Discover Soothing Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil Uses

Refreshing Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil Uses & Benefits

Atlas cedarwood essential oil is a calming and grounding aromatic oil derived from the evergreen tree's wood. With a rich, woody scent, this versatile fragrant oil starting with “at” offers various therapeutic effects for wellness when inhaled, applied topically, or used during massage.

Origins of Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil

Atlas cedarwood essential oil comes from the Cedrus atlantica tree species in the Pinaceae family. These majestic evergreen trees can grow over 130 feet tall and live up to 200 years. The Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco are the native homeland for these cedars. Hence, their wood earns the name “Atlas cedar (tag p).”

To produce the extract, the bark and wood chips get steam distilled. This natural process gently removes the aromatic compounds. These purified chemicals then form into the concentrated atlas cedarwood oil used for aromatherapy home applications.

Aroma Profile

Inhaling cedarwood oil provides both physiological and emotional uplifting effects. Atlas cedarwood features a warm, sweet, woody base note. Its rich balsamic aroma resembles a pine forest with subtle honey-like tones. This earthy scent helpsrelax the body while focusing and clarifying thoughts (tag p).

The primary natural chemicals giving Atlas cedarwood its signature scent include:

• α-cedrene
• β-cedrene
• Thujopsene
• Cedrol

These terpenes and organic compounds have demonstrated soothing properties.

Benefits of Cedarwood Oil

In ancient Egyptian and Tibetan wellness traditions, practitioners utilized cedarwood in customs to promote harmony and purge negative energy. Today, clinical research details the various wellness advantages of inhaling and applying diluted Atlas cedarwood oil, including (tag p):

• Encourages restful sleep - Sedating effect helps insomnia
• Eases tense muscles - Relieves spasms and pain
• Boosts focus - Stimulates concentration
• Uplifts mood - Lessens anxious feelings

Using Cedarwood Oil for Anxiety and Stress

Fast-paced modern lifestyles often lead to feeling emotionally overwhelmed and on-edge. Atlas cedarwood's sweet, woody aroma effectively promotes tranquility. Using this essential oil helps combat tense muscles, distraction, and everyday life strain in the following ways (tag p):

Inhalation

Directly inhaling cedarwood oil molecules communicates with the limbic system - the brain’s emotional processing control center. As few as 10 deep breaths stimulate calming neurotransmitters like serotonin. This fast-acting method makes cedarwood ideal for acutely stressful situations.

Add a few drops to a tissue, cotton ball, or your palms and deeply inhale the scent a few times. Applying to your wrists or neck enables longer passive diffusion as well.

Massage Oil or Bath

For full mind and body relaxation, add 5-8 drops of Atlas cedarwood oil into one ounce of carrier oil like coconut or jojoba. Apply to the arms, shoulders, neck, upper back and temples in slow circular motions. Or, disperse into warm bath water for full-body immersion benefits.

Combine cedarwood with equally peaceful oils like bergamot, clary sage, or frankincense. Lavender also perfectly complements the woodsy basenote. The massage and soak amplify cedarwood’s mellowing effects on a physical level while soothing mentally.

Diffuser Therapy

Cold air cedarwood diffusers allow continuous inhalation all day or night for anxiety, exhaustion or low moods. Add 8-12 drops to water reservoirs designed for essential oil diffusion. Inhaling the gentle aroma teaches your mind and body to embrace calmness. Place your diffuser in living spaces, offices or bedrooms (tag p).

Blend cedarwood with bergamot, sandalwood or vetiver oils to fill rooms with tranquilizing ambience. Spritz cedarwood water mixtures on pillowcases too.

Cedarwood Oil Skin & Hair Uses

Beyond emotional health, the clarifying scent of Atlas cedarwood oil benefits skin and hair vitality. Its reparative components increase circulation while regulating oil glands. Using cedarwood essential oil also deters irritants. Key applications include:

Cleanses Oily Skin & Hair

Cedarwood’s mild astringent properties reduce slick shine from overactive sebaceous glands causing oily skin and scalps. The aroma’s cleansing action regulates oil production and shrinks pores without harsh stripping or drying. Add a few drops into facial or whole body washes to limit greasy buildup (tag p).

Those battling dandruff flakes also benefit from mixing cedarwood into their shampoo. The anti-fungal properties deter fungus growth causing flaking scalps while decreasing oiliness. Batch homemade conditioners and detanglers as well for shiny smooth hair.

Soothes Irritation & Itching

Applied topically, Atlas cedarwood oil calms irritation and inflammation associated with rashes, eczema and bug bites thanks to its antihistamine effects. The soothing properties reduce aggravating itchiness and sensitivity.

Add 5 drops per ounce of lotion or cream then apply to affected areas twice daily until skin completely clears. For isolated bumps, dilute 2 drops of cedarwood with a teaspoon of carrier oil to spot treat the region a few times per day (tag p).

Minimizes Acne

Cedarwood oil’s antibacterial qualities disrupt p. Acnes bacteria contributing to inflammatory acne breakouts. Simultaneously, the oil adjusts overactive sebum production causing oily skin prone to clogged pores and blackheads

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Creating a special facial serum is one of the best ways to utilize cedarwood oil for acne prone complexions. Concoct your own acne fighter with soothing, clarifying essential oils like lavender, tea tree, rosemary or clary sage.

Safety & Side Effects

Atlas cedarwood oil is generally very safe thanks to its non-toxic status from the FDA. Most people can apply it directly diluted or utilize it aromatically. However, as with all essential oils, certain precautions apply (tag p):

• Always mix cedarwood with a carrier oil/lotion before skin contact to avoid sensitivity reactions. Sweet almond oil works well.
• Do not ingest cedarwood oil since it is not FDA food-grade approved like their supplement counterpoints.
• Avoid getting the essential oil into your eyes, ears or nose.
• Stay mindful of any skin changes indicating possible irritation from contact. Adjust dilution if necessary.

Pregnant women, children and people with ongoing health conditions should use essential oils cautiously under medical provider guidance.

Provided oils get properly handled, Atlas cedarwood can become a beloved go-to essential oil for its restorative woodsy scent and nurturing properties!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.