Common Names
Cedarwood, Atlas, Atlas cedar
Botanical Name
Cedrus atlantica.
The botanical name for cedar is Cedrus. Cedar is a type of tree that belongs to the Pinaceae family, which also includes pines, spruces, and firs. There are four species of cedar trees: Cedrus atlantica (Atlantic cedar), Cedrus deodara (Deodar cedar), Cedrus libani (Cedar of Lebanon), and Cedrus brevifolia (Cyprus cedar). Cedars are known for their strong, fragrant wood and are often used in construction, furniture-making, and as ornamental trees in gardens. They are also an important source of timber and are used in the production of paper, oil, and other products.
Scientific/Botanical classification.
The scientific classification of cedar trees is as follows:
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Pinaceae
Genus: Cedrus
Cedar trees belong to the Pinaceae family, which is a group of coniferous trees that also includes pines, spruces, and firs. There are four species of cedar trees: Cedrus atlantica (Atlantic cedar), Cedrus deodara (Deodar cedar), Cedrus libani (Cedar of Lebanon), and Cedrus brevifolia (Cyprus cedar).
Cedars are native to the mountainous regions of the eastern Mediterranean, the Himalayas, and North Africa. They are coniferous trees, which means they have needle-like leaves that are evergreen, or remain green throughout the year.
Cedars are known for their strong, fragrant wood and are often used in construction, furniture-making, and as ornamental trees in gardens. They are also an important source of timber and are used in the production of paper, oil, and other products.
In the plant kingdom, cedar trees are classified as vascular plants, which means they have a specialized system of tubes that transport water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant. They also have seeds that are protected by a hard outer coating, which allows them to survive in a wide range of environments.
Cedar trees are important for the environment as well. They help to improve air quality by removing carbon dioxide from the air and releasing oxygen. They also provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and other animals
Medicinal Uses
Acne, Bronchitis, Cellulite, Insect Repellent.
Importance of Cedar.
Properties
Anxiety, Aromatic, Astringent, Calm, Diuretic, Expectorant, Inserepellents, Muscle Relaxant, Sedative.
Parts Used
Essence obtained from wood
Constituents
terpenic hydrocarbons, cedrol, sequiterpenes
Habitat
Native to the Atlas mountains of Algeria and Morocco.
Side Effects
A skin irritant in high concentrations.
How to Prepare
Oil or Alcohol Base Extract Oil: Wash the glass jar and lid thoroughly in hot soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly. Fill the jar full with cedar leaves, berries and bark. Pour almond or grapeseed oil or vodka over the cedar until the jar is full. Screw the lid on and store in a cool dark place for a week. Pour the oil or vodka and cedar through a strainer into a bowl. Discard the cedar. Wash and dry the jar and pour the cedar-scented oil or vodka back into the jar. Use the cedar-scented oil in lotions, creams and massage oil. Use the cedar-scented vodka tincture as a base for perfume, as a body spray, spray on sore muscles and joints.