Cedar is an ancient tree that has been used by generations of humans for physical, emotional and ritual/meditative uses. It has been confused with an American Juniper tree. Learn more.
By Jeanne Rose ~ March 2020
Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) tree in the SF Botanical Garden – fig.1
CEDARWOOD of (ATLAS) PROFILE
CEDAR is a common name used for several different trees from two totally different families of trees. Both family Pinaceæ and family Cupressaceæ are in the Coniferae Order of plants. Here we encounter the confusion that common names create. There are many types of Cedar trees: true Cedars from the Genus Cedrus and other trees which are actually from other genera yet also have the common name of Cedar. True Cedar, only of the Genera Cedrus, and only from the Pinaceae family is the one I want to discuss. These are different and the differences are consequential.
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COMMON NAME/LATIN BINOMIAL ~ Cedarwood (Cedrus spp).The genus Cedrus is the true cedar tree from the Pinaceae family. Most of the trees that people call Cedar are actually not and from the Cupressaceae family with names like Juniper (Juniperus virginiana) or Eastern red-cedar. (the hyphen is there to let you know that it isn’t really a Cedar tree).
There are some
trees from the Cupressaceæ family which are called Cedars but when you
look at their Latin binomials you will see that they are actually a Juniper or
Thuja.
True Cedars from
family Pinaceæ include Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica var. libani),
Deodar
Cedar (Cedrus deodara), Cyprus Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia ),
and Lebanon
Cedarwood (Cedrus libani).
From family Cupressaceæ: Port Orford-Cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), Hinoki-Cedar (Chamaecyparis obtusa), Virginia-Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Texas-Cedar (Juniperus ashei), and others from the Juniper clan of this group of trees. Remember, the trees called Cedar from the Cupressaceæ family are NOT true Cedars. I recommend, again, remember plants and their essential oils by their Latin binomial. There are also Pine trees and other types of trees incorrectly called “Cedar” trees. Know what you want and learn their correct names. https://jeanne-blog.com/re-cedar-wood-virginia/
This way, you
will know for sure from which plant your oil comes.
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Cedar vs cedar
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true Atlas Cedar branches – photo by Jeanne Rose – fig. 2
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Another point to
be aware of when using Cedar oils is whether you are using the oil of the
leaf or the wood. Awareness of the part of
the plant the oil is coming from is just as important as awareness of which
Cedar
the oil is coming from. If an oil is simply labeled Cedar,
how are you to know what this oil is and how it can be used safely? All
essential oils should be labeled with their Latin binomial, common name,
country of origin and part of the plant used. If you look at your
collection of essential oils at home or in stores, you will see that this is
rarely the case.
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—A FEARLESS JEANNEROSE TOMATO TALE ABOUT THE NAME OF CEDAR —
Fifty years ago, when I first started collecting the historical books of plants (herbs and aromatics), I was put off by so many books that had the names and history of plants just plain wrong. As a science major at college (1954-1959), I was educated by and the assistant of a botanist who was a stickler in the use of correct Latin binomials and the history of each plant. He said, “you don’t need to pronounce the name correctly, but you do need to spell it correctly”. The Latin names are the same all over the world.
One of the first books I obtained was a first-edition book, dated 1951, that stated the trees that were used to build the temple of Solomon in ancient Jerusalem was the American Cedarwood named Juniperus virginiana. Well, anyone with a lick of sense knows that the Temple of Solomon was built around 1000 B.C.E. (before the common era) in the Middle East and that the tree called Juniperus virginiana is a species of Juniper indigenous to and native to eastern North America and was not named or identified or found until the early 1600s. (Yes, the Native Americans of the area used this tree, but these are not the people of Solomon’s era.) I discarded that book immediately and cannot even remember its name. But I also saw this same misinformation that “Cedrus species is a North American tree…of the family Cupressaceae” in one of our modern books on aromatherapy, published in 1995 by two well-known teachers of aromatherapy.
In 1972, I had also started collecting the true ancient rare historical books, including a copy of Gerard’s Herbal from 1632 and a copy of Plinie’s Herbal published in 1601. These I used to give me a real background and a good grounding in the aromatic plants and herbs that were to eventually make-up my life’s work.
I enjoy
taxonomy now, although not so much back in 1957. Names are important and you
should know the names of the plants that you use, just like you should know the
names of the friends that you love. You wouldn’t call every female you know, ‘sis’
– would you? So, don’t go calling all the trees cedar either.
Fig. 3
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BOTANICAL NAME AND FAMILY OF THE TRUE CEDAR ~ Cedrus spp. of the family Pinaceae.
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CEDAR (ATLAS) & COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN ~ Morocco and Algeria. This lovely tree now is grown in many countries and does well in any Mediterranean climate. It is planted as an ornamental tree. There is an attractive stand in San Francisco’s Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park as well as a row of true Cedars leading to the State Capitol of California.
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HARVEST
LOCATION of ATLAS CEDAR FROM EDEN BOTANICALS ~ The harvest season for Atlas Cedar is March and the
areas of harvest are Morocco, and the Himalayas.
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ATLAS CEDAR • GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PLANT, HABITAT & GROWTH ~ An evergreen conifer tree with wide branches tapering to a height of 50 feet. The branches are covered with long needles, having barrel-shaped cones upright on the branches. The Cedrus Genera has needles arranged singly on growing shoots in tufts often called “whorls”. There are often 10-20 needles arranged in one tuft. The Cedrus Genera have upright cones like the Abies, but the cones disintegrate after two years.
Some of the cedars in Lebanon, Cedrus libani, however, are up to 140 feet and are said to be over 1,000 years old. One of the ten Deodar Cedars that were planted in 1872, that line the west side of the California Capitol, is the largest of its species (Cedrus deodara) in California. It measures 98 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 228 inches (19 feet) and a crown spread of 85 feet. It is drought tolerant.
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Resinous cones of Cedrus spp. – photo by Jeanne Rose Fig. 4
PORTION
OF CEDAR TREE USED IN DISTILLATION, HOW DISTILLED, EXTRACTION METHODS &
YIELD: The wood and stumps or
sawdust is steam distilled. It is on
occasion solvent-extracted to produce a concrète which is
considered to be a true-to-nature scent.
Yield ~
3-5%.
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SUSTAINABILITY ~ There is a decline of the Cedar
forest attributable to human activities such as overgrazing, over-harvesting
and illegal logging. These are having far-reaching implications for forest
conservation management. This tree is considered to be endangered but not restricted.
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Essential oil and branch and cones of Cedrus atlantica – fig. 5
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The organoleptic characteristics of an Atlas Cedar discussing the essential oil color, clarity, viscosity, intensity of odor and tenacity in a perfume or blend.
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Cedar ODOR DESCRIPTION/AROMA ASSESSMENT ~ I use a simple Vocabulary of Odor© to describe the odor of essential oils. It is easy to learn and very helpful in the study of these products of distillation. I also have an Advanced Vocabulary of Odor© that is more complex but gives you a snapshot of the scent. [see the end of article] So it always surprises me when someone can’t seem to use descriptive words to describe an odor and resorts to poetical uses. Poetry is beautiful but it is not helpful in describing an odor. The Perfume Album by Jessee describes one odor thusly, “It taxes vocabulary and imagination to describe adequately the precise character of the fragrance.” I find this description very unhelpful. It really doesn’t do this plant or essential oil justice.
The description of the scent of the genus Cedrus, Atlas and the others is floral, fruity and woody, with back notes of honey and spice. Compare this with the smoky, woody, conifer and fruity odor of Virginia cedar that everyone confuses with the lovely Atlas Cedar and you will see a remarkable difference. The scent snapshot comparison is at the end of this article and will show you two totally different odors that look like different ‘mountain’ ranges.
