Traditionally used in cupboards against moths, Atlas Cedar wood provides an essential oil which is also known to activate the decomposition of fatty substances. Thus, it is mainly used to reduce the appearance of cellulite or in hair care for oily hair or dandruff. However, this essential oil cannot be used internally and must be used with caution. Indeed, it presents certain risks and cannot be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old and people with epilepsy. Latin name: Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carrière. Distilled part: wood
This article was updated on 16/01/2024Precautions for use
Vigilance! This essential oil is not recommended for pregnant women and children under 6 years old. It is strictly prohibited for ingestion. Presenting a neurotoxic risk, it should not be used for people with epilepsy or in cases of neurological fragility. As a precaution, people suffering from hormone-dependent disorders should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Authorized users
Possible ways of use
Risks of use
Other precautions
Medical advice
Seek the advice of a health professional for people with asthma.
Skin application
Atlas Cedar essential oil is irritating to the skin, so it is recommended to dilute it at least 20% in a vegetable oil before any skin application.
Endocrine influence
Some works mention a hormone-like effect of Atlas Cedar, but there is still a lack of toxicological data to confirm this. It would rather be the Virginia Cedar. However, as a precaution, it is preferable to avoid it in cases of hormone-dependent disorders or mastoses.
Contraindications
Do not use in people with epilepsy or in cases of neurological fragility.
Allergenic components
Atlas Cedar essential oil does not contain any allergenic biochemical components.
Note: It is nevertheless preferable to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check that there is no reaction).
Properties of Atlas Cedar essential oil
Atlas Cedar essential oil is highly concentrated in sesquiterpene ketones, sesquiterpene carbides and atlantones. These different molecules give it the following main properties:
-
lipolytic +++ (atlantone):
Atlas Cedar essential oil is indicated as the reference in cases of cellulite. Even if no scientific study proves its effectiveness, it is traditionally used to alleviate this aesthetic concern. It would activate the breakdown of fatty substances, while contributing to lymphatic drainage. This lipolytic property is due to the atlantones, sesquiterpene ketones contained in this essential oil.
-
lymphotonic, venous decongestant, lymphatic decongestant +++ (sesquiterpene carbides):
Atlas Cedar essential oil improves lymphatic and venous circulation. Its mechanisms of action are still unknown but it is indicated in cases of heavy legs or water retention.
-
antibacterial ++ (sesquiterpene carbides):
Atlas Cedar essential oil exhibits antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus sphericus and Staphylococcus intermédius. Indeed, a scientific study showed that this essential oil made it possible in vitro to inhibit the diffusion of these different strains on an agar disk.
-
analgesic, relaxing ++ :
Atlas Cedar essential oil has been studied in the case of post-operative pain in mice. Its inhalation made it possible to reduce the pain felt, by activation of the modular pain pathways on the opioid, serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems. It is one of the essential oils used in olfactotherapy.
-
insect repellent, insecticide ++ :
Although there are no scientific studies proving its anti-moth action, it is traditionally used to keep these little moths away from cupboards thanks to its woody smell. Atlas Cedar is also sold in the form of slices to put in cupboards to keep moths away. The larvicidal property of Atlas Cedar essential oil has nevertheless been demonstrated in two studies against Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito larvae.
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antifungal + (sesquiterpene carbides):
Atlas Cedar essential oil has been shown to have antifungal activity against wood rot fungi, particularly Gloeophyllum trabeum. Furthermore, a scientific study has proven that this essential oil slows the growth of fungi Bipolaris Sorokiniana and Fusarium culmorum, cereal parasites.
But also these secondary properties:
- healing
- anti-inflammatory
- insect repellent
- expectorant
Against the Cellulite
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
For teenagers & adults. Dermal, dilute Atlas Cedar essential oil to 10% in a vegetable oil, that is to say 1 drop of Atlas Cedar essential oil in 9 drops of vegetable oil. Massage by rolling the affected areas, twice a day. After 3 weeks of use, take a break for a week before repeating the application if necessary.
Use in synergy
For teenagers & adults. Apply a small amount of the mixture to the most affected areas (thighs, hips, buttocks), massaging and allowing the mixture to penetrate well. Perform this massage twice a day, morning and evening, for 3 weeks.
