Cedarwood Essential Oil: Benefits and Uses

Curious about cedarwood essential oil and how to use it?
Discover the many uses and benefits of cedar oil in this complete guide—perfect for natural wellness, insect repellent, home care, and more!

Cedarwood essential oil, with its warm, woody aroma, has been cherished for centuries for its versatile applications. Cedarwood oil is a natural, versatile essential oil with a rich history and scientifically supported benefits. From its origins in juniper and cypress trees to its potent chemical compounds like cedrol and cedrene, it offers a safe alternative for pest control such as natural tick repellent, aromatherapy, and skincare.

Derived from the wood of various coniferous trees, this essential oil is a natural powerhouse with a rich history and scientifically backed benefits. Today we’ll explore where cedarwood oil comes from, its chemical composition, toxicity profile, benefits, and practical uses. Also, we share a DIY tick repellent recipe.

Plus, we’ll dive into relevant scientific studies about this remarkable oil. The scent is not everyone’s favorite, but the benefits and uses compensate for the strong aroma.

Origins of Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood oil is primarily extracted from trees in the Cupressaceae family, including junipers (Juniperus) and cypresses (Cupressus), rather than true cedars (Cedrus species, family Pinaceae).

United States

The most common types in the United States are:

• Virginia Cedarwood Oil (Juniperus virginiana): Sourced from the Eastern red cedar, native to North America.
• Texas Cedarwood Oil (Juniperus ashei or Juniperus mexicana): Derived from trees in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
• Atlas Cedarwood Oil (Cedrus atlantica): Extracted from the Atlas cedar, native to North Africa, though this species is endangered and should be sourced sustainably.
• Western Red Cedar Oil (Thuja plicata): Less commonly used, sourced from the Pacific Northwest.

Europe

In Europe, cedarwood oil is primarily derived from the wood of trees in the Cupressaceae and Pinaceae families, with the most common species being:

• Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica): Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria, this true cedar is a primary source of cedarwood oil in Europe. The oil is extracted from the heartwood via steam distillation or supercritical CO2 extraction. Morocco is a major supplier, and the oil is widely used in European aromatherapy and perfumery. Due to overharvesting, sustainable sourcing is critical, as the species is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara): Though native to the Himalayas, this species is cultivated in parts of Europe, particularly in southern regions like France and Italy, for ornamental purposes and oil production. Its oil is similar to Atlas cedarwood oil but less common in European markets.
• Juniper Species (Juniperus spp.): Some European cedarwood oils, especially those labeled as “cedar,” come from junipers like Juniperus communis (common juniper) or Juniperus oxycedrus (prickly juniper), found across Europe, including Spain, France, and the Balkans. These oils are extracted from wood or berries and are used in cosmetics and pest control.

The oil is mainly produced in countries with suitable climates or import capabilities, such as Morocco (for Atlas cedar), France, and Spain. Smaller-scale production occurs in other Mediterranean countries where cedars or junipers grow naturally or are cultivated. The European market also relies on imports from North America (e.g., Juniperus virginiana from the U.S.) for some cedarwood oil products.

How is Cedarwood Essential Oil Made

The oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of the heartwood, though supercritical fluid extraction using carbon dioxide (CO2) is a more efficient method, yielding up to 30% more oil with higher concentrations of active compounds like cedrol.

Historically, cedarwood oil was used in ancient Egyptian embalming practices to deter insects, a testament to its enduring pesticidal properties.

Cedarwood Essential Oil Chemical Compounds

Cedarwood oil is a complex mixture of organic compounds, with its composition varying by tree species. The primary components include:

• Cedrol: A sesquiterpene alcohol responsible for the oil’s woody scent and significant pesticidal effects, particularly against ticks and ants.
• Cedrene (α- and β-cedrene): Sesquiterpenes contributing to fragrance and insect-repellent properties.
• Thujopsene: Another sesquiterpene with antimicrobial and insect-repellent qualities.
• Cedryl acetate and cedryl methyl ether: Derivatives used in perfumery for their stable, pleasant aroma.

The concentration of cedrol, in particular, influences the oil’s efficacy as a pest repellent. CO2-derived cedarwood oil often contains higher cedrol levels, enhancing its bioactivity.

