Cedar, what can I say? A lot actually. Have you ever walked through a Pacific Northwest Forest and spotted a nurse stump from an old Cedar or old Doug Fir? Do you SEE the life coming from that tree that was cut down possibly during the log boom era? It’s a mystic city all of its own. It’s an ecosystem bursting with specimens and nutrients. It’s LIFE! There may be Pacific Red Huckleberry or Western Hemlock, probably a few species of fern (likely Lady Fern or Wood Fern), mosses, lichens, False Lily of the Valley (sometimes called Mayflower), maybe a few baby Cedars from nearby neighbors, even another Doug Fir. Amazement and sheer awe are appropriate when gazing upon the micro-Forest contained on a nurse stump. Sure, Cedar has been used throughout history for a variety of purposes due to its durability, strength, and natural insect repellent properties. That’s all fine and well, but I wouldn’t want to go into that before talking about the wonder that they bring wholeheartedly into the world. Next time you see a nice big Cedar, do me a favor, place both hands on the bark and close your eyes, slow your breath, and try to be one entity with the tree. “Plug” into the slow flow of the biology of that beauty packed with so much potential and with such pure intention. You owe it to yourself to experience this and the great news is, they are there for us whenever we need that! After or even before you connect with your chosen Cedar, think about some of the historical uses of cedar, then think about how you were first introduced to how you may use its magic in current day. Here’s a bit of information in the event that you haven’t had the opportunity to experience the bounty of Cedar. Some that you probably knew and possibly a few things you didn’t know.

Today, cedar is still used for many of these same purposes as centuries past, as well as some new ones:

1. Furniture: Cedar’s beautiful grain and natural durability make it a popular choice for outdoor furniture and decking.
2. Aromatherapy: Cedarwood essential oil is used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep.
3. Saunas: Cedar’s natural resistance to moisture and decay make it an ideal choice for sauna construction.
4. Landscaping: Cedar is often used for fencing, retaining walls, and other landscaping projects due to its natural resistance to rot and decay.
5. Clothing and accessories: Cedar hangers and shoe trees are commonly used to repel moths and keep clothing and shoes smelling fresh.

Many Indigenous peoples of the Americas have a long history of using cedar for various purposes. Here are a few examples:

1. Ceremonial purposes: Cedar is considered a sacred tree by many Indigenous cultures, and its smoke is often used in smudging ceremonies to purify the body and spirit. ❤
2. Medicinal uses: Cedar bark and leaves were used by some Indigenous peoples as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, such as respiratory infections and fevers.
3. Clothing and baskets: Cedar bark was often used to make clothing and baskets. The bark was harvested in strips, then softened and woven into fabric or baskets. If you drive along the Mountain loop highway, you can see signs of Cedar bark harvesting. It’s not entirely beautiful but knowing what’s happening is interesting.
4. Canoes and boats: Cedar wood was a popular choice for building canoes and boats because of its lightweight, durable, and water-resistant properties.
5. Housing and building materials: Some Indigenous peoples used cedar to build homes, longhouses, and other structures due to its strength, durability, and insect-resistant properties.
6. Food preservation: Cedar was sometimes used to smoke and preserve fish and meat. The smoke helped to repel insects and add flavor to the food.

These are just a few examples of how Indigenous peoples of the Americas used cedar. The specific uses and traditions associated with cedar vary between different Indigenous cultures and communities, and many continue to use cedar for cultural and practical purposes to this day.

Then, there’s us herbalists. 🙂

Cedar oil, also known as cedarwood essential oil, is a popular ingredient in many skin care products. I focus on using Cedar on the skin due to the need for dilution. Here are a few ways that cedar oil is used in skin cosmetics/treatments:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Cedar oil contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and irritation on the skin.
2. Acne treatment: Cedar oil has natural antiseptic properties that can help to kill bacteria on the skin, making it a popular choice for acne treatments.
3. Moisturizing: Cedar oil can help to moisturize the skin and prevent dryness, making it a common ingredient in body lotions, creams, and balms.
4. Anti-aging: Cedar oil contains antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to the signs of aging. I have additionally used it to reduce and remove dark spots/sunspots. Magic, I assure you!
5. Aromatherapy benefits: In addition to its skin benefits, cedar oil is also used in aromatherapy for its calming and grounding properties. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, making it a popular choice for massage oils and other relaxation/grounding products.

When used in skin care and cosmetic products, cedar oil is typically diluted with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, to prevent skin irritation. It can be found in a variety of products, including soaps, shampoos, lotions, and facial serums.

Maybe it’s time you gave it a try in some of your home remedies. Just don’t forget to give it the respect it deserves and has earned.

https://amzn.to/3JLzo31 – a nice cedar oil crafted by a small business

https://amzn.to/3licWVE – a fantastic book about Pacific Coastal indigenous people’s relationship with Cedar

https://amzn.to/3Fv6IsB – a lovely hand salve with Cedar to get you hooked! 🙂