Guide to essential oils

Essential oil of Himalayan cedarwood

Purifying and toning, Himalayan cedar essential oil is rich in sesquiterpenes, known for their soothing effects, and lipolytic ketones. This spiritual oil has an enchanting scent that calms and invigorates.

How to use

  • Skin application and massage

    Skin application and massage

    Suitable

  • Cosmetic active ingredient

    Cosmetic active ingredient

    Appropriate

  • Diffusion

    Diffusion

    Appropriate

  • Aromatherapy bath

    Aromatherapy bath

    Appropriate

  • Food grade

    Food grade

    Possible but not recommended

Features

Properties and uses

Precautions

Find out more

Features

Production process

Complete steam distillation

Part of the plant used

Wood

Botanical name

Cedrus deodara

Warning

The properties, information and methods of use below are quotes from reference books or websites on aromatherapy, hydrolatherapy and phytotherapy. This general information is provided for informative purposes only and in no way constitutes medical guidance. Under no circumstances can this information be used as a substitute for a medical diagnosis, consultation or follow-up, nor can it incur our liability. We recommend that you consult the guide to essential oils before using them, so that you are aware of any precautions that need to be taken. If in doubt, consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Properties and uses

Himalayan cedarwood essential oil is traditionally used for: Heavy legs, varicose veins

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Health

Beauty

Wellness

Find out more

Properties

In health care, Himalayan cedarwood essential oil is recognised for the following properties:

  • Stimulating and draining of the lymphatic system

  • Lipolytic, helps dissolve fats.

  • Helps activate arterial circulation

  • Antifungal

  • Helps keep mosquitoes and moths away

Uses

It is traditionally used to improve the following conditions:

  • Cellulite, water retention

  • Atherosclerosis

  • Fungal, parasitic, eczematous skin conditions


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Synergies

  • For air diffusion: Citrus, true lavender essential oils, etc.

  • Tonic, slimming: Sea fennel, grapefruit, lemon essential oils, etc.

  • Tranquil summer evening: Geranium, lemongrass essential oils, etc.

In practice

Slimming tonic rubs: Mix into your oil blend in synergy with other essential oils. Apply your mixture locally by massaging or rubbing into the areas concerned.

Air purification: atmospheric diffusion.

Purifying massage for the skin: Mix into your oil blend. Massage the mixture into the affected areas.

Precautions

  • For internal use by therapists only.

  • Not for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, those suffering from epilepsy or the very elderly. This essential oil contains ketones, compounds which may expose you to neurotoxic and abortifacient risks in high doses.

  • High doses may cause skin irritation. Always dilute well.

  • Keep out of reach of children.

  • Avoid contact with eyes.

  • As a general rule, always test-apply your product in the crease of the elbow at least 48 hours before use.

Find out more

The Himalalayan cedar, also known as sacred cedar or ‘wood of the gods’ in Hindustan, belongs to the Pinaceae family. Native to the western Himalayas, this fast-growing conifer was introduced to Europe in the 1820s. Despite growing at altitudes of between 1500 and 3000 metres, it is sensitive to late frosts. Imposing and majestic with its height of up to 50 metres and its weepinglook, it is mainly used as an ornament tree in parks and gardens.

Aromatherapy recipes from the bibliography

Acne oil (C. Clergeaud)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • 100 ml hazelnut carrier oil
  • 50 ml St John's wort macerated oil
  • 6 drops true Lavender essential oil
  • 6 drops cedar essential oil
  • 2 drops of laurel essential oil
  • 5 drops lemon essential oil
  • 3 drops of Seville orange essential oil
  • 3 drops sandalwood essential oil

Directions: Mix all the ingredients

Aroma-Zone note: St John's wort macerated oil has a risk of photosensitisation. Do not expose yourself to the sun after applying this product

Heavy legs in adults (Aroma news - Nard)

Health & wellbeingCirculatory disorders

  • 1 ml of Cupressus semperviren essential oil (Mediterranean Cypress)
  • 2 ml Helichrysum Italicum essential oil (Immortelle)
  • 1 ml Cedrus deodora l (Himalayan cedarwood) essential oil
  • 2 ml Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar) essential oil
  • 0.5 ml Pistacia lentiscus (mastic tree) essential oil
  • 1 ml Laurus noblis (bay laurel) essential oil
  • 2 ml Lavandula super (Lavandin super) essential oil
  • 1 ml Mentha x piperita (peppermint) essential oil
  • 100 ml of Transcutol or neutral gel

Use: 1 to 2 local applications with a light massage until complete improvement.

Aroma-Zone comment: Transcutol is a rarely-used pharmaceutical product which allows fats such as essential oils to penetrate the skin easily. It can easily be replaced by a dry carrier oil such as hazelnut, kukui or macadamia oil.

Equivalents

Essential Oils

1 ml = approximately 35 drops (with our Aroma-Zone dropper caps)

Carrier oils

1 pump (Aroma-Zone aluminium pump) = approx. 0.15 ml

Mass / Volume conversion (for a liquid)

Mass (g) = Density x Volume (ml) at 20°C

Further information

1 full teaspoon = between 3 and 4.5 ml

1 full tablespoon = between 7.5 and 10 ml


However, these spoon ratios depend on a number of factors (e.g. viscosity of the liquid, temperature, depth and size of the spoon, rheological behaviour of the liquid), and we strongly advise you to use precise measuring equipment, such as graduated test tubes, graduated pipettes, and precision scales.

Bibliography

1

'Huiles essentielles - 2000 ans de découvertes aromathérapeutiques pour une médecine d'avenir'

Dominique Baudoux

2

'The Practice Of Aromatherapy'

Dr Jean Valnet - Éditions Maloine

3

'L'Aromathérapie exactement'

P. Franchomme and Dr D. Pénoël

4

'La bible de l'aromathérapie'

Nerys Purchon

5

'L'ABC des huiles essentielles'

Dr Telphon

6

'Aromatherapy'

Nelly Grosjean

7

'Les huiles essentielles pour votre santé'

G. Roulier

8

Les cahiers pratiques de l'aromathérapie française - Pédiatrie

Dominique Baudoux" - Editions Amyris

9

"Les cahiers pratiques de l'aromathérapie française - Dermatologie"

Dominique Baudoux - Editions Amyris

10

"Aroma-Stress

Jean-Pierre Willem

11

'Aroma Slimming'

Jean-Pierre Willem

12

"Essential oils"

Jean-Pierre Willem

13

Aroma-News newsletters from the NARD association

14

'Pratiques de Santé' magazines

15

'Aromatherapy - Healing with essential oils'

Dominique Baudoux - Editions Amyris