Cedarwood Essential Oils: The Differences between Cedrus and Juniperus
Welcome to this week’s exploration into cedarwood essential oils. With their deep, woody aromas and diverse applications, these essential oils have been valued across cultures and ages. Let’s focus on the differences between true cedarwoods (Cedrus) and other cedarwood varieties from the Juniperus genus. By understanding these distinctions you can better appreciate their unique properties and select the right oil for your needs.
At Ahimsa we stock 4 Cedarwoods, Atlas and Himalayan (true cedarwoods) and Texas and Virginian (juniperus varieties). True cedarwood essential oils come from trees in the Cedrus genus, the main types and their characteristics being;
Cedrus atlantica (Atlas Cedarwood)
Origin: Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
Aroma: Rich, warm, and woody with a subtle balsamic note.
Therapeutic Benefits:
Relaxation - Promotes a calming environment, ideal for stress relief.
Sleep Aid - Can help improve sleep quality.
Hair Care - Strengthens and revitalises hair.
Cedrus deodora (Himalayan Cedarwood)
Origin: Grows on the slopes of the Himalayas
Aroma: Deep, warm, and woody with a hint of sweetness.
Therapeutic Benefits:
Mental Clarity - Clears the mind and improves focus.
Emotional Balance - Reduces anxiety and supports emotional well-being.
Antiseptic - Useful for minor skin irritations.
The Juniperus genus includes several species often referred to as cedarwoods, though they are technically junipers. Here's a look at the key varieties:
Juniperus ashei (Ashe’s Cedarwood/Texas)
Origin: Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Aroma: Woody and earthy with a slight sweetness.
Therapeutic Benefits:
Grounding - Helps with meditation and grounding practices.
Respiratory Support - Assists in clearing nasal passages.
Skin Care - can help to support oily or acne-prone skin.
Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red Cedarwood/Virginia)
Origin: Found in the eastern United States.
Aroma: Spicy, woody, with fresh green notes.
Therapeutic Benefits:
Detoxification - Supports natural detox processes.
Insect Repellent - Acts as a natural deterrent for pests.
Muscle Relief - Eases muscle tension and soreness.
Some Key Differences Between True Cedarwood (Cedrus) and Juniperus Cedarwood are their botanical origins and aromatic profiles and uses.
True Cedars (Cedrus)
Large, majestic trees with distinctive needle arrangements. They are true cedars and belong to the Pinaceae family. They tend to have a deeper, richer, and more complex woody aroma. Commonly used for relaxation, sleep, and hair care they also often have a stronger focus on emotional and mental well-being.
Juniper Cedars (Juniperus)
Smaller trees or shrubs with needle-like leaves. They are technically junipers, not true cedars, and belong to the Cupressaceae family. They often have a lighter, spicier, or more resinous scent with green undertones. Frequently utilised for their detoxifying, grounding, and insect-repellent properties, they can be more versatile in household and therapeutic applications.
Understanding the differences between True Cedarwoods and Juniper Cedars helps you select the best essential oil for your needs as each variety offers unique benefits and aromas.