- 60 drops of Lemon essential oil
- 60 drops of Atlas Cedar essential oil
- 30 drops of Criste Marine essential oil
- 30 drops of Lemongrass essential oil
- 50 grams of Shea butter (previously melted in a bain-marie to facilitate mixing)
More details or other users: essential oils against cellulite.
Against the Greasy hair
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
Reserved for adolescents and adults.
- In care, dilute 1 to 2 drops of Atlas Cedar essential oil in a tablespoon of Jojoba vegetable oil. Massage into the scalp. Leave on for 30 minutes to 1 hour before shampooing. To be renewed every week, or even every month if necessary.
- In shampoo, add 1 to 2 drops of Atlas Cedar essential oil to a dab of neutral shampoo. Work into a lather then rinse with water. Watch out for your eyes.
Use in synergy
Reserved for adults and adolescents. Apply a few drops of this treatment to your entire hair, gently massaging your roots and lightly covering the ends. Leave for 30 minutes before shampooing with a neutral shampoo. In an empty 50 mL bottle, mix:
- 30 drops of Grapefruit essential oil
- 30 drops of Atlas Cedar essential oil
- 20 mL (or 2 tablespoons) Jojoba vegetable oil
- 20 mL (or 2 tablespoons) Hazelnut vegetable oil
More details or other users: essential oils against oily hair.
Against the Dandruff
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For teenagers and adults. Dermal, 1 to 2 drops of Atlas Cedar in a dab of shampoo each time you wash your hair. Take a week's break in case of repeated use.
Use in synergy
Reserved for adolescents and adults. In an empty 50 mL bottle, pour a base of neutral shampoo, then add:
- 2 drops of Palmarosa essential oil
- 4 drops of Atlas Cedar essential oil
- 4 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
- 6 drops of True Lavender essential oil
Lather a dab of this shampoo on the scalp. Leave on for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing with plenty of water. Watch out for your eyes. More details or other users: essential oils against dandruff.
Atlas cedar or Cade?
Atlas Cedar essential oil will be very effective, but if you have some on hand, cade essential oil is even better! On the skin, 1 to 2 drops of Cade in a small amount of shampoo. Take a week's break in case of repeated use.
In case of Water retention, Heavy legs
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For teenagers and adults. Dermal, dilute Atlas Cedar essential oil to 10% in a vegetable oil (i.e. 1 drop of Atlas Cedar essential oil in 9 drops of vegetable oil). Massage the lower limbs from bottom to top, twice a day. After 3 weeks of use, take a break for a week before repeating the application if necessary.
Use in synergy
For teenagers and adults. In an empty 50 mL bottle, mix:
- 60 drops of Atlas Cedar essential oil
- 60 drops of evergreen Cypress essential oil
- 30 drops of Peppermint essential oil
- Supplement up to 50 mL with Calophyll Inophyle vegetable oil, Aloe Vera gel or a mixture of the two.
Massage the lower limbs starting with the feet and slowly moving up towards the heart, using gentle but firm pressure. To be done twice a day (morning and noon preferably). Not recommended in cases of hormone-dependent cancers. Do not use for prolonged periods without medical advice.
According to: Dr Françoise Couic Marinier – The living earth guide to essential oils
Atlas cedar or Juniper?
Atlas Cedar essential oil is effective, juniper essential oil is better. Cutaneously, massage the affected areas with 1 drop of Juniper essential oil in 9 drops of vegetable oil, twice a day, until improvement.
As Moth repellent
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
To be handled by adults (optional):
- Directly place strips of raffia soaked in a few drops of Atlas Cedar essential oil hanging from the wardrobe hangers.
- Impregnate an absorbent support (pieces of cotton, pebble, pieces of wood, etc.) with a maximum of ten drops of Atlas Cedar essential oil. Place it on the shelves of the cupboard or wardrobe.
Use in synergy
To be handled by adults. Place 2 drops of the mixture on pieces of cotton to place in several places in the cabinets. Change cotton pads every 3 to 6 weeks.
- 90 drops of True Lavender essential oil
- 90 drops of Rosemary Camphor essential oil
- 90 drops of Atlas Cedar essential oil
More details or other users: essential oils against moths.
Atlas cedar or Java lemongrass?
The essential oil of Atlas Cedar is very famous, but the essential oil of Java lemongrass is also used. When diffusing, pour the number of drops indicated on the diffuser instructions. Broadcast in blocks of 30 minutes maximum.
