Cedrus Atlantica Base note
Atlas cedarwood hails from the Atlas mountains in Algeria. A long-lived evergreen, cedar trees have very ancient associations in many cultures, used for incense, medicine and as an embalming agent. The oil is woody and earthy, coming from the wood rather than the leaves.
SImply the scent of an oil can have a powerful and immediate effect on the senses, acting through the smell receptors directly to a very primitive part of the brain. In the case of Atlas cedarwood, the effect is grounding, relaxing and balancing, making it ideal for a relaxing massage or to add to an evening bath. It is regarded as strengthening the masculine principle, and thus has been used to stimulate a low sex drive in men.
Cedarwood has a long history of use for chronic respiratory conditions, particularly bronchitis. For this, a few drops can be added to a tissue, placed on a pillow, or the oil may be diluted in carrier oil and rubbed into the chest.
Scalp problems such as dandruff, alopecia, scalp dermatitis and seborrhea respond particularly well to cedarwood essential oil. It can be added to a warm oil treatment which is massaged gently into the scalp and left for some time, or can be added to water and a drop of vinegar as a final rinse after washing the hair.
It is important to be aware that three species are sold under the common name of cedarwood; Cedrus atlantica, and two North American species unrelated to the European tree - Juniperus ashei (Texas cedarwood) and Juniperus virginiana (Virginian cedarwood). These oils have slightly different properties.