REGENERATION: The Tonifying Strength of Trees

            The majestic Mountain Cedar, Cedrous Labani, produced one of the earliest essential oils.  Ancient Egyptians prized the oil for perfumes, cosmetics and mummification, in that order!  Ships, furniture and coffins were made from the majestic forests of the Cedar of Lebanon.  Solomon’s temple was built from cedar wood, and Noah was said to burn cedar wood as an offer of thanksgiving for surviving the great flood.  The tree, standing 100 feet tall, was perceived as a symbol of strength and harmony.  These trees covered Lebanon and part of southern Turkey, averaging between 1,000 and 2,000 years old.  Today, only a few hundred remain, growing in altitudes between 4,000 and 6,000 feet.  The forests were once believed to be holy, reaching into the heavens and filling the air with a sweet, balsam scent.

            Today, aroma therapists prefer the oil from the Atlas cedar, growing in North Africa.  Other cedar oil is made from Juniperus virginiana, the red cedar, related to the thujene tree. 

            The oil is distilled from wood chips and sawdust.  Steam distillation produces a thick, viscous, honey-colored oil.  Thirty pounds of wood produces one pound of oil.  The scent is reminiscent of pencil wood.  I can remember going to school needing only one of these cedarwood pencils and a Big Chief tablet!  The aroma of cedarwood encourages a strong sense of identity and memories of simpler times.

          Cedarwood blend

           In 1 ounce of jojoba carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                          2 drops of Cedarwood

                        10 drops of Frankincense

                          1 drop of Sage

            Bottle in dark glass with a tight- fitting screw cap.  Allow the blend to be in a dark, cool place 3 hours or overnight.  Massage several drops on 

            Cedarwood may also be used in steam inhalation.  Boil 6 cups of water in a 4- quart pot.  Remove from heat.  Add 4 drops of Cedarwood and tent with a towel or stand close to the steam for inhalation.  Two drops of lemongrass and 1 drop of sage may be added to the water, if desired, to facilitate the cedarwood.

             Use it in baths, steam inhalation and massage.  I recommend warmed sesame oil as a carrier oil.

 Centering Massage

            In 2 ounces of warm sesame oil, add the following essential oils:

                          5 drops of Cedarwood

                        10 drops of Sandalwood

                        16 drops of Bergamot              

                          1 drop of Cypress, Cupressus sempervirens

            Blend well and massage liberally over the entire body, moving down the back, up the legs and arms toward the heart and in a circular motion on the chest and abdomen.  Clockwise motion is best.  Massage each toe and work the oil into the bottom of the feet.  Cover the feet with socks and keep the recipient comfortably warm with a sheet or robe.  This is an useful blend that may be used regularly.

            Bottle leftover blend in dark glass with a tight- fitting screw cap.  Store in a cool, dark place.

            NOTE:  Cedar Oil should not be used during pregnancy, as it may have an abortive effect. It is not recommended for pregnant women or children.