Other famous applications of Atlas Cedar
Atlas Cedar essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, venous decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties. For the majority ofthe following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore indicate to you the best replacement for Atlas Cedar for the following different problems.
Itchy skin
Atlas Cedar essential oil can be effective, nevertheless... true Lavender essential oil is better. Cutaneously, apply 1 to 2 drops to the localized area. For sensitive skin or large areas of application, dilute the essential oil to 20% in a vegetable oil
Varicose veins
Atlas cedar may be effective, but... it is better to use pistachio mastic essential oil against varicose veins. Cutaneously, 1 drop of Pistachio Lentisk in 9 drops of vegetable oil. Massage the legs from bottom to top, morning and evening, for a period of 20 days. After a one-week break, continue as necessary.
Anti-insect
Atlas cedar may be effective, but... it is better to use java Lemongrass essential oil as a repellent. Cutaneously: 1 drop in 4 to 9 drops of vegetable oil to apply to exposed parts of the body.
Stress
Atlas Cedar essential oil can be effective for people who appreciate its scent, nevertheless... petit Grain Bigarade essential oil is better in cases of stress. For inhalation, breathe directly above the bottle 2 to 3 times a day or place a few drops on the wick of an inhaler. When diffusing, pour the number of drops indicated on the diffuser instructions and diffuse in intervals of 5 to 10 minutes.
How to recognize a good Atlas Cedar essential oil?
Botanical characteristics
- Latin Name: Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carrière
- Botanical family: Pinaceae
- Part used: wood
- Country of origin: Morocco.
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.927 to 0.940
- Refractive index at 20°C: 1,500 to 1,520
- Rotary power at 20°C: 65 to 90
- Flash point: 100
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: fairly viscous liquid
- Color: orange-yellow to brown
- Odor: woody, sweet, pleasant.
Biochemical characteristics
- β-himachalene: 40 to 52%
- α-himachalene: 12 to 20%
- γ-himachalene: 6 to 14%
- α-cedrene: ≤ 6%
- trans α atlantone: ≤ 6%
Atlas Cedar, from plant to essential oil
HISTORY
In Mesopotamia, Cedar was burned as a protector from demons. We even make the doors of temples to protect ourselves and ensure the house of the gods. The Atlas Cedar is a symbol of majesty and longevity. In fact, under optimal conditions, it can live for several hundred years. He is revered as the witness of human history. The name of this conifer comes from the Greek “kedros” or more precisely: κέδρος. In Greek mythology, there are several allusions to the Atlas Cedar. It is spoken of as the abode of the gods on earth. The power and security that emanate from it make it the favorite tree of the gods. It was introduced to Europe by Jussieu during modern times. It is estimated that the oldest cedars in France are in Paris, at the Jardin des Plantes.
BOTANICAL
The fruits of conifers are cones. Those of the Atlas Cedar are thin and elongated by around ten centimeters. Its fine needles remain bright green all year round. They can sometimes turn a surprising blue. The Atlas Cedar flourishes in sunny locations. It can tolerate long, cold mountain winters as well as severe summer droughts. It is its strong-smelling wood which is used in the manufacture of essential oils.
The Atlas Cedar can adapt quite easily to different environments, given its ability to withstand temperature differences. It is one of the pyramidal trees: wide at their bases, they become thinner until they form a point at the top of their crown. Its biggest enemies are caterpillars and certain species of ants which dig into its trunk to establish their anthill.
The different cedar essential oils
Atlas Cedar essential oil is certainly the best known among all those of Cedar, but there are also other species, notably Himalayan Cedar, Virginia Cedar...
Some have a similar composition, thus giving them similar properties, such as the Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) and the Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara). However, the trees are differentiated by the following botanical characteristics: the Himalayan Cedar is taller and has drooping, tiered branches. Conversely, the Atlas Cedar is slender with short, ascending branches.
In addition, Cedars can be differentiated according to their origin: the Virginia Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and the Texas Cedar (Juniperus mexicana) come from North America while the Atlas Cedar is present mainly in South Africa. North. They are also distinguished by their olfactory notes and their contraindications which may be different. Thus, it is important not to confuse Atlas Cedar and Virginia Cedar, which would be the one that has a hormone-like property. Cedar is also widely used in perfumery, in particular Virginia Cedar.
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Bibliography
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About these tips
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.