Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil: Uses, Benefits, and Blends
Texan cedarwood essential oil, also known as Texas cedarwood oil, is derived from the wood of Juniperus mexicana, a species of juniper tree native to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. This oil is distinct from other cedarwood essential oils, such as those from Himalayan or Atlas cedarwood, both in its botanical family and its unique aroma profile. While traditional cedarwood belongs to the *Cedrus* genus, Texan cedarwood is actually a juniper, which gives it a slightly different composition and scent.
Botanical Name: Juniperus Mexicana
Origin Country: USA
Plant Part: Wood
Method Of Extraction: Steam Distilled
Use: Breathe, Relax, Skin, Sleep, Uplift
Note: Base
Aroma Type: Earthy, Woody, Spicy
Season: Fall/Winter
Aromatic Profile: Earthy, smokey, woody
Understanding Aromatic Notes: Woody
Perfumery Note: This process yields a thick, viscous liquid with a warm, woody, balsamic aroma that has earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet undertones. Its scent is often described as grounding and is popular in perfumes, cosmetics, and especially in men's grooming products
Initial Aroma Strength:
Extraction Method: Steam distillation from the heartwood which contains the strongest concentration of essential oils
Suitable Blending Oils:
Why Choose Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil
At Vinevida, we care about sustainability. Where Cedarwood Atlas is in a more vulnerable position, Texan Cedarwood essential oil is an excellent use of waste materials. Tisesrand and Young explained, “These opportunistic species have invaded millions of acres of farmland. Cedar trees and stumps discarded by local ranchers as by-products of their land clearing operations are used for oil extraction”. (Tisserand and Young, 2013)
Texas Cedarwood Essential Oil Profile
Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil’s Chemical Components
A snapshot of the GCMS report which you can find under the picture of our Texas Cedarwood essential oils product listing (under documents)
Don’t let the gas chromatography readings faze you.
We are mostly interested in seeing what constituents are there and in what quantities. As you will see, the two most dominant constituents are Thujopsene (34.94%) and Cedrol (27.10%)
Let’s talk about cedrol first; a compound known for its calming effects on the nervous system.
Cedrol in Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedrol has been studied for its sedative properties, and research suggests that cedrol helps promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and support restful sleep. Similarly, cedrol has been found to be neuroprotective, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. It helps improve hair growth and also has strong insect-repellent skills.
Interestingly, although you might imagine that Cedrol would be a defining feature of cedarwood oil, it does not appear in either Himalayan Cedarwood or Cedarwood Atlas.
Thujopsene in Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil
Thujopsene contributes to the distinctive woody and earthy aroma of cedarwood essential oil.
In aromatherapy, thujopsene’s grounding and stabilizing effects support emotional balance, helping to reduce stress and promote mental clarity... Thujopsene is thought to be responsible for the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Texan cedarwood essential oil. It also enhances the oil’s effectiveness in skincare, especially for acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Again, this compound also plays a role in Texan cedarwood essential oil’s insect-repellent capabilities, making it a popular choice in natural pest-control formulations.
Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil for Stress
In aromatherapy, Texan cedarwood essential oil is often diffused to create a calming environment which may also help with stress and insomnia. High cedrol content contributes to Texas cedarwood's grounding and soothing effects.
Cedrol’s Role in Using Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil for Stress
Texan cedarwood essential oil is known for its impact on behavior and autonomic functions. It contains compounds like cedrol that produce calming effects. In a recent study, researchers examined cardiovascular and respiratory responses when subjects inhaled cedrol vapor, extracted from Texan cedarwood oil.
Twenty-six participants inhaled cedrol fumes or blank air through a mask while their heart rate blood pressure, and respiratory rate) were monitored.
Results showed that cedrol significantly lowered heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate when compared to the effects of inhaling blank air.
Potential Neuroprotective Benefits of Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedrol may offer neuroprotective benefits by reducing inflammation in the brain. A recent study found that cedrol suppressed neuroinflammation by inhibiting microglial activation and inflammatory factor production in models of acute stroke.
