Cedarwood Oil: Types, History, What Research Shows and How to Use It Safely
Cedarwood oil is one of the most familiar scents in perfumery and aromatherapy. Yet many bottles hide a surprise: they are not from cedar trees at all. This article explains where cedarwood oil comes from, how it has been used through history, what research has found and how to dilute it safely. You will finish knowing which bottle you are holding and what it can and cannot do.
This article is for information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before using any remedy, especially for a diagnosed condition, during pregnancy or for a child.
- What it is: a steam-distilled oil from the wood of true cedars or, more often, junipers sold as “cedar”.
- Scent: dry, woody, warm and pencil-like, used widely in perfume, soap and candles.
- Best-supported use: fragrance and relaxation through scent. Health evidence is limited.
- Safety basics: always dilute for skin, never swallow, keep away from pets’ fur, paws and small rooms.
Which cedarwood oil is in your bottle? The botany behind the label
“Cedar” is a common name, not a precise one. True cedars belong to the genus Cedrus in the pine family, Pinaceae. The Missouri Department of Conservation notes they are native to the Himalayan and Mediterranean regions of Eurasia.
Several trees called cedar in North America are actually junipers. Eastern red cedar, Juniperus virginiana, is a juniper in the cypress family, Cupressaceae. Texas cedarwood comes from another juniper, Juniperus ashei.
According to an industry report from the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades (IFEAT), five oils dominate the trade. The table compares them.
| Oil sold as | Botanical source | Family | True cedar? | Main producers | Typical character |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas cedarwood | Cedrus atlantica | Pinaceae | Yes | Morocco | Rich in himachalenes; sweet, woody |
| Himalayan cedarwood | Cedrus deodara | Pinaceae | Yes | India | Rich in himachalenes; similar to Atlas |
| Virginian cedarwood | Juniperus virginiana | Cupressaceae | No (juniper) | USA | Cedrol, cedrenes, thujopsene; pencil-like |
| Texas cedarwood | Juniperus ashei | Cupressaceae | No (juniper) | USA | Higher in cedrol than Virginian |
| Chinese cedarwood | Cupressus funebris | Cupressaceae | No (cypress) | China | Lower in cedrol than American oils |
Based on the IFEAT cedarwood socio-economic report and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Check the Latin name on any bottle you buy.
Why does this matter? The chemistry differs. Juniper oils are rich in cedrol and thujopsene, while true cedar oils are rich in himachalenes. Research on “cedarwood” often tested one specific type or an isolated compound. A result for one does not automatically apply to another.
How cedarwood oil is made
Most cedarwood oil is a by-product of the wood trade. The IFEAT report describes ground waste wood being steam-distilled. In the US, the wood comes from land clearing, sawmill offcuts and shavings. In China, it comes mainly from old roots and stumps.
Steam distillation passes hot steam through the wood. The steam carries the oil’s volatile compounds into a condenser, where oil and water separate. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) notes that true essential oils are made by distillation or pressing. Solvent-extracted products are not considered true essential oils.
and sawdust
through the wood
cools the vapor
from water
burned for steam
The IFEAT report notes US distilleries burn spent wood in biomass boilers to make the next batch of steam.
Cedar in history and tradition
Few trees carry as much history as the cedar of Lebanon, Cedrus libani. The University of Pretoria Botanical Garden notes it appears in the Epic of Gilgamesh and more than 70 times in the Bible. King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem was built with it. Phoenician traders built their ships from it, and it appears on Lebanon’s flag today.
Cedar in ancient Egyptian embalming
Cedar products also played a part in Egyptian mummification. In 2023, researchers published chemical analyses of residues from an embalming workshop at Saqqara in the journal Nature. They identified oils or tars of cedar and of juniper or cypress among the ingredients. Earlier studies of mummies from other tombs had found similar substances.
Deodar: the “wood of the gods” in India
The Himalayan cedar’s name, deodar, comes from the Sanskrit devadāru. It combines deva, meaning god, and dāru, meaning wood. The tree has long been planted near temples in the Himalayas. In Ayurveda, India’s traditional medical system, devadāru wood and oil appear in many classical preparations. That traditional use is a matter of cultural history, not evidence of effect.
Cedar in modern spiritual practice
In modern aromatherapy and energy-work traditions, cedarwood is often described as “grounding”. Some practitioners link it with the root chakra, the energy center believed in yogic tradition to govern stability and security. Others use it in meditation spaces, smudging-style rituals or yoga sessions.
These are beliefs and practices, not tested health effects. If you enjoy cedarwood’s scent during meditation, the pleasure of the ritual is real. Just keep it separate from claims about healing. For more on breath and contemplative practice, see our yoga articles.
What research shows about cedarwood oil
Many websites list cedarwood oil as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial or sleep-inducing. Most of those claims trace back to lab tests, animal studies or a few small human trials. Here is what the human research actually found.
| Claim | Best human evidence | What it found | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relaxation | Dayawansa et al. 2003, 26 healthy adults | Inhaling cedrol lowered heart rate and blood pressure briefly | Limited |
| Anxiety | Australian trial of 313 radiotherapy patients (NCI PDQ) | A blend with Atlas cedarwood did not reduce anxiety | No benefit shown |
| Hair regrowth in alopecia areata | Hay et al. 1998, 86 patients | A four-oil blend helped more people than carrier oil alone | Single small trial |
| Sleep, skin, cough, joint pain | No good human trials of cedarwood alone found | Claims rest on tradition, lab or animal work | Unproven |
Cedrol and the relaxation response
The most-cited study tested cedrol, a compound isolated from cedarwood oil, not the whole oil. In 2003, Dayawansa and colleagues had 26 healthy adults inhale cedrol vapor or plain air through a mask. Cedrol lowered heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate during exposure.
Heart rhythm analysis suggested a shift toward the “rest and digest” side of the nervous system. The authors concluded cedrol had a relaxing effect. Remember the limits, though. This was a short lab session in a small group of healthy people. It does not show cedarwood oil treats anxiety, insomnia or high blood pressure. Atlas and Himalayan oils contain little cedrol, so the finding fits juniper-based oils best.
Cedarwood and anxiety in cancer care
The NCI’s professional summary on aromatherapy describes a double-blind Australian trial with 313 patients having radiation therapy. One group inhaled a blend of lavender, bergamot and Atlas cedarwood. The blend did not reduce anxiety, depression or fatigue compared with control groups. Surprisingly, a group given only carrier oil showed a significant drop in anxiety.
The alopecia areata trial
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss. In 1998, Hay, Jamieson and Ormerod ran a seven-month, double-blind trial in Scotland with 86 patients. One group massaged their scalps daily with thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood oils in jojoba and grapeseed oil. The other group used the carrier oils alone.
In the essential oil group, 44% improved, compared with 15% of the carrier group. It is an intriguing result, but it is one small trial of a four-oil blend. No one can say which oil, if any, made the difference. It has not been confirmed by larger studies.
If you have sudden patchy hair loss, see a doctor first. Several treatable conditions can cause it, and the NHS lists medical treatments for bald patches. More: NHS: hair loss.
Why lab results often do not translate
Claims that cedarwood oil is antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory usually come from test-tube or animal studies. Concentrations that affect bacteria in a dish can be far higher than anything safe on skin. That is why such findings are a starting point for research, not a basis for treating an infection or skin condition.
How to use cedarwood oil safely
The NCI notes that aromatherapy has a relatively low toxicity profile when oils are inhaled or applied diluted. Most problems come from using oils undiluted, swallowing them, or using too much in a small space. The safest everyday uses for cedarwood oil are about scent.
Cedarwood oil dilution chart
Never apply cedarwood oil undiluted. The Tisserand Institute’s dilution chart assumes about 30 drops per milliliter. The figures below follow that chart. Drop size varies, so treat them as close approximations rather than exact measures.
| Dilution | 10 ml carrier | 30 ml (1 oz) carrier | 50 ml carrier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5% | 1 drop | 4 drops | 7 drops |
| 1% | 3 drops | 9 drops | 15 drops |
| 2% | 6 drops | 18 drops | 30 drops |
| 3% | 9 drops | 27 drops | 45 drops |
Values from the Tisserand Institute dilution chart, rounded to whole drops. For blends, count the drops of all oils together. The Institute stresses that a dilution on the chart is not automatically safe for every oil or situation.