Toxicity of Cedarwood OilCedarwood oil is generally considered safe for topical and environmental use. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists it as a Minimum Risk Pesticide under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), exempting it from stringent registration due to its low toxicity. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also designates it as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use as a food additive preservative.

However, precautions are necessary:

Skin Sensitivity

While rare, cedarwood oil can cause skin irritation in some people. Always dilute it in a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba or almond oil) or water to dilute it and perform a patch test before widespread use.

Pet Safety

Cedarwood oil is toxic to some animals, particularly cats and small dogs under 20 lbs, and should be used cautiously. Consult a veterinarian before applying it to pets.

Topical Use Only

Cedarwood oil should never be ingested. A 2016 National Toxicology Program study on Virginia cedarwood oil (Juniperus virginiana) in rats and mice found no significant toxic effects when applied dermally at typical doses, supporting its safety for topical use.

Benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood oil offers a range of benefits, backed by scientific research:

Insect Repellent

Cedarwood oil is highly effective against ticks, ants, mosquitoes, and moths. Studies show it repels 80–94% of black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) nymphs and is toxic to ticks at high concentrations, with cedrol killing 100% of ticks at 6.3 mg/mL.

Antimicrobial Properties

The oil exhibits antibacterial and antifungal effects, making it useful for treating skin conditions like acne (though evidence for acne treatment is limited).

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Animal studies suggest cedarwood oil reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation, potentially benefiting skin conditions.

Stress and Sleep Support

Cedrol has shown sedative effects in animal studies, lowering anxiety and promoting longer sleep. Human studies are limited, but aromatherapy with cedarwood oil is associated with reduced stress and improved sleep quality.

Hair Growth

A trial combining cedarwood, lavender, and rosemary oils showed improved hair growth in alopecia patients compared to a carrier oil alone.

Uses of Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood oil’s versatility makes it a staple in various applications:

Pest Control

Used in sprays, pet collars, and garden treatments to repel ticks, fleas, and moths. It’s also effective against ants and cockroaches. While cedarwood oil is effective, its repellency duration is shorter than synthetic options like DEET, necessitating frequent reapplication.

Aromatherapy

Diffused to promote relaxation and improve sleep. Add a few drops to a diffuser or mix with a carrier oil for a calming massage.

Cosmetics and Fragrances

Found in perfumes, soaps, shampoos, and deodorants for its woody scent and antimicrobial properties.

Household Products

Used in mothballs, closet sprays, and cleaning products to protect fabrics and repel pests.

Gardening

Diluted cedarwood oil (1:100 with water) can be sprayed on plants to deter pests without harming beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

Studies

• 2022 USDA ARS Study:This study tested CO2-derived cedarwood oil against four tick species (Ixodes scapularis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum). It found I. scapularis (black-legged tick) to be the most susceptible, with 80–94% repellency and high mortality at 6.3 mg/mL, comparable to DEET for this species.
• 2014 Study on Cedrol: Bioactivity of cedarwood oil and cedrol against arthropod pests, this study confirmed that cedrol, a key component of cedarwood oil, caused 100% mortality in I. scapularis nymphs at high doses, demonstrating its toxicity to ticks.
• 2022 Repellency and toxicity of a CO₂-derived cedarwood oil on hard tick species (Ixodidae)

To Sum Up

Cedarwood oil is a natural, versatile essential oil with a rich history and scientifically supported benefits. From its origins in juniper and cypress trees to its potent chemical compounds like cedrol and cedrene, it offers a safe alternative for pest control, aromatherapy, and skincare.

Its efficacy as a tick repellent, backed by studies, makes it a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners, though proper dilution and safety precautions are essential. Try the DIY tick repellent recipe for a chemical-free way to stay protected, and enjoy the warm, grounding scent of cedarwood oil in your daily life.

For more information on cedarwood oil products, check reputable sources or consult with a healthcare professional or veterinarian. Stay safe, and embrace the natural power of cedarwood oil!

Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional or veterinarian before using cedarwood oil, especially for medical or pet-related applications. The FDA does not regulate essential oils, so ensure you purchase high-quality, pure products from trusted suppliers.