This or That: Himalayan Cedar, Altas Cedarwood, or Virginia Cedar

How could one tree become known as one of the most mystical essential oils? The word “Cedar” appears in the Bible frequently, as a symbol of glory, strength, and royalty. There was a Cedar forest that once covered all of Lebanon. It was considered a sacred and mystical place. The Lebanon cedar is botanically very similar to the Atlas Cedarwood. It was long believed that Cedarwood trees were the strongest trees; thus, temples, furniture, and caskets were built out of the wood with the thought that they would last forever. Stories state the Temple of Solomon was built from a grove of Cedar Trees. Surprisingly, this temple is still standing today on Mount Lebanon.

In other languages, like Latin, Greek, Arabic, and Hebrew, the word “Cedar” means “stand firm”, “power”, and “spiritual strength”. Cedar was used in several different cultures for several different reasons. It was one of the first aromatics used as temple incense and has been used to heighten spiritual experience by Native Americans and Tibetan monks.* Cedar was used by all the ancient civilizations in medicine, cosmetics and perfumery.* The French used it to prevent hair loss,* and the early Egyptians prized this oil for embalming purposes.

Today, closet liners and accessories are frequently crafted from Cedar, and the oil is used in commercial soaps, cosmetics and perfumes, especially men's colognes. The woody, warm and balsamic aroma is one that perfumers often describe as ‘masculine’, although in fact it appeals to all genders. And because Cedarwood’s warm, embracing fragrance has a profoundly soulful quality, it is often found in more introspective, personal perfumes and in meditation blends. It is still used as temple incense in Tibet (and among Tibetan exiles) as well as having important uses in traditional Tibetan medicine.

Let’s take a closer look at each of Amrita’s Cedar Essential Oils.

Himalayan Cedar: Preferred Cedar for Meditation/Spiritual Events

Unlock the secrets of the majestic Himalayas with Himalayan Cedar Essential Oil. Just breathe in its aroma and let it transport you to a peaceful, spiritual setting - perfect for focusing your mind or taking care of your respiratory health.* Unlock nature's mysteries without leaving home!

Himalayan Cedar Essential Oil is a deeper, richer fragrant experience than Atlas Cedarwood. It has a unique fruitier scent that carries an intangible sweetness when compared to its counterpart. This makes it ideal for those looking to find tranquility or create the perfect atmosphere in their home for spiritual and meditative moments.*

When used in Aromatherapy, it offers grounding effects and balances emotions.* Prized for its calming, cleansing, and harmonizing properties, this sweet yet woody essential oil is especially loved during the winter months.* It has excellent properties for supporting and maintaining a healthy respiratory system.* It helps to remove phlegm from the lungs and ease congestion. It's the perfect oil to use if you have a cold or cough!*

Himalayan Cedar Essential Oil is a powerful natural remedy that carries many benefits, from relieving anxiety to improving respiratory health.* Its aroma can regulate the nervous system and reduce symptoms of stress.* This oil further aids in balancing the lymphatic system. It offers relief from minor pains or chronic arthritis/rheumatism suffering by reducing inflammation symptoms.* Inhalation of Cedarwood helps strengthen immunity against colds and flu. It assists those seeking to maintain healthy respiration and aids those struggling with congestion issues due to bronchitis.*

Want to learn more about Himalayan Cedar? Check HERE for Himalayan Cedar!

Atlas Cedarwood: Preferred Cedar for Respiratory Conditions

Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil is a powerful tool to promote physical and emotional well-being.* Its grounding elements can create harmony during times of conflict or chaos, while its hydrating properties help strengthen the scalp and clear oily hair.* When diluted into a carrier oil such as jojoba or grapeseed, Atlas Cedarwood has been shown to slim and tone by stimulating the lymphatic system - in turn alleviating symptoms of water retention!* In addition, its calming scent helps open respiratory passages for improved breathing. All of this makes Atlas Cedarwood the preferred choice of the Cedar Family.*

Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil is a powerful ally in respiratory health, providing antiseptic and mucolytic benefits to fight catarrh conditions.* When inhaled, its distinct aroma has the elegant ability to break down mucus while simultaneously soothing coughs - all without any unpleasant medicinal odors!* It can be used as an effective remedy for bronchial infections or congestion; chronic bronchitis; and even coughing spells.*

Atlas Cedarwood is an effective stimulant of the lymphatic system, offering a natural solution for treating edema and reducing water retention.* By encouraging proper fluid flow, it has the ability to support slimming and toning of body shape.* This is why Atlas Cedarwood is a desirable choice amongst those looking to achieve their aesthetic goals while promoting healthy function in the immune system.*

Want to learn more about Atlas Cedarwood? Check HERE for Atlas Cedarwood!

Virginia Cedar: Preferred Cedar for Deterring Insects

Virginia Cedar sports a distinct woody and smooth aroma reminiscent of cedar chests. However, Virginia Cedar is botanically not a Cedar because it belongs to the Juniper Family, as the botanical name Juniperus virginiana indicates. It has been used for centuries as an effective natural insect repellent.*

Furthermore, Virginia Cedar Essential Oil not only helps soothe nerves but can also promote balance and clarity due to the high levels of cedrol found within it – allowing for a sedative effect by inhibiting dopamine production!* This powerful yet calming solution may be useful for chronic nervous conditions without having acute effects on your system.*

Virginia Cedar Essential Oil does an excellent job at clearing infections and relieving nervous tension, which makes a strong case for why the aroma of Cedar pencils would be soothing to students during an exam!* Many people find the calming properties can also be comforting and beneficial when incorporated into blend for cold care and lung congestion.*

Lastly, Virginia Cedar Essential Oil is often used in blends to assist with pain and inflammation management.* It is  considered to help relieve muscular tension and is used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism.*

Want to learn more about Virginia Cedar? Check HERE for Virginia Cedar!

DIY Recipes for You to Try at Home or at the Office

Final Thoughts from Dr. Streicher and the Amrita Experts

Hopefully, this guide helped you discover the mystical history behind Cedar! All the Cedar Essential Oils will help you physically, mentally, and spiritually.* If you are wanting an essential oil to enhance your meditation or spiritual quest, then Himalayan Cedar is the Cedar for you.* If you are wanting an essential oil to diffuse to open your respiration, then Atlas Cedarwood is the Cedar for you.* If you are needing an essential oil to deter insects in your environment, then Virginia Cedar is the Cedar for you.*

Happy blending!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.