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Atlas Cedar

Cedrus atlantica

Also known as Atlas Cedar, Moroccan Cedarwood, Blue Atlas Cedar, Cedre de l'Atlas

At a glance

Family

Pinaceae (pine family)

Type

Evergreen coniferous tree

Parts used

Wood (distilled into essential oil), needles, resin

Size

100 to 130 feet tall in the wild, with a broad pyramidal crown

Bloom

Pollen cones release in autumn; barrel-shaped seed cones take about two years to mature

Habitat

Rocky mountain slopes of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria, typically between 4,000 and 8,500 feet elevation

Acquisition

Grow or buy

This plant in HerbSense

Key benefits

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Eases congested breathing

Calms scattered, restless minds

Soothes irritated scalp and skin

Repels moths and insects

Traditional uses

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Long before it appeared in modern aromatherapy cabinets, the Atlas cedar was prized by the Berber peoples of North Africa for its rot-resistant, fragrant timber, used to build mosques, chests, and doors that have outlasted centuries. Its cousin, the cedar of Lebanon, shows up in ancient Egyptian and biblical texts as a wood of temples and embalming, and the Atlas cedar shared much of that same reputation for sanctity and permanence across the wider region. Distilled from the wood, cedarwood oil found its way into old European and North African traditions as a steam for tight chests, a rub for troubled skin, and a scent kept in linen chests to discourage moths. It has traditionally been used to ease breathing during colds, to calm a restless evening mind, and to settle an irritated scalp.

Growing guide

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Sun

Full sun; needs at least six hours a day to develop its characteristic broad, tiered form

Soil

Well-drained and even rocky or poor soil is fine, slightly alkaline to neutral is ideal; it dislikes wet feet

Water

Water regularly while young to establish deep roots, then quite drought-tolerant once mature

Planting

Plant a young nursery tree in fall or early spring, giving it plenty of room, mature trees can spread 25 to 40 feet wide, so keep it well away from structures and power lines

Fresh to dried

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Harvest

Commercial harvest comes from mature or naturally fallen trees, with wood shavings and sawdust collected for steam distillation; needles and small twigs can be gathered for drying

Drying

Wood is seasoned before distillation, needles and twiglets can be air-dried in a single layer out of direct sun until brittle

Storage

Keep the essential oil in a dark glass bottle, tightly capped, away from heat and light, it keeps well for two to three years; dried needles store in a sealed jar for sachets and potpourri

Best forms

Essential oil is by far the most common traditional form, along with cedar chips, shavings, and dried needle sachets

Traditional preparations

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Featured preparation

Cedarwood Steam Inhalation

A traditional way to open up a stuffy chest and steady a busy mind before bed, using the warm, woodsy vapor rather than the oil itself on skin.

How it's made. Add 2 to 3 drops of cedarwood essential oil to a bowl of steaming hot water. Lean over the bowl with a towel draped over the head, close the eyes, and breathe the vapor gently for 5 to 10 minutes.

Secondary preparation

Diluted Cedarwood Scalp Oil

A traditional folk remedy for a flaky or irritated scalp, always diluted well before touching skin.

How it's made. Mix 2 to 3 drops of cedarwood essential oil into 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil. Massage lightly into the scalp, leave for 20 to 30 minutes, then wash out.

Pairs well with

✦Lavender
✦Frankincense
✦Vetiver

Substitutes

✦Virginia cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)
✦Sandalwood

Choose it when

“When you want the hush of a mountain forest in a single steaming breath.”

Did you know?

The Atlas cedar's own timber is so naturally resistant to insects and decay that Berber craftsmen once used it for doors and roof beams meant to last for generations, some of which are still standing in Moroccan buildings today.

Safety

Cedarwood essential oil is meant for aromatic or well-diluted topical use only, it should never be taken internally, as concentrated essential oils can be toxic when swallowed. Undiluted oil can irritate skin, so always mix it into a carrier oil before any topical application, and avoid the eyes and mucous membranes. It is not recommended during pregnancy or nursing without professional guidance, and it should be kept well away from young children and pets, as cats in particular are highly sensitive to essential oils. As with any concentrated botanical preparation, it is wise to speak with a qualified healthcare provider or clinical aromatherapist before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or managing a health condition.