The practice of aromatherapy has been used for centuries to achieve peace and comfort in many different areas. Aromatherapy is very versatile, making it a popular tool for healing. It can be used in many different ways with a wide range of benefits, including soothing health ailments and even easing anxiety and depression.
An easy way to reap the benefits of aromatherapy is through the use of essential oils. Adding a few drops of essential oils to a diffuser can surround you with the calming fragrances they present. Many oils can even be massaged into the skin to get the same effect.
Our sense of smell is processed in the same part of the brain that houses our emotions, memory, and learning. By calming the mind, essential oils can help you to find balance and peace from within.
Each oil has its own unique scent and healing properties, and there are tons of different essential oils available to choose from. Join us through this series to highlight some of the top 5 essential oils for healing trauma. Read on to learn about the history, health benefits, and healing properties of cedarwood.
Introducing: Cedarwood
Cedarwood essential oil comes from the wood of the cedar tree and is often extracted by steam distilling. It can come from many different species of cedar trees, and each species has its own unique variation of cedarwood essential oil. Virginian cedarwood, also called red cedar, is the most common cedarwood essential oil in the United States.
With a deep, woody scent, it is great for aromatherapy and as a fragrance for homes. It can also be used as a natural insect repellent. The scent of cedarwood can be described as warm and comforting yet energizing and refreshing.
Cedarwood has been used in different cultures throughout history for many purposes. Native American and Tibetan communities used it to treat injury and illness. It has also been used by many different communities in religious ceremonies and spiritual practices for its ability to relax the body and mind. Its calming and therapeutic properties have made it ideal for use in communal prayer and independent meditation.
It is important to know that cedarwood cannot be ingested in any way. Pregnant and nursing women are advised not to use any cedarwood oil because of the effect that it can have on hormones.
Cedarwood essential oil has a deep, woody scent that can be very comforting.
Health Benefits
One of the many health benefits of using cedarwood oil is that it can really help your skin and hair. Cedarwood oil can help support hair growth for patients with alopecia or other hair loss conditions. When massaged into the scalp, it can also help to soothe itchiness and treat dandruff.
Another common use for cedarwood oil is for treating skin conditions. With its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, applying cedarwood oil topically can be beneficial for acne and alleviating breakouts. It can also help with relieving pain and swelling. Using cedarwood can even help to prevent dryness and cracking. A little goes a long way, and it is recommended to dilute cedarwood oil by mixing a small amount with a carrier oil before using it on your skin and hair.
Using cedarwood as an aromatherapy treatment can also help with improving sleep by adding a few drops on a towel under your pillow or in a bath before going to bed.
Healing Properties
One of the many healing properties of cedarwood oil is that it can help to lower anxiety by boosting the brain and reducing fear. This creates a relaxing, soothing effect on mood that can help to reduce harmful stress. It can also enhance concentration and decrease hyperactivity, making it helpful for people with ADHD. Many of the healing properties of cedarwood are centered around easing tension and clearing the mind, whether that be for stress, focus, and even improving quality of sleep.
With its grounding properties and stability, cedarwood oil can be a great tool for times of crisis and sudden change. Life events such as adjustments in jobs and relationships can make you feel like you are off balance and out of control, which can turn these moments into points of stress in your healing process. By increasing stamina and focus, cedarwood can help you to see through the challenge and realize your own potential for success through change, allowing you to feel more lively and hopeful.
With many different uses and benefits, cedarwood essential oil is a versatile option for anyone looking for healing. Using cedarwood oil to improve skin and support hair growth can leave you feeling refreshed and energized. By providing a sense of stability and focus, cedarwood can help bring a sense of balance and control back to your life, creating a strong environment for growth.