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feuilles de Thuya occidentale
Hydrosols

Eastern White Cedar

Latin Name: Thuya occidentalis

French Name: Thuya Occidental, Cèdre Feuille

English Name: Eastern White Cedar, Cedar Leaf

Botanical Family Name: Cupressaceae

Origin: Quebec, Canada

Distilled Parts: Leaves

Organoleptic Characteristics: Leaves

Components: α-Fenchone, α-Thujone, β-Thujone, α-Pinene, β-Pinene

Origin

This is a particularly fragrant tree due to its high content of essential oils. It reaches an average of fifteen meters in height. This cedar is part of the Cupressaceae family and can live up to 300 years. It grows naturally in marshy terrains, but it can also survive in very dry soils and is resistant to freezing temperatures. Its thin and smooth bark is reddish-brown in its early youth, which becomes gray and covered with furrows over time. Cedar twigs are flat and abundantly branched. Its ovoid cones group in pairs of 5 or 6 and measure from 1 to 2 cm.

History

The indigenous peoples of the Pacific Coast used this soft, light and rot-proof wood to make totems and canoes, as well as to build houses. Cedars were also known for their many therapeutic qualities. An extract made from the twigs treated rheumatism, pneumonia and coughs. An infusion relieved headaches and menstrual pain. A poultice made from the bark was used to treat cuts and abrasions.
A few Native American tribes burned small branches on coal to disinfect homes and drive away evil spirits. Cedar smoke was also used in religious ceremonies to purify people and sacred objects.

A few Native American tribes burned small branches on coal to disinfect homes and drive away evil spirits. Cedar smoke was also used in religious ceremonies to purify people and sacred objects.

The Eastern White Cedar is one of the most popular ornamental conifers for planting hedgerows, with over 300 different cultivars available. Its mite-proof quality and pleasant smell make it an ideal material for the manufacture of storage chests and wardrobes. In addition, it should be remembered that cedar shingles have served for the exterior cladding of houses in Quebec for more than 400 years.

Finally, Cedar seeds are particularly appreciated by birds, such as: crossbills, pine goldfinches and finches. As for its bark, it is the favorite snack food for white-tailed deer, which often graze on it up to 1.5 m in height, to the great detriment of the hedge … and the hedge owner!

Benefits

The Eastern Cedar hydrosol contains about 3.5% essential oil and 96.5% pure water. To be specific, the product results from the steam distillation of the branches and needles of the Eastern Cedar and not from a mixture of water and essential oil. This hydrosol is composed mainly of ketones: α and β– Thujone and Fenchone. The known properties of these molecules help the muscles to loosen and relax among other things, but they are particularly interesting for the skin, because of their healing and antiparasitic power. From a psychological point of view, Eastern Cedar hydrosol helps you to clarify ideas, open your spirit and to some extent stimulate your intellect while at the same time relaxing you. These ketones have a beautiful affinity with the nervous system. Use as a vapor in your living space to promote positive energy.

The advantage of using Eastern Cedar hydrosol instead of pure essential oil is that hydrosol, as mentioned earlier, contains only about 3.5% essential oil and therefore very few ketones. Ketones are known to be neurotoxic if one exceeds the appropriate dose. The mildness of the hydrosol makes it a gentle product that can be used safely for different applications.

Essential oil aromatherapy properties

Physical

  • Skin System: dermophil, healing, calms inflammation, astringent
  • Immune System: airborne antiseptic, antiparasitic
  • Nervous System: affinity with the nervous system. CAUTION: very neurotoxic if taken internally, or externally as a pure essential oil. Generally an Eastern Cedar hydrosol can be used safely.

Psychic

  • In Canada, some people use this essential oil to purify a place where there has been conflict, thereby bringing new healthier energies into the space.

Uses

  • On Your Skin: As an aftershave lotion, for wounds, burns, pressure ulcers, skin fungus, skin parasitosis, or for its astringent effects. Also this hydrosol can be used as a replacement for water in the manufacture of your soaps or skin creams.
  • At Home: In your diffuser or spray to refresh the air and bring the beautiful smell of coniferous greens into your house.
  • For Your Pets: animals prefer natural smells. Spray directly on their fur or bed to reduce bad odors or even as a mosquito repellent.

Contra-indications

Hydrosols are very versatile and their use is safe for young and old alike. But ATTENTION! This essential oil is very neurotoxic if taken internally or orally. It is to be avoided for pregnant and lactating women, children under 12 years of age and frail people such as the elderly, except under the recommendation of a specialist in aromatherapy.

References