Cedarwood, Virginia Essential Oil
Botanical Name: Juniperus virginiana
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Timber waste, sawdust, shavings, etc
Note Classification: Base
Aroma: Mild, sweet-balsamic, ‘pencil wood’ scent
Largest Producing Countries: USA
Traditional Use: Extensively as a fixative in perfumery– particularly in soap making. It is frequently used as the only active perfume ingredient in room sprays, disinfectants, insecticides, cleansers, and other industrial products, household products, etc.
Properties: Antiseborrheic, antiseptic (pulmonary, genito-urinary), antispasmodic, astringent, balsamic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticide, sedative (nervous), and stimulant (circulatory).
Benefits: Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, catarrh, congestion, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, eczema, greasy hair, insect repellant, leucorrhoea, nervous tension and stress related disorders, oily skin, psoriasis, rheumatism, and sinusitis.
Blends Well With: Benzoin, cypress, juniper, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, and vetiver.
Of Interest: The Native Americans used it for respiratory infections, especially those involving an excess of catarrh. Decoctions of leaves, bark, twigs and fruit were used to treat a variety of ailments: menstrual delay, rheumatism, arthritis, skin rashes, venereal warts, gonorrhea, pyelitis and kidney infections.
Safety Data: Externally the oil is relatively non-toxic; it can cause acute local irritation and possible sensitization in some. Use in dilution only with care, in moderation. Avoid during pregnancy. Generally safer to use than Atlas cedarwood.