Eastern red cedar, a juniper conifer native to more than 30 states east of the Rocky Mountains, has been used for centuries by Native Americans as a general tonic and natural remedy for a number of physical ailments. The familiarly scented, aromatic wood is used in furniture and pencil manufacturing, and is a natural insect repellent. The oil is toxic only if taken internally, but the leaves, berries and roots are used in alternative medicine preparations.
Aroma Therapy
Eastern red cedar oil, also called juniper or cedarwood oil, is readily available in most health food stores. The oil can be added in small amounts to heated steam vaporizers or potpourri pots as an inhalant to ease respiratory and congestive problems, asthma symptoms, bronchitis and head colds. Cedarwood incense is also reported to have a calming effect on the nerves and those suffering from anxiety.
External Remedies
Because of its antibiotic and astringent qualities, cedarwood oil may be applied in small quantities to ease itchy skin and acne. Simply dip a cotton swab into a small amount of oil and apply directly onto affected area. When diluted with water, the oil can be used in treating dandruff and oily skin as a hair rinse or in the bath. Mixed with a body oil or moisturizing cream, cedarwood oil may also be used to combat the results of dermatitis and psoriasis, ease arthritis pain, and to treat rheumatism. Several drops of oil added to a hot bath can also soothe aching and arthritic muscles. Powdered eastern red cedar can be purchased at health food stores or herbalists and may be used as a poultice to heal or prevent infections from cuts or stings.
Drop some warm water on the center of a gauze square or bandage and sprinkle with some cedar powder before applying to a cut or sore. It may be changed daily. A concentrated application of red cedar tea can be applied to skin rashes and will ease the pain of sunburn.
Internal Remedies
The use of eastern red cedar, or juniper tea, is believed to be extremely beneficial in treating stomach pain and upset stomachs, diarrhea, coughing, headache, and possibly stomach ulcers. It can also be used as a diuretic, but amounts should be limited to small quantities. It's easily made by placing a dozen young berry-less, leafy twigs in a quart of cold water, then bringing to a boil and allowing to simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain it to remove any plant materials and use as regular tea.
The berries can also be brewed into a tea. They can be purchased from herbalists or organic food shops either dried or already bagged. Use one level tsp. of dried berries per cup of boiling water and let steep for at least 15 minutes.
Cautions
Do not drink the tea during pregnancy, breastfeeding or heavy menstruation. It is known to stimulate the uterus, and may cause heavier bleeding or labor contractions.
Do not drink the tea if suffering from kidney disease or infection.
Do not drink the tea daily for more than about five weeks in a row.
Always skin test the oil or poultice for allergic reactions before repeated use.
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