Western Red Cedarwood

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(Thuja plicata) also known as Arborvitae
Western Red Cedar Wood is considered the "superior cedarwood." It has a deep, red/brown hue and a strong aroma that is wonderful in masculine blends and for skin issues. Research shows it has anti-inflammatory properties.

 Info

Western Red Cedar Wood (Arborvitae)
Thuja plicata
also known as Pacific thuja and Western Arborvitae

Plant Origin: Canada
Method: Steam distilled heartwood from naturally fallen trees
Cultivation: Unsprayed (grown organically but not certified)
Chemical Family: Ester
Aroma: Strong, woody, earthy, pungent, masculine (not sweet like Cedarwood Atlas or Cedarwood Texas, which is reminiscent of a cedar chest)
Color: Dark red/brown
Note (Evaporation Rate): Base

Key Constituents from GC/MS Analysis: Lot#104
methyl thujate 57.28%
methyl myrtenate 13.74%
terpinen-4-ol 1.21%
carvacrol (hinokitiol) 1.28%

Some aromatherapy literature states that Cedarwood is an abortifacient, but this information is referring to a related species, J. sabina, which is known as an abortifacient if taken internally. HEO does not carry Cedarwood J. sabina.

Safety Information
Children: Western Red Cedarwood (distilled from wood) is not reviewed in Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand/Young.

Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Western Red Cedarwood (distilled from wood) is not reviewed in Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand/Young.

Medication/Health Issue: Western Red Cedarwood (distilled from wood) is not reviewed in Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand/Young. There are no known contraindications. Convulsant cautions refer to the distilled twigs/needles not the wood.

Therapeutic Uses Western Red Cedarwood essential oil may support, aid, ease, soothe, reduce, calm, relax, promote and/or maintain healthy function of the following:
Acne
Allergies (environmental and seasonal)
Anti-microbial
Antiseptic
Anxiety
Bacteria
Calming
Cologne
Detoxification
Eczema
Fungus
Inflammation
Insect deterrent (mosquitos and possibly ticks)
Itchy skin (combine with Bergamot)
Nervous system
Scalp issues
Skin, acne, dandruff, eczema fungal, wounds, oily skin
Stress relief
Tension
Tonic
Virus

Blends well with:
Bergamot
Benzoin
Black Pepper
Cedarwood Atlas
Citrus oils
Cypress
Cinnamon Bark and Leaf
Frankincense
Ginger
Juniperberry
Jasmine
Lemon
Lime
Neroli
Orange, sweet
Rose
Rosemary
Sandalwood

Research

Arborvitae (Thuja plicata) essential oil significantly inhibited critical inflammation- and tissue remodeling-related proteins and genes in human dermal fibroblasts from Science Direct

The main component of Western Red Cedarwood is Methyl thujate, which has promising anti-inflammatory properties.

Medicinal plant treatments for fleas and ear problems of cats and dogs in British Columbia, Canada

The antimicrobial properties of cedar leaf (Thuja plicata) oil; a safe and efficient decontamination agent for buildings

Shows promise as a prospective safe, green, broad-spectrum anti-microbial agent for decontamination of buildings.

Western Red Cedarwood has a favorable affect on the nervous, and respiratory systems, and is also beneficial for the skin. It is suitably used in a personal inhaler or diffuser or added to a carrier to use as a spray.

Application Suggestions (See Essential Oil Usage for more information and a Dilution Chart.)

Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil, unscented lotion or unscented cream and apply on area of concern or as desired. Consider using a roll-on applicator for ease of application of prediluted oil.

Since Western Red Cedarwood does not have a limiting dilution parameter, we suggest that adults follow the General Guidelines found on the Dilution Chart, which is:

2-3% for daily application

Up to 25% for short-term use

Children: For infants and children, please refer to the Dilution Chart on the Babies and Children page.

Avoid Phototoxic issues: Do not apply to skin that will be exposed to sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product.

Inhalation: Diffuse (may need a thinner oil such as Lemon added to prevent clogging the atomizer), or use a personal Nasal Inhaler

Internal: Oral safety information is not available for Western Red Cedar Wood. Western Red Cedar Wood Leaves are contraindicated orally. We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French aromatherapy" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application. Click here for information about internal usage.

Is your Cedarwood Thick?
The viscosity (consistency) of some oils are just naturally thicker while some are thinner. For example, citrus oils are very thin, but root oils are thicker. From a chemistry perspective, the lighter/smaller molecules (such as those that make up citrus oils) are thinner, and heavier/larger molecules (such as those that make up root oils) are thicker.

Thicker oils can be more difficult to use. Gently warming the oil bottle in the hands before use may help (takes patience!), or you may need to warm in a water bath.

Warm Water Bath: First, place the oil bottle in a bowl (a glass baby food jar is perfect) and set in a pan of warm water (or double boiler) with enough warm water to affect the temperature of the oil. Avoid any possibility of allowing the water to get into the bottle. (I put my bottle in a ziplock bag and make sure it is standing upright.) Allow it to warm for about 15-20 minutes, replacing the water as needed if it evaporates. Continue warming until you get the oil at the right consistency to work with. Different oils take varying amounts of time to liquify, and this somewhat depends also on how thick they are and their ability to soften. You may also want to use a pipette to help dispense.

If using the oil frequently, you may want to use a rubber bulb/glass pipette that screws onto the bottle.Be aware that you need to be careful not to let the essential oil get on the rubber, so make sure to wipe the rim of the bottle clean before recapping, and do not let the bottle tip over. Overtime, the rubber will degrade, so you must be careful to observe this and replace the pipette when necessary.

Testimonies
The following anecdotal testimonies have not been reviewed by the FDA.
The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure disease.
Information shared on the HEO website is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice given by your trusted health care provider.
We believe that essential oils are provided by the Lord to support our health and well-being.
The Lord is our wisdom, protector and healer.
(Genesis 1:29-30, Ezekiel 47:12)

1. Love your Western Red Cedarwood! It's fabulous in homemade wood oil that I use on our dark furnishings, which include an original water closet from the late 1800's! It helps keep our wooden toilet seat both shining and sanitary, along with the benefit of smelling great! - Nina
DIY Furniture Polish
1/2 cup fractionated coconut oil (chosen for quick absorbtion and it doesn't go rancid)
10 drops essential oil (adjust per your need). We use Western Red Cedarwood and sometimes add some Lemon.

Safety
Western Red Cedar Wood is not mentioned in Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand/Young.

Avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oils are both lipophilic and hydrophobic. Lipophilic means they are attracted to fat— like the membranes of your eyes and skin. They are also hydrophobic, meaning they do not like water. Applying a carrier oil will create another fat for the essential oil to be attracted to other than the membranes of the eyes or skin. Tisserand suggests: "With essential oils, fatty oil has been suggested as an appropriate first aid treatment, though the advantage of saline [eyewash] is that the eyes can be continually flushed, and this is less easy with fatty oil.” We are not aware of a case where essential oil in the eyes caused permanent injury or long-term discomfort, but if you feel concerned, please call your health care provider.

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May the Lord guide you continually, preserving your health and watering your life when you are dry. May you be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring full of hope for your future in His care.
From Isaiah 58:11 & Jeremiah 29:11