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Cedarwood essential oil: uses, history and properties

Cedarwood oil has a long history of applications and even a more extensive list of beneficial properties which make it substance of great popularity in different sectors. Despite what its name seems to indicate, it is not obtained only from trees of the genus Cedrus, but it can also be obtained from the distilling of the wood, leaves, berries or bark of different types of trees belonging to the group of evergreen leaves. Essential oils from trees such as the Chinese weeping cypress (Cupressus funebris), the Atlas cypress (Cedrus atlantica) and the Virginia red juniper (Juniperus Virginiana) are also included in this category.

The wide variety of trees from which different cedar essential oils can be obtained makes it possible for the perfumers to work with great freedom to achieve specific results. For instance, the essential oil from Atlas cedar will generally provide the professional with woody olfactory notes which are much more balsamic and smoother than those of Virginia red juniper, which has a fresher and drier scent.

Even with the wide range of nuances available, cedarwood essential oil is generally characterised for its woody aroma, which is part of the background of numerous fragrances, lasting tenaciously over time and favouring the fixation of other olfactory notes.

 

BRIEF HISTORY OF CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL

The use of cedarwood essential oil dates back thousands of years in the past, leading to believe that it was one of the first oils to be distilled in human history.

There are many pieces of evidence that show how this oil was used by ancient cultures due to its antiseptic and sedative properties among others. The first references of its use date back to around 1800 BC, a time from with Sumerian clay tables mentioning this article are preserved.

Sumerians used cedarwood essential oils in various applications such as in the base for paints that they used to decorate their pots. Ancient Egyptians also used this oil in their embalming rites, just like others such as thyme.

The cedarwood essential oil used in ancient times by both civilisations came mainly from Lebanese cedar, the national emblem of this country which is also present in its current flag.

 

PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS OF CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL

Cedarwood essential oil is currently used in the composition of countless products intended for diverse sectors.

Its woody olfactory notes are very popular in the manufacture of fragrances for shampoos, colognes and deodorants, making it highly valued for its aromatic qualities. One of the most interesting uses of this fragrance is the enhancement or renewal of the natural smell of furniture made of cedar wood.

It is also commonly used in the production of insecticides and in the manufacturing of cleaning products that take advantage of its antibacterial and fungicidal qualities.

At Destilerías Muñoz Gálvez, we have a wide variety of cedarwood essential oils which we use to produce aromatic compositions for an extensive spectrum of applications.

If you want to include the properties of cedarwood essential oil in your product or project, do not hesitate to contact us through our contact page.