Cedarwood Atlas Essential Oil Traditional Uses and Recipes

If you are looking for an essential oil that supports stress, sleep, respiratory health, and adrenal function all at once, Cedarwood Atlas may be exactly what your wellness routine is missing. It is one of my personal favorites. It’s grounding, calming, and very versatile.

About Cedarwood Atlas

Cedarwood Atlas essential oil (Cedrus atlantica) comes from the wood, stumps, or sawdust of the tree. It is obtained by steam distillation. The best-quality essential oil is obtained by distilling wood chips. Many say that Cedarwood Atlas is thought to have been the tree used by the Egyptians for embalming and cosmetic purposes. In fact, these trees were mentioned in the bible and symbolized fertility and abundance. To me, it has a woodsy, herbal, cedar scent. This is one of my favorite oils to use. I find it very grounding, and I find it always pulls me back to find my center.  It offers a wide range of benefits, from respiratory health to skin care.

Cedarwood Atlas is a very safe oil to use and has a surprisingly long shelf life if stored properly. Tisserand also found no known contraindications. Cedarwood Atlas essential oil is from the sesquiterpene family. Essential oils in the sesquiterpene family vary slightly in their benefits. It is important to look at each individual oil for its specific benefits. Many oils in the sesquiterpene family offer anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties.

Traditional Uses of Cedarwood Atlas Essential Oil

Cedarwood Atlas is a powerful tonic, especially for the lower back, kidneys, and adrenals. This oil works wonders for stress, anxiety, and tension because it has a very calming, grounding effect. Supporting the adrenals and nervous system is particularly important for adults over 40, as chronic stress and adrenal fatigue can directly impact gut health, hormonal balance, and metabolism. If you are having trouble keeping focused or concentrating, you will also enjoy this oil. I love it and find it to be a very warming essential oil that brings one comfort and strength.

Using Cedarwood Atlas

You can use Cedarwood Atlas in a massage oil blend, as a compress, in the bath, added to skincare products, direct inhalation, or with a diffuser.

Relaxing Massage Oil Blend – Create this amazing, relaxing, stress-relieving massage oil blend. Take 1 ounce of your favorite carrier oil. Many people use a light oil such as sunflower, jojoba, or apricot kernel. Add 4 drops of Cedarwood Atlas, 4 drops of Lavender, and 4 drops of Bergamot essential oil. This is one of my favorite blends to relax. Mix together and massage away. Feel free to adjust the number of drops per oil based on your preference for its scent. Just a heads up, you may fall asleep during this massage!

Breathe Diffuser Blend – Add 3 drops of Cedarwood Atlas and 2 drops of Lemon or Sweet Orange essential oil to your diffuser.

You can purchase Cedarwood Essential oil through Aromatics International. Remember to follow suggested safety practices when using essential oils.

For more natural approaches for supporting stress or aches and pain, read our article on Essential Oils for Muscle Soreness and Managing Stress Naturally.

References:

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Brisbane: International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, 2003. Print.

“Essential Oils, Body Butters, Carriers, Hydrosols.” Aromatherapy Pure, Organic Essential Oils | Aromatics International. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Nov 2016. <https://www.aromatics.com/>.

Pressimone, Jennifer. Holistic Aromatherapy Comprehensive Guide, JennScents, Inc: 2015. Print.