Cedarwood, Virginian Essential Oil (Juniperus virginiana)

Overview

Cedarwood, Virginian may also be referred to as red cedar, eastern red cedar, Virginian juniper, eastern juniper, red juniper, pencil cedar, Carolina cedar, or red savin. It is typically processed using steam distilled as a method for extracting oil from the wood.

Summary

Virginian cedarwood oil comes from the wood of the Juniperus virginiana tree. It has a woody scent.

Essential Facts

  • Aroma Description:

    Astringent Balsamic Slightly sweet Woody

  • Common Name(s): red cedar, eastern red cedar, Virginian juniper, eastern juniper, red juniper, pencil cedar, Carolina cedar, or red savin
  • Botanical Family: Cupressaceae
  • Botanical Genus: Juniperus
  • Chemical Family: Sesquiterpenes, Sesquiterpenols
  • Major Compounds: a-Cedrene, Thujopsene, Cedrol, B-Cedrene, a-Selinene
  • Perfumery Note: Base
  • Consistency: Medium and oily feeling
  • Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium
  • Color: Clear
  • Indigenous Country: United States
  • Cultivation: Wild Harvested
  • Processing Methods: Steam Distilled
  • Part Typically Used: Wood
  • Shelf Life: 8 + years
  • Conservation Status:  [LC] Least Concern
    IUCN Red List category abbreviations (version 3.1, 2001)
  • Ethically and sustainably sourced Ethically and sustainably sourced
  • Wild Harvested Wild Harvested
  • Vegan Vegan

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Cedarwood, Virginian:

It may irritate sensitive skin.

Tisserand and Young do not indicate any special precautions when using Virginian Cedarwood Oil. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 240.]

Safety Precautions for Cedarwood, Virginian:

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities

Energetics and Chakras Qualites of Cedarwood, Virginian:

1st Chakra - Survival and Support Balancing Grounding Protective Purifying