Cedarwood Virginian Essential Oil
Cedarwood Virginian essential oil is known botanically as Juniperus virginiana, and strictly speaking is not considered a true cedar. As the botanical name suggests, it is actually part of the genus Juniper, which belongs to the Cupressaceae family. Either way, this is a very useful essential oil that is both versatile and cost-effective. Few essential oils offer such a wide range of therapeutic benefits, for such a low cost.
Used in aromatherapy, Cedarwood virginian essential oil is used extensively in fragrance formulations for many beauty products. It is also used in food and drinks as a flavouring agent or enhancer.
Physical description
Juniperus virginiana is native to the eastern United States and Canada. As far as essential oil production is concerned, United States is the sole producer.
The Virginian cedar tree is a slow growing evergreen that reaches heights of 10 to 20 metres, with a narrow, conical shape. The fibrous shredding bark is reddish-brown or grey in colour, with mostly horizontal branches and covered in a thin and scaling bark. The common name for this tree (red cedar) is derived from the fragrant heartwood, which is a reddish colour.
Cedarwood virginian essential oil is extracted by distillation and yields a slightly viscous, yellow-amber coloured essential oil. With a fresh, slightly sweet, woody aroma, it makes an excellent low-cost fixative in perfumery.
Cedar Virginian essential oil benefits
In aromatherapy, cedarwood virginian essential oil is often used by aromatherapists to help treat muscular aches and pains. It is particularly beneficial when blended with black pepper, helichrysum, sweet marjoram, Roman or German chamomile for use in massage treatments.
Although it is milder in action than juniper berry essential oil, it does have similar cleansing and purifying properties. Cedar virginian essential oil can help soothe spots and oily skin conditions when blended in an aromatherapy base lotion or cream. Used in an aromatherapy shampoo base, it can help improve dandruff and very dry scalps.
Cedar virginian essential oil is an effective insect repellent. Blend with other insect repellent essential oils like citronella, lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, or catnip.
Considered a base note in aromatherapy, cedar virginian essential oil blends well with bergamot, chamomile roman and clary sage. It works particularly well for blends where rose or jasmine predominates.
