The Healing Power of Cedar

Have you ever opened up a cedar chest and just inhaled deeply because you loved the way it smelled? You may not know this, but besides smelling wonderful, cedar has a lot of healing properties. The cedar tree is pretty much as old as mankind, and has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Throughout the world, you will find a variety of cedar species, from the Himalayas to the Pacific Northwest and everywhere in between. If you want to learn more about the healing power of cedar, keep reading.

The cedar tree, which is an evergreen, is thought to symbolize immortality, eternal life, and endurance. In fact, it is such an important tree that it was used by many ancient civilizations, the Egyptians in particular, in their mummification processes.

When you see a cedar tree, take a look at how it is shaped. The branches are wide, and they seem to be pretty much parallel with the ground below them. This makes it look as though this type of tree has many different floors, each with its own lush greenery. It is so structure-like that in the late 19th centure, author John Worcester made a comparison between this tree's structure to a spiritual journey.

Some of the things that the cedar is known to symbolize include:

There are many trees that are called cedar trees, but did you know that there are actually only four true varieties of cedar? While not all of these are not true cedar trees by definition, they have over the years come to be known as cedars, because they are so closely related. Some of what are referred to as “false cedars” include Western Red Cedar, Japanese Cedar, and Northern White Cedar.

The four true cedar trees are:

Did you know that cedar was a highly important medicinal plant used by numerous Native American tribes? It was used both as incense and for purifying, and was often associated with healing and to protect people from many diseases. It was also used for prayer and dreams.

This medicinal plant has been used to treat many ailments over the centuries, including chest colds, fevers, and symptoms of the flu. It is loaded with vitamin C, which is likely why it is so good for the treatment of these ailments.

All parts of the cedar tree, including the leaves, have medicinal properties. The leaves have long been used to create various medicines for coughs, bronchitis, flatulence, water retention, and even joint pain. Cedar leaves have also been used to treat worms and various fungal infections, and has long been known to improve digestion and help people have better appetites.

You can make a healthy cedar leaf tea with just two cups of the leaves and four cups of boiling water. Steep the leaves in the water for approximately 10 minutes. The water will turn golden in color, and when it reaches this point, it is ready to drink. Simply strain the water from the cedar. If you like your tea on the sweet side, add some honey or maple syrup. Because you shouldn't have too much vitamin C, it is recommended that one drink only three cups of this tea weekly.

Not only does cedar incense smell wonderful, it also has many healing benefits. For instance, it is great to burn cedar incense when you want to relax and meditate. It is one of the oldest incenses in the world, and it is thought to have many restorative powers. It can help with mental clarity, focus, and calmness, and it is often used for spiritual dedication.

Let's take a look at some of the many benefits of using cedar incense.

The ancient Nordic peoples invoked the spirit of Odin using cedar incense, as well as a wand made from the wood of the cedar tree. Burning cedar incense can also help to increase personal strength, and can provide a feeling of stability when one is facing rough times in life. It can also help one to gain strength, willpower, and most importantly, wisdom.

Cedar has a grounding energy, so it only makes sense that it is used by many cultures as an incense that can help them to be more resilient when faced with challenges. It can help people to become more self-confident and courageous. It has Saturnian properties, which can help one to have more control over their own destiny.

The strong odor of cedar has long been known to repel various insects, which is why it is used in so many homes. Take the cedar chest for instance. Blankets and linens are stored in these chests because the scent of the wood will keep moths from eating at the fabrics. Cedar can be used as an insecticide against mosquitoes and woodworm, and it will even repel mice and rats.

Because it has so many healing properties, it is no wonder that cedar is used as incense in healing rituals. It can help to make the healer be extremely relaxed, which will add to their spiritual energy. Some of the things that it can be used for include headaches, relaxing muscles, and it can even be used to heal muscles that have been overworked.

Cedar incense can help the mind in many ways, including helping people to remain calm in any situation. It has often been used to relieve tension, depression, and aggression. In addition to these emotional benefits, it can also help to improve one's concentration, and it can even help with blood circulation and arthritis.

If you want a pleasant aroma in your home, burning cedar incense will definitely do the trick. It is great for those who have smokers or pets in the home, because the scent will mask these other odors.

If you have difficulties sleeping, you might want to try burning some cedar incense. It can help to calm the mind, which in turn will allow you to have a much more peaceful sleep. It is often used in massage therapy because of its soothing and healing properties.

Cedar can be used to make essential oils that are used for multiple purposes. For instance, cedar essential oil has been used as a pesticide. In fact, it was registered with the EPA as a pesticide that keeps moths at bay in 1960. The oil isn't great for getting rid of mosquitoes, but if you have a problem with ants, cedar essential oil can really help. Cedrol, which is a compound in some cedar essential oils, can be used to repel ticks, but you need to use a lot of it.

Here are a few more uses for cedar essential oil.

If you have acne that has been resistant to other treatments, you may want to try cedarwood essential oil. It has been known to help in the treatment of severe acne.

Studies in animals have shown that cedarwood essential oil can help to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Cedar essential oil can be used to help relieve stress and anxiety. One study shows that those who inhaled cedrol were able to enjoy lower blood pressure and better breathing rates, which lead to less stress and anxiety.

As you can see, cedar offers many health benefits, and it can be used in numerous ways, including incense and essential oils. The bark, leaves, wood, and berries are all used in naturopathic healing for many reasons, including insomnia, stress, and much more. Cedar essential oil is definitely one that needs to be in your essential oil collection.