Cedarus deodora Steam distilled from the wood in the Indian Himalayas.

Aroma: A middle to base note of strong aroma, this oil has a sweet woody, slightly camphoraceous and smoky scent.

Colour: Pale yellow-green

Common Uses: Antiseptic, anti putrescent, antiseborrheic, aphrodisiac, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, mucolytic, sedative (nervous), stimulant (circulatory), tonic. In India, Himalayan Cedarwood oil has been shown to possess insecticidal and antifungal properties and to have some potential for control of fungal deterioration of spices during storage.

Main Constituents: Himachalene: 50.04% (beta himachalene 37.77%, alpha himachalene 15.05%), gamma atlantone 11.12%, longifolene [V4] 9.21%, gamma atlantone 3.4% Chemical Families Sesquiterpenes 72.2%, Oxides 23.82%, Sesquiterpenols 3.15%.

Consistency: Medium

Note: Base

Strength of Aroma: Strong

History: Also called Tibetan Cedarwood, it is the eastern equivalent of frankincense in uniting mind and body in preparation for meditation and prayer. The ancient Egyptians used this oil in embalming, cosmetics and perfumery.

Cautions: Non-toxic, non-irritant. Avoid during pregnancy. Dilute before use; for external use only. May cause skin irritation in some individuals; a skin test is recommended prior to use. Contact with the eyes should be avoided.

Photo thanks to B Balaji from Chennai, India (Eco Friends) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons