Atlas Cedar / Cedar wood (Cedrus atlantica)

Atlas Cedar / Cedar wood (Cedrus atlantica)

Updated 16 January 2024

Botanical characteristics

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Subclass: Viridaeplantae 
  • Division: Pinophyta
  • Class: Equisetopsida
  • Subclass: Pinidae
  • Order: Pinales
  • Family: Pinaceae
  • Genus: Cedrus
  • Parte usada: Wood
  • País de origem: Marrocos

Precautions for use

Warning! This essential oil is not recommended for pregnant women or children under the age of 6.

Only the respiratory tract and skin are suitable, but with great care.

Atlas Cedar essential oil is strictly forbidden by ingestion.

Neurotoxic, it cannot be used by people with epilepsy or neurological fragility.

On the other hand, it does not contain any allergenic components.

Other precautions

Cutaneous use:

  • Atlas Cedar essential oil is irritating to the skin, so it is best to dilute it 20% in a vegetable oil before applying to the skin.

Endocrine effects:

  • Atlas Cedar essential oil is abortive.

Allergenic components:

Atlas Cedar essential oil does not contain any allergenic biochemicals.

Note: It is best to test the essential oil before use (two drops on the crease of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check for a reaction).

Authorised users

 Adults and adolescents

Children under 6 years

 Pregnant and breastfeeding women

 Pregnant women younger than 3 months

 Infants under 3 years old

How to use

 Inhalation

 Cutaneous

 Oral

 Diffusion

Risks of use

 Neurotoxic

 Skin irritation

 Oestrogen-like

 Properties​

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antiviral
  • Antibacterial
  • Arterial regenerator 
  • Lymphotonic 
  • Lipolytic, hydrolipidic retention 
  • Sebo- and Sudo-regulating 
  • Bradycardic
  • Anti-mite 
  • Mucolytic, respiratory decongestant  
  • Antifungal 
  • Cell regenerator 

Indications

Directions for use/usual dosage

  • Cellulite removal and drainage: dilute in a vegetable oil and massage into affected areas.
  • Hair and scalp care: add a few drops of EO to shampoo.
  • Moths and mosquitoes: Atmospheric diffusion in combination with citronella and lavender EO and/or a few drops on a handkerchief placed in a piece of furniture to keep moths away.

Cosmetic

  • Helps eliminate fat cells.
  • Helps the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins and combat cellulite, draining action.
  • Ideal for hair and scalp care (hair loss, dandruff).

Interior use

  • Natural mosquito and moth repellent

Find out more

  • There are several varieties of cedar and it is important not to confuse them as their actions and properties are not the same.
  • Atlas Cedar essential oil is known for its ability to combat water retention and help eliminate cellulite (strong lipolytic). It can be combined with vetiver, lemon peel, tea tree and grapefruit to enhance its effects.
  • It is also said to tone the scalp and prevent hair loss. Its characteristic scent makes it an excellent moth and mosquito repellent.