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
