- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Africa (Atlas Mountains), Asia (Himalayas, Lebanon)
Africa · Herb · № 375
Cedrus atlantica
Herb · Africa
Atlas cedar
Cedrus atlantica
Cedarwood oil is used in hair products against dandruff and as a fragrance. A small study of an oil blend for hair loss (alopecia areata) found improvement, but the effect of the cedar itself has not been established.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Natural skin and hair care: Always dilute essential oil; not during pregnancy.
Preparation
External: cedarwood oil in lotion base, body powder and hair products against dandruff and thinning hair.
Use in traditions
In the Atlas Mountains Amazigh communities distil tar (qatran) from cedarwood, which was smeared on the skin of people and livestock and used to seal water bags. The fragrant wood is used in carvings and ceilings of Moroccan palaces and mosques. In herbal magic associated with driving away negative energy and nightmares, opening higher spiritual awareness and attracting love.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Woody scent; used in hair care for a flaky scalp.
Preparation and amount
External: a few drops of essential oil in shampoo, hair treatment, lotion or powder (see the recipes).
Caution: Always dilute essential oil; not during pregnancy.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Drives away negative energy and nightmares, opens higher spiritual awareness, attracts love.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with strength, purification and protection against nightmares.
Preparation and amount
The Atlas cedar grows in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria and is closely related to the cedar of Lebanon. In antiquity cedarwood was thought fragrant and imperishable: the Egyptians used cedar oil in embalming and Solomon's temple was built with cedarwood.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Salve and balmPowder and kitchen