod is a Certified Aromatherapist and owner of Planet Botanix at 301 Bank St near Somerset. She gives workshops on creating natural bodycare and has been creating natural bodycare for over two decades. The shop offers natural alternatives to commercial products and features a holistic therapy clinic. www.planetbotanix.com