Using natural remedies as a solution for health problems is more mainstream than alternative now, so it’s no wonder why essential oils such as cedarwood oil have become a very popular method to heal various health conditions such as the common cold and other infections.
What Is Cedarwood Oil?
Grown in high altitudes and found in cold climates, cedarwood is a plant that is extracted for its essential oils due to the immense health benefits it has on the mind and body.
The main constituents of cedarwood oil are cedrol, alpha and beta cedrene, widdrol, and sesquiterpenes, which are of great medicinal value. The essential oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation.
Uses and Benefits of Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood essential oil blends well with other essential oils like cypress, rosemary, eucalyptus, clary sage and bergamot. Cedarwood oil when used in the right quantities along with a carrier oil is a useful ingredient that everyone can turn to when in need.
Uses of Cedarwood Oil
The various uses of cedarwood oil are mentioned below:
- In aromatherapy
- In deodorants due to its wonderful fragrance
- As an antiseptic to heal wounds and cuts
- In hair treatments and shampoos to prevent hair loss
- As an insect repellent
Owing to its beneficial properties like an expectorant, sedative, insecticidal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and fungicide, cedarwood oil is a useful ingredient that should be a part of every household.
Benefits of Cedarwood Oil
Some of the popular health benefits of cedarwood oil are:
1. Reduces hair loss
Cedarwood essential oil helps increase blood circulation on the scalp and stimulates the hair follicles to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Cedarwood oil can be used as a hair oil, shampoo or conditioner as per your convenience.
2. Treats arthritis
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cedarwood essential oil is considered to be an excellent remedy to treat arthritis. When applied topically, it relieves muscle and joint pain.
3. Promotes urination
Cedarwood oil contains diuretic properties that help treat various medical conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, gout, rheumatism, obesity and urinary tract infections.
This essential oil works to increase urine volume and frequency of urination, which helps to remove excess water, fat and other harmful toxins from the body.
4. Cures cold and cough
Cedarwood essential oil is a great expectorant that helps to effectively reduce congestion caused by the cold and cough.
The oil loosens the mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract to help relieve congestion from the chest. Additionally, cedarwood oil also provides instant relief from watery eyes and headaches.
5. Cures fungal infections
Cedarwood essential oil is an effective fungicide and helps treat both internal and external fungal infections. It also protects the body from animal and plant pathogens.
6. Stimulates menstruation
Women suffering from irregular menstrual cycle can greatly benefit by using cedarwood oil due to the emmenagogue properties that stimulate the menstrual cycle and keep it regular.
It also helps treat other symptoms of menstruation such as cramps, fatigue and mood swings.
7. Relieves spasms
Another miraculous property of cedarwood essential oil is its ability to relieve spasms. It helps relieve spasms related to the heart, intestines, nerves, respiratory system and muscles.
It also helps to treat spasmodic disorders such as restless leg syndrome, asthma and seizures.
8. Overall health tonic
Cedarwood oil is considered to be a great health tonic as it stimulates metabolism and maintains the functionality of all organs in the body. This further helps to maintain overall wellness and immunity.
Side Effects of Cedarwood Oil
Although cedarwood oil has no known or reported side effects, there are certain precautions that one must take before use. Always conduct a patch test first to make sure you are not allergic to the product.
- For precautionary measures, pregnant women and nursing women are advised not to use cedarwood oil.
- Those suffering from sensitive skin or specific allergies are also not recommended to use cedarwood oil.
