A Look Into Our Herbal Apothecary: Cedar Leaf (Western Red Cedar)

I have so much respect for this species of cedar. Our ancestors harvested and used Western Red Cedar for its many medicinal properties and admired it for its natural beauty and distinctive architecture. Some trees can be up to 200 feet high and 6 meters wide. It's branches are typically J shaped, reaching towards the sky, and its leaves are often flat, scale-like, and pressed flat. They are technically related to Pine, but more like a cousin. Pines typically have short, sharp, needle like leaves and in that case would be considered a TRUE pine. Cedar derives from the Cupressaceae family- and is more closely related to cypress and juniper. Both families (pinaceae and cupressaceae) tend to have the same medicinal properties- with thousands of species related to each category. We appreciate their ability to

cleanse and prevent.

The different ways to identify Western Red Cedar: It's very distinctive. The bark ranges from a grey to cinnamon. The bark appears to have a peel-like or shredded appearance. The best time to harvest will be in late summer, early fall because that is when the essential oils are the most abundant and most potent; however, you may harvest cedar year round! You may use all parts of the tree: bark, leaf, stems, twigs, etc. for their anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. You may also use cedar to strengthen the immune system and correct upper respiratory infections and diseases.

I use Western Red Cedar in my famous "Can't Bite Me" bug spray as it works really well as an insect repellent. Our ancestors used it for smudging and an excellent aromatherapy. It's known for purifying the air, and purifying your lungs! You can use it as a tea for surface cleaner in the home if you wish to discard harmful and unnatural house cleaners. Need to soothe rashes, bug bites, burns, or clear acne and eczema in the skin? This is a powerful ingredient to try.

I found this dehydrated cedar leaf while I was outside enjoying a cup of tea. It's actually what inspired me to write this blog! Notice the description of leaf: flat, scale-like, and small.

Skin issues: red cedar bark can be used to treat fungal skin infections like ringworm, boils, sores, swelling, etc. I like to recommend turning it into a powder and then into a paste and placing it on the infected area as a natural band aid, or poultice. This same practice is useful to cauterize sores and stop bleeding.

Tea Tonic: As a health tea, cedar can aid in general heart health and body health. You can soak in it in a bath to use as a topical or drink it in moderation for internal use.

Joints and Muscles: Known for aiding in the reduction of pain and swelling, cedar is great to use as a decoction or salve applied directly to the joints and muscles. I would drink a couple cups a day until inflammation has been relieved if you are not a fan of topical solutions. If you are looking to relieve arthritis, I would suggest a topical version.

Dandruff, Foot Fungus, Vaginal Infections: A decoction of cedar rinse can relieve dandruff and stop itching/flaking in the scalp thanks to it's anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. For foot fungus, a salve or foot soak with red cedar tea will help eliminate athletes foot and other foot fungal issues. As a vaginal douche, you can regulate vaginal infections like BV. If you are ever worried about the issue not being solved topically, I will also recommend pairing any of them with a tincture 2-3 times a day to heal the issue internally as well.

Warts: Because of the strong anti-viral properties, cedar can attack viruses that cause warts. I would recommend a tintcture to the area 3 times a day until the wart falls off on it's own.

Immune System Support: Red cedar stimulates white blood cells to fight infections that attack the immune system.

Respiratory Infections: As a steam, cedar improves the blood flow to the lungs and allows the body to take in more oxygen. Use to relieve upper respiratory infections and diseases or if there is chronic sinus congestion or cough.

Warning:

Red Cedar is a very strong medicine and should be taken in moderation. Do not take if you are pregnant. Ask your doctor or primary care physician if this is a suitable treatment for you.