For body oils and lotions, start at the low end. Children need lower dilutions than adults, and the Tisserand Institute sets out age-based limits. Ask a qualified aromatherapist or your doctor before using any oil on a child.
Everyday ways to enjoy the scent
- Diffusing: run a diffuser in a well-ventilated room for short periods, with a door open for pets to leave.
- Body oil: blend into a carrier such as jojoba or sweet almond oil at a low dilution.
- Linen and wood care: add a few drops to a cotton pad placed in a drawer, not directly on fabric that touches skin.
- Blending: cedarwood pairs well with lavender, bergamot, citrus oils and frankincense, where it acts as a base note.
Patch test before regular use
Any essential oil can trigger skin reactions in some people. A 2017 study of over 62,000 patch-tested patients in North America and Europe found reactions to several common oils. Tea tree oil was a notable culprit. Cedarwood was not among the oils tested, so its allergy rate is not well measured.
Apply a small amount of your diluted blend to the inner forearm. Cover it and wait 24 to 48 hours. Redness, itching or swelling means you should not use it.
Cedarwood oil safety: pregnancy, children and pets
The Tisserand Institute advises against ingesting oils unless a qualified practitioner directs it. Keep bottles out of children’s reach. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) if a child swallows any.
The Tisserand Institute warns undiluted oils in the eye can cause chemical burns. Flush with plenty of water and get medical help.
Many websites say cedarwood triggers contractions. Robert Tisserand has written there is no scientific basis for that claim. Reproductive testing is limited, though, so talk to your midwife or doctor first.
Use much lower dilutions for children and seek professional advice first. Do not apply oils near a baby’s face or nose.
The ASPCA warns concentrated oils on fur or skin can cause wobbliness, depression and low body temperature. Never apply oils to pets. Keep diffusers out of reach and brief.
The ASPCA advises avoiding diffusers around birds, and urges similar caution for rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, because of their sensitive lungs.
Also tell your doctor if you have asthma or a skin condition. Strong scents can trigger breathing symptoms in some people. Store oils tightly closed, cool and dark, since oils change as they age. The NCI notes essential oils are flammable, so keep them away from flames.
Is cedarwood oil sustainable?
It depends on the species. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh lists the Atlas cedar as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its forests in Morocco and Algeria have declined from centuries of logging, overgrazing by goats, fire and repeated droughts since the 1980s. The same source notes essential oils are distilled from its timber and foliage.
The cedar of Lebanon is listed as Vulnerable. Threats include pests, urban development, selective felling and grazing.
The juniper oils tell a different story. In Texas, the IFEAT report says clearing of spreading Ashe juniper is encouraged, and the oil turns cleared wood into a product. Eastern red cedar spreads into prairies where fire is suppressed, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. Much of the US supply is a by-product of land clearing and sawmills. The industry report relies largely on industry sources, so treat its sustainability claims with some caution.
- Look for the Latin name and country of origin on the label.
- For Atlas cedarwood, ask suppliers about sourcing from plantations or legally managed forests.
- Choose Virginian or Texas cedarwood if you want an oil made largely from wood by-products.
- Avoid products that claim to treat diseases. In the US, that claim would require FDA approval, which the NCI notes aromatherapy products do not have.
Cedarwood oil questions people ask
Is cedarwood oil the same as cedar leaf oil?
No, and the difference matters. Cedar leaf oil is usually distilled from the leaves of Thuja occidentalis, known as white cedar or arborvitae. It is high in thujone, a compound that can be toxic to the nervous system. Cedarwood oil comes from the wood and is a different product. Check the label for “wood” and the Latin name.
Will cedarwood oil help me sleep?
There is no good trial of cedarwood oil for sleep. The cedrol study showed a short-term relaxation response in healthy adults, nothing more. Many people simply enjoy a woody scent as part of a wind-down routine. If you have ongoing sleep problems, a doctor can look for causes such as sleep apnea, anxiety or medication side effects.
Can I add cedarwood oil to my shampoo?
Some people do, diluted, for the scent. The only notable trial used a four-oil blend for alopecia areata, so it cannot tell you what cedarwood does alone. Patch test first, keep it away from your eyes, and see a doctor about any new hair loss.
Does cedar keep moths and insects away?
Cedar wood has long been used for chests and closets, as the Missouri Department of Conservation notes. The IFEAT report lists natural insect repellents among cedarwood oil’s commercial uses. Results vary with the product, and the scent fades as the oil evaporates. Never use essential oils as flea or tick treatments on pets.
Does cedarwood oil go off?
The NCI notes that an essential oil’s chemistry changes as it ages, even though many bottles carry no expiry date. Store it tightly capped, away from heat and light. If the scent turns sharp or sour, replace it.
Common mistakes with cedarwood oil
- Assuming all cedarwood oils are the same. A true cedar and a juniper oil differ in chemistry, scent and sourcing.
- Applying it neat. Undiluted oil raises the risk of irritation and allergy. Always dilute.
- Reading lab studies as proof. Test-tube results on bacteria or inflammation do not show a benefit on your skin.
- Using it instead of medical care. Hair loss, eczema, persistent coughs or sleep problems deserve a proper diagnosis.
- Diffusing in a closed room with pets. Always give animals a way out, and skip diffusing around birds.
- Taking it by mouth. Many wellness sites suggest it. Safety experts advise against it without professional guidance.
Want to compare cedarwood with other resin and wood scents? Our guide to palo santo oil covers another wood oil with sourcing questions. Browse every scent in our oils and scents collection.
Your one step before you open the bottle
Turn the bottle around and find the Latin name. Write it on the cap with a marker, along with the date you opened it. You will know exactly which cedarwood you are using, and when it is time to replace it.
Free download
Cedarwood Oil Dilution and Pet Safety Chart (PDF)
One printable page: the five cedarwood oils and their Latin names, a drops-per-bottle dilution chart, patch-test steps, a pet-safe diffusing checklist and a bottle log. No treatment claims and no doses for illness.
This article describes traditions, beliefs, history and research for educational purposes. It is not a guide to action and not an instruction to treat any illness. If you have a health concern, please see a doctor or qualified healthcare professional first, and never delay or stop medical treatment because of anything you read here.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute. Aromatherapy and Essential Oils (PDQ), Health Professional Version, updated October 2024. cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/aromatherapy-pdq
- Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. Randomized trial of aromatherapy: successful treatment for alopecia areata. Archives of Dermatology 1998; 134(11): 1349–1352. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9828867
- Dayawansa S, Umeno K, Takakura H, et al. Autonomic responses during inhalation of natural fragrance of Cedrol in humans. Autonomic Neuroscience 2003; 108(1–2): 79–86. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14614968
- Warshaw EM, Zug KA, Belsito DV, et al. Positive patch test reactions to essential oils in consecutive patients from North America and Central Europe. Dermatitis 2017; 28(4): 246–252. Penn State research record
- International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades (IFEAT). Cedarwood socio-economic report, c. 2022. archive.ifeat.org (PDF)
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Threatened Conifers of the World: Cedrus atlantica. threatenedconifers.rbge.org.uk/conifers/cedrus-atlantica
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Threatened Conifers of the World: Cedrus libani. threatenedconifers.rbge.org.uk/conifers/cedrus-libani
- Missouri Department of Conservation. Eastern Red Cedar field guide. mdc.mo.gov
- Encyclopaedia Britannica. Eastern red cedar. britannica.com/plant/eastern-red-cedar
- University of Pretoria Botanical Garden. Cedar of Lebanon: Cedrus libani. up.ac.za/botanical-garden
- Rageot M, et al. Biomolecular analyses enable new insights into ancient Egyptian embalming. Nature 2023. Summarized by Archaeology Magazine: archaeology.org
- Tisserand Institute. Essential oil dilution chart. tisserandinstitute.org (PDF); How big is a drop? tisserandinstitute.org/learn-more/drop-size; Safety guidelines. tisserandinstitute.org/safety/safety-guidelines
- Tisserand R. Reader question on cedarwood oil in pregnancy. roberttisserand.com
- ASPCA. Essential oils and pets. aspca.org
- NHS. Hair loss. nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss