What’s woody, smoky, and amps up your favourite sleepy cannabis strain? Meet Cedarwood essential oil – one of my absolute favourites that I keep coming back to. Cedarwood essential oil enhances cannabis strains that are known for their sleep-enhancing qualities.
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History of Cedarwood
It is an oil made from the wood of the red cedar tree. It is a colorless to almost a pale yellow essential oil. The tree is grown mainly for wood. All the offcuts, trimmings (small pieces of wood), and even the sawdust are all used to make Cedarwood oil.
Red Cedar has been used for centuries as a major building material. From early Biblical days, it was used for building King Solomon’s temple. It is an excellent hardwood, known for its remarkable durability and resistance. It would also give the building an incredible aroma for years and help keep fleas and other insects away.
During the Medieval period, the bark was mixed with wild plants and herbs to be used as an insecticide and strewing herb. This was a mixture that was scattered across the floor of a house. It insulated the floor, so it was not so cold if it was stone slabs. If you were poor and had a dirt floor, it helped keep your feet out of the dirt. For everyone, it was a very effective way to keep insects, lice, and rats away from where you would eat and sleep.
The Scent of Cedarwood: Smoky, Sweet, and Classroom Nostalgia
It has a wonderful fragrance that is deep and long-lasting. It has a woody and slightly smoky scent, with a touch of sweetness that reminds me of my old school classroom. Most people find it a very warm and comforting aroma.
Cedarwood Types: Decoding Juniperus Virginiana vs. Atlas
There are several types of Cedarwood oil, and the specific one I am writing about here has an INCI name of Juniperus Virginiana and is more commonly known as Virginian Cedarwood. Another frequently encountered option is Cedarwood Atlas. Both oils are popular in aromatherapy and commonly found in men’s grooming products. You can identify which type is which by looking at the INCI on the label.
INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, which is a way the ingredients in cosmetics are identified and categorised. It is widely adhered to in the EU, where the CosIng website gives free information. You can verify the correct type of cedarwood essential oil by checking the INCI name on the bottle. In this case, it is Juniperus Virginiana.
Many parts of plants can be used to create oils, waxes, and cosmetic emulsifiers, so it’s essential to identify them. Just because something is natural does not mean that it is guaranteed to be safe.
Terpene Profile of Cedarwood Oil
Virginian Cedarwood will enhance any cannabis strains that are known for their sleep-enhancing qualities, such as Black Domina. Black Domina’s main terpene is Myrcene, which would pair well with the Cedrene from Cedarwood essential oil. Add a few drops to a relaxing bath, or apply some diluted in a carrier oil to your body. Just a few drops will do.
α-Cedrene (35%)
α-Cedrene brings a subtle woody warmth to aromatherapy, prized for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. It calms the mind, reduces stress, making it ideal for unwinding after a busy day.
Granddaddy Purple is an Indica-dominant cannabis strain that is rich in Myrcene (sedative) and Linalool (calming), amplifying α-Cedrene’s relaxing and grounding effects. The combo enhances deep rest and eases physical discomfort.
β-Cedrene (8%)
β-Cedrene, though less abundant, complements its alpha sibling with a mild sedative edge, supporting relaxation and mental clarity. Its antiseptic properties also make it a quiet ally for respiratory ease during diffuser sessions.
Northern Lights is an Indica-dominant cannabis strain that contains Myrcene and has traces of Pinene. This synergizes with β-Cedrene to enhance sedation and promote clear breathing. The strain’s chill profile enhances the terpene’s calming, stress-melting vibe.
Thujopsene (25%)
Thujopsene adds a rich, resinous depth to cedarwood’s scent, offering a grounding and slightly sedative effect. This is ideal for meditation or evening relaxation, as it calms the mind, organizes thoughts, and fosters inner peace.
Bubba Kush is an Indica-dominant cannabis strain that helps relieve anxiety with Caryophyllene and boosts mood with Limonene. Thujopsene offers an earthy tranquility that delivers a balanced and reflective experience. It’s perfect for deep relaxation without overstimulation.
Cedrol (25%)
Cedrol, a sesquiterpene alcohol, shines as a sedative powerhouse in aromatherapy, easing anxiety and promoting restful sleep. Its warm, comforting aroma also supports emotional balance, making it a go-to for stress relief.
Black Domina is a predominantly Indica cannabis strain that is Myrcene-heavy and doubles down on Cedrol’s sleep-inducing magic. The strain’s potent indica effects enhance the terpenoid’s ability to knock out insomnia fast.
Widdrol (5%)
Widdrol’s subtle presence lends a soft, woody undertone, contributing to Cedarwood’s calming aura. Though less studied, it’s thought to support relaxation and may enhance the oil’s overall soothing impact on the nervous system.
Lavender is an Indica-dominant cannabis strain rich in Linalool, which mirrors Widdrol’s gentle, calming effect. Together, they create a floral-woody synergy that’s ideal for low-key evenings or easing into a restful state.
Cuparene (7%)
Cuparene rounds out Cedarwood’s profile with a faint spicy-woody note, subtly uplifting the mood while maintaining a grounding base. It’s great for fostering a cosy, balanced atmosphere during aromatherapy sessions.
