Coughs and colds hate this stuff! (Cedarwood)

Member Name: janharper

Product:	Cedarwood
Date:	31/10/01 (56 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: soothing, restful aroma

Disadvantages: can be toxic so care is needed with handling

Cedarwood (Atlas) Essential oil (Cedrus Atlantica. Family:Pinaceae) is a real favourite of mine during the winter months.

The oil is extracted by steam distillation from the cedarwood tree. The whole tree is used for this process, including wood, stumps, and sawdust.

This tree grows to about 40 metres in height and it is pyramid shaped with evergreen leaves. The main world producers of the oil are Algeria and Morocco.

The oil itself is yellow, orange, or amber in colour and tends to be quite thick. It takes a while for a drop to come out of the bottle, but don't shake it to speed things up as you will then get far more than you very quickly!

Uses:
+++++

Bronchial infections,

coughs and colds,

urinary infections,

cystitis,

catarrh,

skin care,

dandruff,

aids concentration,

helps treat anxiety and paranoia.

How to use:
++++++++++++

Best used in a diffuser so that the aroma circulates round the room. This is a very efective way to soothe a cough.

Use in a steam inhalation of 4 drops to no less than a litre of boiling water (not if you are asthmatic).

Can be used in the bath if you blend it with other oils. For this purpose I would use 2 drops of cedarwood oil, with 3 drops of lavendar to treat a bad cough, bronchitis or a cold. Mix the oil with a little milk or vodka before adding to the bath so that it doesn't go straight to the bottom and make it greasey.

Can be used to massage the chest but must be blended with a carrier oil before use. Try 7 drops of cedarwood with 15 mils of carrier oil.

To treat dandruff rub a couple of drops into your scalp with you fingers then add your usual shampoo to your dry scalp to remove the oil. Shampoo as normal.

Warning:
++++++++

Not recommended during pregnancy.

There is a risk of toxicity with this oil because it conta
ins cadinene. Make sure that you keep the oil in a safe secure place and wash your hands after using the oil or handling the bottle.

Do not take internally.

Do not use more than the recommended amount in a bath or you may get skin burns.

Don't use in a steam inhalation if you are asthmatic.

Keep your eyes closed while inhaling as this oil, like most others, can seriously affect the eyes.

Make sure that you know what you are buying. Write down the latin name and family name of this oil so that you know whether you are buying the correct thing. Look on the label to make sure you are geting 100% essential oil. Stick to well known brands to lessen the risk of buying adulterated oils.


Verdict:
++++++++

Soothing and very effective for sore chests. I prefer to use this in a diffuser and often use it in the bedroom if I have a troublesome cough.

This is also effective in a steam inhalation if you aren't asthmatic.

Sprinkle on logs if you have an open fire. The scent is gorgeous.

Summary: