Cedarwood

December is almost upon us as the Autumnal season draws to a close. However, one scent which is harvested all-year round is cedarwood.

Throughout history, cedarwood has been used for religious ceremonies and spiritual meditation – seen to relax the mind and body as well as possess healing properties, particularly within the Native American and Tibetan communities. Even the Ancient Egyptians used cedarwood oil for their mummifying processes.

This essential oil comes in many varieties, colours, and has a lot of uses, especially within the perfumery and medicinal industries. But the key ones are from the US, the Himalayas, and Morocco.

Texas                                                                                      

Origin and Distillation

Known as Juniperus Mexicana, Texas cedarwood oil is dark brown or orange in colour with a woody, smoky odour, yet still pleasantly sweet.

Close to Mexico and Central America, the tree itself is a smaller relative of the cypress, growing in the southwestern parts of Texas. The oil is steam distilled from its heartwood, and these trees are cut down exclusively for creating essential oil.

Benefits and Uses

It is readily available for the creative perfumer to use, and helps to deodorize indoor environments, freshen rooms, repel insects, and ward off any negative thoughts.

Virginia                                                                                     

Origin and Distillation

As another member of the juniper family, Juniperus Virginiana is a pale yellow to orange coloured oil which, at first, smells mild and balsamic until it becomes woodier the drier it gets.

The red cedar tree is usually manufactured for sheds, chests, and cabinets, making it a desirable resource with a nice polished finish.

Benefits and Uses                                                                                           

Virginia cedarwood oil is predominantly used in the soap perfumery as a fixative and cost-reducer for vetiver oil, sandalwood oil, or patchouli oil.

Diluted, it can used within a regular face wash, moisturiser, or even face cream.

Morocco                                                                                   

Origin and Distillation                                                                       

Originating from the famous Lebanon cedars, the pine tree Cedrus Atlantica is where Atlas cedarwood oil is produced and known for being one of the most inexpensive essential oils on the European market.

It is distilled either in the wood and stumps – or sawdust – of the tree above which grows abundantly in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and in the north-western region of Algeria.

The oil is a deep amber colour, whilst its odour contains woody undertones with a slightly camphoraceous-cresyllic scent.

Benefits and Uses                                                                                             

Large quantities are consumed universally as a household medicine – ideal for skin inflammations and cuts or abrasions as a result of its antiseptic properties.

The Himalayas

Origin and Distillation                                                                                       

Finally, Deodar cedarwood oil can be found in the high altitudes of the Himalayan Mountains, with a yellow to brownish colouring and a scent similar to Atlas cedarwood oil.

Benefits and Uses                                                                                           

It is mainly used for supplying the Indian soap industry, and can help soothe the appearance of blemishes and redness. The tree is used for gardening and landscape architecture as a decorative plant.

Here at Zanos, we supply a variety of cedarwood oils, as well as other essential oils and aroma ingredients, from our trusted suppliers to B2B fragrance manufacturers.

Email webenquiries@zanos.co.uk or speak to our Sales Specialists on 01565 755899.