Essential oils courtesy of Eden Botanicals. fig. 6
CHEMICAL
COMPONENTS of the true Cedar ~ Alpha
and Beta Cedrene, Cedrol, Atlantone, Carophyllene, and Cadinene and the other
so-called Cedar, the Juniperus virginiana contain thujopsene and cedrene. These last
named “cedar-woods” are used as a
commercial source of thujone and hinokitol and are very different from
the true Cedrus species.
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HISTORICAL USES ~ The essential oil was and is used in the perfumery, was used in mummification and to repel vermin, although now the Virginia Cedar is better for the vermin part.
“The Temple of
Solomon, begun by David, was made entirely of Cedrus deodara, and a quarter of
a million men were used to plunder the great forests of the Lebanon to satisfy
the needs of the builder. Objects of this Cedar retain their fragrance after
3000 years.”1
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GENERAL PROPERTIES
The general Properties of Atlas Cedar are by
IG=ingestion or IN=inhalation or AP=application. If you inhale the oil it is
a tonic to the respiratory system. If you apply the oil it is considered to be
an antiseptic, fungicide, and tonic, a stimulus to arterial regeneration, it
helps the lymphatics as a tonic, is anti-seborrheic, and regenerative for the
skin and scalp. There is no reason or use for ingestion although one source
suggested that it would be useful with Sandalwood for urinary
infections.
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Properties
and Uses ~ Cedar leaf
oils, if available, are in general used externally, well diluted for
skin conditions and dandruff, fungal infections and hair loss, and inhaled in
blends for the respiratory system. Cedar wood oils because they mostly come
from the wood are confused with other trees with the same common name and
thought to be contraindicated for people who are prone to high blood pressure
and heart problems and should be avoided by people with sensitive skin. However, this may be because of the common
name confusion with other genera. But true Cedar oils are normally not a
problem.
Oil from the wood of Cedrus atlantica, Atlas Cedar, from the Pinaceæ family contains up to 80% Sesquiterpenes and Sesquiterpenols. Its properties are tonic to the body. It is useful in blends for external application as it aids in the removal of body fat and is used externally for cellulite and the retention of fluid in the tissue . Atlas Cedar is a good oil for the medicine chest because it is used for the respiratory system; a single drop in a half cup water to gargle for sore throat; or with two drops of Eucalyptus in a steaming bowl of water to reduce nasal and lung congestion. This would be a good oil to use in a home-made vapor salve, for relief of lung and nasal congestion. It can be added to shampoos or facial washes to reduce oily secretions and has an excellent scent for the hair and face. It is also used as a fixative in the perfume industry where it adds a lovely fruity wood note.
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Cedar
Application/Skincare ~ It is used for the retention of
fluid in the tissue (edema), cellulite reduction, and in skin care for reducing
oily secretions. It is also used for
cleansing, as a general tonic in blends for acne, rheumatism, cystitis, and
scalp disorder.
A variety of formulas using Cedrus spp. oil for skin and scalp care. Fig. 7
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Hair Care
Alopecia Study – 1999 ~ Arch Dermatol. 1998 Nov;134 (11):1349-52 Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. By Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. Source – Department of Dermatology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Scotland. ad.ormerod@abdn.ac.uk ABSTRACT: Instructions in essential oil use and scalp massage were given to 84 patients with Alopecia areata, a disorder in which the hair falls out in patches producing areas of baldness. Randomly divided into two groups, the control group massaged a combination of jojoba and grapeseed carrier oils into their scalps every night, occluding the area with a warm towel. The test group used the same technique but included a blend of the following essential oilsThymus vulgaris (88 mg), [no chemotype given] (antibacterial & antifungal)Lavandula angustifolia (108 mg), (soothing)Rosmarinus officinalis cineole (114 mg) (healing, growth, & tonic) and Cedrus atlantica (94 mg) essential oils with 23 ml of carrier oil (Jojoba would be valuable here). This procedure was followed for seven months and evaluated by various means, including photographic assessment by independent dermatologists and measurement of areas of alopecia by computerized image analysis. Although variable, the test group results showed a significant statistical advantage to the treatment regime with an improvement rate of 44%. This was comparable to conventional therapies. As it had no significant adverse effects, the essential oil treatment had a higher therapeutic ratio than some therapies. A relative lack of response in the control group indicated pharmacological activity of the essential oils as opposed to any effects arising from scalp massage alone. CONCLUSIONS of Alopecia study: The results show aromatherapy to be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata. Treatment with these essential oils was significantly more effective than treatment with the carrier oil alone (P = .008 for the primary outcome measure). We also successfully applied an evidence-based method to an alternative therapy.
