Botanical Description: Noted in the Bible for its highly aromatic wood, Cedar has been a popular ingredient in medicine and cosmetics since the ancient times. One of the most popular varieties of this tree is the Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica), native to the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. The Atlas Cedar is a tall, coniferous evergreen with rigid, needle-like leaves that branch out in long shoots and cluster around shorter ones. Large green or purple cones covered by overlapping wooden scales grow on short stalks of the tree. The wood itself is a valuable material for building and storage due to its insect-repellent and decay-resistant properties. A highly aromatic essential oil is extracted from the wood of the Atlas Cedar through distillation.

Fragrance: The smoky aroma of Atlas Cedarwood oil has woody, camphoraceous top notes and sweet, balsamic undertones.

Fragrant Effect: Due to its relaxing effect, Atlas Cedarwood essential oil is a common aid in meditation and is believed to increase a person’s inner strength and energy. The sweet fragrance of Atlas Cedarwood is excellent for relieving stress and nervous tension.

Blends Well With: The woody sweetness of Atlas Cedarwood is prefect in combination with herbaceous and floral essential oils such as Bergamot, Boronia, Calamus, Cassie, Clary Sage, Costus, Cypress, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Labdanum, Mimosa, Neroli, Olibanum, Rosemary, Rosewood, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang.

Therapeutic Properties: Atlas Cedarwood essential oil is a known antiseptic used to treat bronchial, vaginal and urinary tract infections. Its mucolytic properties make it an excellent cure for catarrhal conditions, such as chronic bronchitis. It is also used to treat cystitis and discharges. Other therapeutic actions of Atlas Cedarwood oil are antiputrescent, antiseborrheic, aphrodisiac, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, sedative, stimulant and tonic.

Aromatherapeutic Use: Essential oil of Atlas Cedarwood is a popular ingredient in men’s toiletries due to its masculine scent and antiseptic properties. It is an efficient skin care treatment, particularly for acne. Atlas Cedarwood oil is also a popular tonic, with a stimulating effect that helps reduce stress and nervous tension throughout the body. It is also believed to be an efficient aphrodisiac.

Constituents: The primary components found in Atlas Cedarwood oil are atlantone, caryophyllene, cedrol, and cadinene.