Cedrus atlantica (Plant Family: Pinaceae)

Type of plant: An evergreen tree growing to over 100 feet, with wide-spreading branches, needles, and cones

Part used: Wood chips and shavings

Method of extraction: Steam distillation

Data: The cedar species Cedrus atlantica is native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. Cedars have been recorded to live for up to 2,000 years. The majestic cedarwood atlas has associations with Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. As the tree is a protected species, the essential oil is distilled from the chips and shavings from certified sawmills.

Principal places of production: Morocco, France, Algeria

When buying look for: A slightly viscous, pale-yellow to dark-yellow liquid with a balsamic, soft, woody, sweet, warm aroma. There are other species of socalled cedarwood, but these are junipers from the Cupressaceae family and do not have the same properties.

Therapeutic properties: Anti-inflammatory, antiseborrheic, antiseptic, depurative, pectoral, regenerative, restorative, tonic

Therapeutic uses: Chest infection, catarrh, congestion, acne, scalp disorders, cellulite, anxiety, stress, tension, physical exhaustion; detoxifying

Blends well with: Basil linalol, bay (West Indian), bergamot, cardamom, chamomile roman, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, ho wood, juniper berry, lavender (spike), lemon, lemongrass, marjoram (sweet), orange (sweet), petitgrain, ravintsara, rose absolute, rosemary, rosewood, sandalwood, thyme linalol, ylang ylang

Precautionary advice: No contraindications known

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