Thuja plicata called Western red cedar, and arborvitae along with its close relative, Eastern white cedar Thuja occidentalis, is a variety of cypress steam distilled from the leaves in Canada.

While red #cedar is common in the #PacificNorthwest, this oil is hard to come by owing to the disruption in production due to dry conditions stemming from the #Climate #Crisis.

Aroma This oil has a strong, fresh-green aroma with sharp undertones of musk and wood.

History Western #redcedar has a continuous 8000-year history of use by #indigenous nations of the Pacific Northwest. Some refer to themselves as "people of the redcedar" because of their extensive dependence on the tree for basic materials. The wood has been used for constructing housing and totem poles and crafted into many objects, including masks, utensils, boxes, boards, instruments, canoes, vessels, houses, and ceremonial objects. Western redcedar is also associated with a long tradition of curing and cooking fish over an open fire. Roots and bark are used for baskets, bowls, ropes, clothing, blankets, and rings to this day.

Common Uses Beneficial to the nervous, respiratory, and skin systems this oil can be used for many purposes and will often affect multiple systems at once. It is most commonly applied in aromatherapy with the use of a diffuser, spray, or added to a personal inhaler.

Constituents: α-thujone, β-thujone, fenchone, sabinene, and terpinen-4-ol.

Suggested Uses

Blending and Uses This oil blends well with black pepper, cedarwood, citrus oils, ginger, and sandalwood.

For seasonal respiratory issues blend western red cedar, sweet marjoram, and ginger in a diffuser or personal inhaler.

To decompress in the evening try scenting with western red cedar with sweet orange, cedarwood, and vetiver.

This oil is beneficial to the skin, to apply simply combine it with a carrier oil and geranium or helichrysum. Alternatively, you could add to your facial toner, cleanser, or serum for added benefits.

Safety This oil is expected to be neurotoxic if ingested or applied to the skin undiluted based on camphor and thujone content. Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucus membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Keep away from children and pets.

Before using perform a small patch test on your inner forearm or back. Apply a small quantity of diluted essential oil and cover it with a bandage. If you experience any irritation, use carrier oil or cream to further dilute the essential oil, and then wash with soap and water. If no irritation occurs after 48 hours, it is safe to use on your skin.

Photo thanks to Walter Siegmund, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons