Page 40 - HPIC-Magazine (Feb-2021)

Special Article

crease grazing lands for cattle ranch-
ing. Cedar trees from such clearing
operations are sold to the distillation
plants. It is estimated that 70-80%
of this oil is used for cedrol isolation
and subsequent acetylation(2).

Cedarwood oil is commonly used
as an insect repellent – and the sci-
entific evidence to support this is
sound. One study showed that many
components of cedarwood oil have
insecticidal effects against the pulse
beetle and the housefly. 97.5% of
the insects were killed. Two natu-
himachalene (1.94%), and γ-dehydro- Cedarwood oil is reputed to have rally occurring sesquiterpenes were
ar-himachalene (1.44%). The major many therapeutic properties. deemed responsible – himachalol and
constituents in the acetonitrile fraction Cosmetic: A anti-inflammatory, β-himachalene(3).

were atlantones (41.40%) followed by antifungal, anti-seborrheic, as-
himachalenes (11.70%)(1). tringent, tonic, firming/tight- There are lots of different ways to
ening, detoxifying, stimulating, use cedarwood oil depending on the
Uses soothing, calming, antioxidant, desired effects and personal prefe-
The oils are used both directly restorative. rences. Here are some of the most
and as sources of chemical isolates. Odorous: Anti-inflammatory, anti- common methods:
spasmodic, antifungal, antispas-

Cedarwood oils each have char- modic, sedative, tonic, insecticidal, Shampoo: For improved hair
acteristic woody odours, which may soothing, calming. growth, add a few drops of cedar-
change somewhat in the course of Medicinal: Anti-inflammatory, wood oil to your shampoo (about

drying out. The crude oils are often antispasmodic, antifungal, anti- 1 drop of essential oil for one table-
yellowish or even darker in colour septic, astringent, emmenagogue, spoon of shampoo). Massage this
and some are quite viscous and de- expectorant, tonic, firming/tight- into your hair for 5 minutes. Rinse
posit crystals on standing. They find ening, detoxifying, stimulating, as normal.

use (sometimes after rectification) in soothing, calming, antioxidant, Hair mask: Mix cedarwood oil
a range of fragrance applications such restorative. with a carrier such as coconut or
as soap perfumes, household sprays, almond oil. The ratio is 1 drop
floor polishes and insecticides. The oil’s astringent action works of essential oil to 1 tablespoon
on acne, hair dandruff, as well as oily of carrier. Massage this into the
Today, cedarwood oil is often skin issues. Cedarwood oil also helps scalp for at least 5 minutes. Cover
used for its aromatic properties, es- combat chest and urinary infections your hair with a shower cap and
pecially in aromatherapy; it can also and is even used as a general tonic, towel and leave for 30 minutes to
be used to renew the smell of natural apart from having a pronounced effect absorb. Rinse as normal.
cedar furniture. Cedarwood oil is also on membranes. Skin: To ease skin conditions

used as an insect repellent, both such as acne or eczema, put a
directly applied to the skin and as an Texas cedar oil is used almost few drops of cedarwood oil into a
additive to sprays, candles and other entirely as feedstock for the manufac- warm bath and soak for 30 minu-
products. ture of chemical derivatives of the oil, tes. Alternatively, add 1 drop of
whereas cedarwood oil Virginiana is cedarwood oil to 1 tablespoon of
In India, oil from the deodar cedar used mostly as is in fragrance formu- plain moisturiser and apply to the
(Cedrus deodara) has been shown to las. Unlike the cedarwood oil Virgi- affected area.

possess insecticidal and antifungal niana, the cedarwood oil Texas is not Insect repellent: To repel insects
properties and to have some potential a by-product from the furniture indu- in homes, use an aromatherapy oil
for control of fungal deterioration of stry – the Texas cedar is felled almost burner or diffuser with cedarwood
spices during storage. exclusively for land clearing to in- oil.
40 Home, Personal & Institutional Care India February 2021