OG Kush is an Indica-dominant cannabis strain that provides uplifting effects due to Limonene and stress relief from Caryophyllene, while also offering a mild mood boost and stability from Cuparene. The combo keeps you mellow yet engaged – perfect for a chill hangout.
Cedarwood Essential Oil Benefits For Skin
- Cedarwood Essential Oil is slightly astringent. Essential oils should never be used neat. However, it remains astringent even when mixed into creams, lotions, or serums, making it helpful for oily and problematic skin.
- It is anti-seborrheic and will help against future breakouts with acneic skin. A good remedy for acne-prone skin is to mix Bog Myrtle essential oil with Petitgrain essential oil. Mix the blend with cream or lotion, hazelnut oil, squalane, and geranium essential oil for a winning product! Try this Simple Cream formulation to add your essential oils to.
- The second benefit for anyone with acne is that Cedarwood Oil is antiseptic and strongly antibacterial.
- Benefit number three is that it reduces the size of large pores. So you can see why it is used in so many teenage acne products as well as men’s skincare products for use after shaving. It blends well with Green Mandarin essential oil for acne and all types of sensitive and sensitized skin.
- This essential oil contains a significant amount of Cedrene, which inhibits dopamine levels. That is why aromatherapists recommend using Cedarwood Essential Oil for sleep.
- Virginian Cedarwood is very calming and grounding. It has excellent relaxation properties due to its Cedrene content and helps to reduce anxiety and nervous tension. This also reduces the respiratory rate and slows the breathing – hence it’s use in meditation and spiritual practices.
Massage & Detox: Cedarwood in Spa Mode
Wraps and massage are treatments that are often available in spas and wellness centres.
- I used it on my clients with arthritis and rheumatism because it effectively eased their joint pain. It blends superbly with Black Spruce essential oil and Fragonia™ essential oil.
- Cedarwood Essential Oil is often used here due to its astringent properties. This is great for detoxifying spa wraps and body sculpting, especially when mixed with Grapefruit and Juniper essential oils for cellulite treatments.
- It also works well as a diuretic in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) treatments.
Cedarwood Essential Oil Benefits for Oily Scalps
It’s great for hair products as well.
- As you would guess from what the skin care benefits are, it is also good for sorting out an oily scalp and greasy hair.
- It boosts the microcirculation of the scalp as well. This means that the blood supply to the hair follicles is improved.
Now, if you have male pattern baldness like me, this isn’t going to improve matters at all. If you experience temporary hair loss, it’s vital to keep your hair follicles healthy to support normal hair growth.
Contraindications
Virginian Cedarwood Essential Oil should not be used during pregnancy. It is important to take contraindications like this seriously, not only when you use the oil on your skin, but also when you use it in a diffuser.
Fragrance Alchemy: Blending Cedarwood
This essential oil has an incredible woody fragrance, which is often perceived to be very masculine. However, Cedarwood Essential Oil blends well with many other essential oils, and it transforms the blend.
- Lavender essential oil is a particular favourite of mine and when the two are combined, the fragrance is different. It has both elements, but it is a new fragrance.
- Mixing Cedarwood Oil with floral oils like Ylang Ylang or Jasmine reduces the floral intensity, adding depth and complexity. It is starting to smell like a high-end perfume by now.
- A personal favourite of mine is to add a couple of drops of Vetiver Essential Oil for a deep “masculine” fragrance. It acts as a fixative as well, so any oils that it is blended with, give off their fragrance for longer.
Room Vibes: Diffusing Cedarwood the Smart Way
Cedarwood essential oil is great for use in an aromatherapy diffuser, especially in tea light or ceramic dishes. A small amount of water is put into the dish, and a few drops of the essential oil are dropped into the water. The tea light heats the water and oil, and both gently evaporate. They do need topping up to make sure they don’t dry out, and you need to be especially careful with children and pets knocking them over.
I prefer a USB nebulizer that uses sonic vibrations to disperse essential oil molecules into the air. They are safe and give the true fragrance of the oil as it is not heated.
Emotional Reset: Grounding with Cedarwood’s Chakra Vibes
In aromatherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ayurvedic medicine, essential oils resonate with specific chakra vibrations to enhance their functions.
Cedarwood Essential Oil resonates with the 1st Chakra.
- 1st Chakra / Root Chakra / Muladhara / Base of spine
This chakra connects with our stability, roots, and foundations and gives us the security of feeling grounded. When the chakra is open, we feel balanced and capable.
Mantra: “I can’t grow from an unsteady foundation.”
Colour: Red
Element: Earth
Stone: Haematite
This is useful for when you feel “out of sorts”. It’s very grounding when you feel a bit too much in your head. It’s also protective and gently purifying for any negativity you may have. Obviously, a wonderful oil to use in the diffuser during the evening when you are winding down after your day.
Conclusion
Cedarwood essential oil provides numerous benefits that complement a wellness-focused lifestyle, particularly for cannabis enthusiasts. Its synergy with sleep-enhancing strains like Black Domina, due to the calming Cedrene terpene, makes it great for restful nights.
Its astringent and antibacterial properties help achieve clearer, healthier skin, effectively addressing acne and oily scalps. It has a grounding effect, making it great for relaxing after a long day or balancing chaotic thoughts.
Whether you’re diffusing it to scent your space, blending it into a DIY balm, or using it in a soothing massage, Cedarwood proves its versatility time and again.
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