Thuja occidentalis, Leaves, Steam Distillation from Canada
Aroma: Arborvitae Cedar leaf oil is pungent, intensely sharp and fresh with a woody camphor scent.
History: Also known as Tree of Life, Native Americans put boughs of arborvitae on teepee poles, said to ward off lightning. Thunderbird was said to nest in mountain cedars. Arborvitae oil has long been home distilled and used as an insect repellent. White Cedar is a softwood belonging to the coniferous family.
Colour: Colorless to pale greenish-yellow
Common Uses: First Nations people have used leaf tea (NOT the essential oil!!!) for headaches and colds, in cough syrups, and in steam baths for rheumatism, arthritis, congestion, and gout; externally, as a wash for swollen feet and burns. Antirheumatic, anti-infectious, and anti-allergenic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insect repellent, rubefacient, stimulant (nerves, uterus and heart muscles), tonic, vermifuge. It serves as a cicatrizant. Stimulant, astringent, vermifuge, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, anthelmintic, irritant. It is a natural insect repellent and helps soothe both psoriasis and poison ivy sufferers. Cedar leaf oil is used in pharmaceutical products because of its therapeutic properties, as well as perfume, toiletries, cosmetics, soaps and detergents, because of its aromatic properties.
Use this white cedar leaf in a diffuser, perfume blend or incense only! - TTF
Consistency: Light
Note: Top
Strength of Aroma: Strong
Cautions: NEVER ingest! Taken in excess, this essential can produce unpleasant results; it was officially listed as an abortifacient (a drug or agent causing abortion) and convulsant in overdose. The leaf oil is considered toxic, causing hypotension (low blood pressure), and convulsions. Fatalities have been reported. Do not use during pregnancy.
It is important to note that arborvitae oil is rich in thujone, a neurotoxin substance that must be used wisely.