REGENERATION: The Tonifying Strength of Trees

            The majestic Mountain Cedar, Cedrus 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 essential oil also encourages deep breathing.  Cedrol, a main ingredient, is a restorative for the bronchioles.  It is especially indicated for excessive mucus and bronchial congestion.  It is beneficial in an aroma lamp or diluted in a carrier oil in small doses.

Bronchial Ease

            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.  Cure 3 hours or overnight.  Massage several drops on the chest and upper back 3 times daily until cough and tightness abates. 

            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.

            Cedarwood is very tonic and restorative to the nervous system.  It is an excellent treatment for those suffering from nervousness, stress and sadness.  The oil lifts fatigue resulting from constant tension.  Use it in baths, steam inhalation and massage.  I recommend warmed sesame oil as a carrier because it is also soothing and regenerative to the nervous system.

Comforting and 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 a delicious blend that may be used regularly, increasing water intake to assist lymphatic drainage.

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

            Cedarwood also has soothing properties.  It is an excellent enhancement for the kidney and bladder.

Irritation of the lining of the bladder causes a chronic condition aggravated by tight fitting slacks, pantyhose, certain food and environmental stresses, intercourse and hormonal changes.  Sugar, caffeine and alcohol may contribute to food and hormonal stress.  Use cedarwood in a bath, compress or massage oil for soothing the abdomen.

            NOTE:  Cedar Oil should not be used during pregnancy, as it may have an abortive effect.

 Better bladder blend

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

                                      4 drops of Cedarwood

                                    10 drops of Lavandula

                                      2 drops of Yarrow

                                      6 drops of Rockrose

                        Combine well and massage the abdomen and pelvis 3 or 4 times daily.  A warm compress may be applied each time. Irritation can spread into the kidneys and ureters, leading to scarring or infection.

            This blend may be diluted in a sitz bath, deleting the carrier oil, for 15 to 20 minutes daily.  The same amounts may be applied as a compress.  Saturate a clean hand towel in 4 cups of warm water containing the essential oils.  Squeeze most of the moisture out and apply to the abdomen until the cloth cools.  Repeat several times daily as desired.

Kidney and Bladder Support 

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

                        4 drops of Cedarwood

                        6 drops of Juniper berries

                        2 drops of Yarrow

                        4 drops of Eucalyptus

                        6 drops of Orange

                        1 drop of Tea Tree

            Bottle in dark glass overnight.  Massage the entire abdomen and the lumbar, lower back 3 times daily.  Drink 2 quarts of liquid, mostly water, daily.  If infection is probable, see a health care practitioner.  Chronic kidney infections can damage the kidneys severely.  Seek medical help if blood or pus passes in the urine.  

            Store leftover blend in a cool, dark place.