Microglia are immune cells in the brain that respond to injury or infection. When someone has a stroke, these cells become activated and produce inflammatory molecules in a bid to help clear damaged tissue. But this inflammation can become excessive, worsening brain damage and compromising recovery. Inhibiting microglial activation would be beneficial for people who have had strokes because it helps reduce inflammation and minimize further damage to the brain.
By protecting more of the brain tissue and reducing inflammation, inhibiting microglial activation can improve cognitive and motor outcomes, helping stroke survivors achieve better recovery. It also lowers the risk of developing secondary complications like post-stroke dementia or other neurodegenerative conditions. Therapies that target microglial activation, such as those involving compounds like cedrol found in Texan cedarwood essential oil, show promise for enhancing stroke recovery and potentially improving the quality of life for survivors. (Bi, 2024)
Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedar is a sacred tree to the First Nations people of America, for both medicinal and spiritual reasons. In particular, they use it for conditions like arthritis with excellent results. However, the reasons for its success in osteoarthritis (OA) are not well understood. Chinese studies done in 2022 looked at how cedrol might help with OA by focusing on chondrocytes which are the cells that make up cartilage that separates and pads out bones.
Researchers took chondrocytes from newborn rats and treated them with a substance to caused cell damage, inflammation, and cell death. They found this substance made the chondrocytes weaker and more prone to dying. However, when cedrol was added, it reversed these harmful effects by boosting a molecule called miR-542-5p. This molecule appears to help reduce cell death and inflammation. In other words, cedrol protected the cartilage cells by blocking inflammation and cell death, suggesting Texan Cedarwood essential oil might help manage OA symptoms. (Dong 2022)
More Anti-Inflammatory Research into Cedrol
Meanwhile in Iran in 2022, another study tested cedrol’s ability to reduce arthritis symptoms in rats. Arthritis was induced in the rats using a substance called CFA, and then they were given cedrol or indomethacin (a standard anti-inflammatory drug) for 21 days. Researchers measured the rats' pain levels, swelling, and arthritis severity, as well as inflammation and oxidative stress markers in their blood.
Cedrol and indomethacin both reduced pain, swelling, and arthritis scores. They also lowered levels of inflammation markers like TNF-α and IL-1β and improved antioxidant levels in the rats' blood. This suggests that cedrol may have anti-arthritis benefits due to its ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. (Forouzanfar, 2022)
Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil for Respiratory Complaints
Historically Texan cedarwood essential oil has been used by aromatherapists as a beneficial remedy for respiratory issues. When diffused or inhaled, it can help clear mucus and ease congestion, making it useful for conditions like colds, bronchitis, and sinusitis. The warm, grounding aroma of Texan cedarwood helps soothe the respiratory passages, reducing irritation and promoting easier breathing.
Additionally, its antimicrobial qualities can support a healthier respiratory environment, potentially reducing the spread of airborne pathogens. Adding a few drops to a steam inhalation or a diffuser can offer relief, especially during the colder months or allergy season.
Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil Uses for Skin Care
Texan cedarwood essential oil also possesses strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. This makes it a common ingredient in natural cleaning products and in skincare formulations designed to cleanse the skin. In skin care, it is particularly helpful for acne-prone skin, as it can help reduce excess oil and bacteria that may cause breakouts. When diluted with a carrier oil, it can be applied to the skin to help manage conditions like eczema, acne, and even minor wounds, where its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can promote healing.
Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil for Hair Loss
Using cedrol has shown benefits for hair loss, but until recently its use has been limited due to problems such as poor water solubility in the skin. A Chinese Team then created a cream formulation of cedrol to test its properties and compare success. The results showed that cedrol cream was absorbed better into the skin than the traditional cedrol in ethanol. In tests on mice and rats, the cedrol cream promoted faster hair growth, with better pigmentation and longer hair compared to the ethanol and minoxidil groups. Most hair follicles in the cedrol cream group stayed in the active growth phase, suggesting it is a safe and effective treatment for hair growth. (Zhang, 2018)
Texan Cedarwood essential oil is strong and gentle and is particularly useful for restoring hair growth after the effects of radiation.
Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil Benefits as Insect Repellent
In addition to these therapeutic applications, Texan cedarwood oil is prized for its insect-repellent properties. Its strong scent is unpleasant to many insects, making it an effective natural repellent for pests such as moths, mosquitoes, and fleas. The oil can be diluted and sprayed around the home or applied to natural fibers to protect clothing and stored items. For pets, diluted Texan cedarwood oil is sometimes used as a natural flea repellent, though caution is necessary to ensure it is safe for individual animals.
One little caution though is that pregnant females of the mosquito genus Aedes aegypti are known to crave cedrol. Since, ordinarily mosquitos eat nectar, only needing to bit humans when they are carrying young, this is a powerful tool. Cedrol can be used to bait traps to lure mosquitos away from human gathering spaces.
Emotional Aspects of Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil
From an emotional and spiritual perspective, Texan cedarwood essential oil is often used to promote a sense of strength, resilience, and clarity. In meditation practices, it is thought to encourage a grounded connection to the earth, helping to quiet the mind and promote mental focus. This grounding quality makes it popular among individuals seeking balance, stability, and emotional support.
Spiritual Aspects of Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil
There are several First Nations myths that say that the spirits of the tribe’s ancestors live within the cedar tree. For that reason, they consider it as a strong protector and an excellent guide of right and wrong.
This species of juniper is native to the southwestern United States, primarily found in regions of Arizona and New Mexico, which are traditionally considered Apache lands. The Apache tribes, including the Western Apache and the Mescalero Apache, have deep roots in these areas and have been connected to the land for generations
This tree holds significant ritual and symbolic importance for them and they call it Alligator Juniper. They use the leaves and wood to make incense to purify spaces and connect the physical and spiritual realms.
They incorporate alligator juniper into sweat lodge ceremonies for purification, spiritual cleansing, and physical healing. Its smoke is believed to drive away negative energies and illness and to carry prayers to the spirit world, making it a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. The tree is often viewed as a symbol of resilience and strength, mirroring the values of the Apache people who have historically navigated adversities.
Precautions for Using Texan Cedarwood Essential Oil
- Generally regarded as safe.
- Maximum dilution 3% (= three drops in one teaspoon of oil)
- Not suitable for use in the first sixteen weeks of pregnancy.
Conclusion
Texan cedarwood oil is a versatile essential oil with a range of benefits for both physical and emotional wellness. Whether used for its calming effects, skincare benefits, or insect-repelling qualities, this oil offers a rich, earthy aroma and a robust profile of therapeutic properties that make it a valuable addition to any aromatherapy or wellness collection. As with any essential oil, it should be used with care, always diluted, and patch-tested to ensure no sensitivity occurs.
Why Choose VINEVIDA
At VINEVIDA, we love botanicals and the planet they come from. We believe in stocking the best at affordable prices and supplying to the discerning, which is why we are also members of both the Alliance of International Aromatherapists and the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy. In recognition of our excellent standard of product, we are proud to hold a 2021 Certificate of Registration as a Cosmetic Products Establishment with the U.S. Drugs and Food Administration.
Our joy at seeing people make beautiful things means we stock from the smallest amounts to the largest. Our bulk essential oils’ prices begin with our smallest essential oil of 10ml to our largest of 396lb, meaning any manufacturing company can afford to stock as many or as few oils as their business can accommodate without running the risk of spoilage of some of nature’s most precious commodities. So why not see if you can save money by buying your Texan Cedarwood essential oil in bulk? Remember how stable it is proven to be, so as long as you store it carefully, it should last and last.
Don’t forget too; we like to look after our customers with reasonable prices and excellent customer service and reward the loyal ones with money-off discounts over the year.
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