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JEANNE ROSE FAVORITE FORMULA FOR GENERAL HAIR CARE.Scalp Conditioner & Hair GrowthFrom 1969 and 2008 updated
30% Rosemary verbenone25% Atlas Cedar20% Rose Absolute20% ancient FrankincenseAdd an equal amount of 95% neutral grape spirits or a combination of Walnut and Jojoba oil. Mix this all together. Put into a spray or drop bottle. Label the bottle. Spray or drop a few drops once a day onto the scalp to condition the scalp. Massage in with your fingertips. Smells resinous and sharp. The Rose absolute scent is lost. But adds a deep richness. This blend conditions the scalp and gets rid of any lingering yeast and fungus like Malassezia that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults.
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Atlas Cedar LimerickThere was a young man from Natchez,Whose head was balding in patches.He used Atlas Cedar for sure,And Rosemary that was pureAnd now he no longer scratches. —JeanneRose2012
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CEDAR
OIL EMOTIONAL/Energetic/Ritual Use ~ (AP
OR IN) ~ Inhale this oil for
protection, calming, anxiety and grounding. Use in blends for the same
conditions. This is a scent that is revered in meditative practices.
DIFFUSE/DIFFUSION
~ Cedarwood is used by
application and inhalation for chest infections and asthma and to add a
pleasant woody fragrance to the air.
CULINARY/HERBAL USE ~ I know of no culinary uses for needles or wood of Cedrus spp. and herbally if I had a tree available, I would certainly distill all parts for the hydrosol and also use them as an infusion or decoction in my bath and to use as a facial spray.
Cedar sawdust baths are very healthful for the skin. In this case, either the Juniper-Cedar or the true Cedar can be used depending upon what is available.
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‘Cedar’-rice bran baths at Osmosis on Sonoma Coast – fig .8
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BLENDS & PERFUMERY with Atlas Cedar ~ The Atlas Cedar oil and other true Cedar oils are widely used in blends and perfumery as a base note or as a fixative for floral odors. It blends beautifully with florals, woody-florals and the rich, tenacious, intense odor of Labdanum with its sweetness, smoky-woody, leather and powder notes. https://jeanne-blog.com/labdanum-cistus-resin-eo-hydrosol-profile/
Cedar oils blend well ~ with all florals, herbal scents, citrus scents, and roots and woods. It is a fantastic fixative in perfumery. Often used in masculine perfumery for its deep woody and floral, fruity odor.
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SPRING — FLORAL & WOODS PERFUMEHead – 20 drops of Bulgarian Rose and Bergamot. I like to use more Bergamot than Rose.Heart –20 drops of Egyptian Geranium and Ylang-Ylang ExtraBase – 20 drops of Atlas Cedar and Haitian VetivertFixative – 5 drops of anything woodsy that you haveTotal is 65 drops.
Succuss together vigorously. Add your carrier, I
prefer neutral grape spirits, about 130 drops to make a 33% perfume formula.
Succuss again. Label carefully. Put aside to age and meld for 10 days. Use with
pleasure.
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Pharaoh’s LimerickAtlas Cedar is more like a PineWith needles so pretty and fineUse as a scentTo the tombs, you’ll be sentAnd be invited by Pharaoh to dine.
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HYDROSOL ~ I have not had the pleasure to use the hydrosol of either the cones,
needles or wood of any species of the true Cedar.
PLEASE
NOTE: A true
hydrosol should be specifically distilled for the hydrosol, not as a co-product
or even a by-product of essential oil distillation. The plant’s cellular water
has many components most are lost under pressurized short steam runs for
essential oil, or by using dried material. We recommend that the producers
specifically distill for a product by using plant material that is fresh.
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Cones and needles of Cedrus atlantica var. glauca – Cedar ~ Golden Gate Park. fig. 9
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INTERESTING INFORMATION ~ The Cedar tree was used by other ancient cultures for sarcophagi and palace and temple material. Sometimes called ‘satinwood’. The Latin name means ‘Atlas Cedar’, that is, the tree growing in the Atlas Mountains that span Morocco and Algeria. Different species of cedars are found all over the world. [in the book, essential aromatherapy, p. 122, there is a sentence that says, “Native Americans use the cedar as medicine and burn it for purification”,” and this is woefully incorrect as this book is confusing American ‘cedar’ Juniperus virginiana with the true Cedar, Cedrus spp.].
Roy Genders in Scented
Flora of the World, states that “Cedrus deodara did not reach
Britain until 1731 and that it is as hardy there as it is in its native
habitat. It is a beautiful pyramidal-shaped tree with gracefully drooping
branches that often reach to the ground. … The wood is precious, extremely
durable and its fragrance transcends that of other woods”.
In my own experience, the needles and wood are only very lightly scented, and the wood has to be distilled or cooked and macerated to obtain that wonderful woody, floral and fruity scent.
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CONTRAINDICATIONS
~ There are no known contraindications to
the use of the Cedars; Atlas, Lebanon or Deodar.
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SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS ~ Be certain that you’re not using Juniperus virginiana, also called “Cedar-wood”. Both oils are used in repelling vermin in the
storage of valuables, and the oils should not directly touch the garments. Cedrus
atlantica is a true cedar, whereas Juniperus
virginiana contains mostly Cederene.
Even though they have the same common name, and although they both repel
vermin, they are not used identically otherwise. So, be absolutely certain of which oil you
are using.
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Beautiful essential oils – see true Cedar oils on the right. fig.10
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KEY
USE~ Respiratory disorders, hair care, and perfumery.
Safety Precautions fig. 11
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References: Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin. Arctander. 1960Britton, Lord, and Hon. Addison Brown • An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada Vol. II • (New York, NY: Dover Publications, 1970.)Franchomme, P. and Pénoël, Docteur D • L’Aromatherapie Exactement • (Limoges, France: Roger Jollois Editeur, 1990.)1Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. St. Martins Press. 1977Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal: the …Properties, …with their Uses. Brace & Company, Harcourt, 1931Guenther, Ernest, Ph.D. • The Essential Oils • (Malabar, FL: Krieger Publishing Co. 1976) (original ed 1952.) (in VI volumes)Herbal Studies Course/ Jeanne Rose & Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books, 1992Mabberley, D. J. Mabberley’s Plant-Book, 3rd edition, 2014 printing, Cambridge University Press.Mojay, Gabriel. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 1999 Rose, Jeanne. 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols. Berkeley, California: Frog, Ltd., 1999Rose, Jeanne. The Aromatherapy Book: Applications & Inhalations. San Francisco, CaliforniaSudworth, George B. • Forest Trees of the Pacific Slope • (New York, NY: Dover Publications, 1967.)Tutin, Heywood, Burgers, Moore, Valentine, Walters and Webb, Editors • Flora Europaea, Vol 4 • (Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1976.)Worwood, Susan & Valerie Ann. Essential aromatherapy, a pocket guide. Novato, CA: New World Library, 2003.
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Cedar-Cedar Odor Snapshot. Using Jeanne Rose Circular Vocabulary of Odor. fig. 12
“Mountain Ranges” — what the scent looks like using the Vertical Vocabulary of Odor. fig. 13
~ JR ~
