Himalayan Cedarwood

Himalayan cedarwood

Description: Himalayan cedarwood has a grounding, balsamic-wood aroma. It is often used in spa-like environments.
Scientific Name: Cedrus deodara
Extraction Method: steam-distilled

Himalayan Cedarwood Essential Oil

Woody • Calm • Grounding

Himalayan Cedarwood essential oil is distilled from the wood of the Cedrus deodara tree, also called Deodar cedar. Native to the Himalayas, this tree is often referred to as the “wood of the gods.” The oil holds deep woody aromas with slightly smoky, balsamic, and sometimes camphoraceous notes, evoking the crisp air and forested slopes of its mountain origin. A review of the oil from wood chips in Himachal Pradesh reports a yield around 0.98%, showing how concentrated and precious this oil is.

Chemical Composition and Profile

The dominant constituents in Himalayan cedarwood essential oil include himachalenes (various isomers), atlantones, and other sesquiterpenes with oxygenated sesquiterpenes contributing significantly. For example, the pentane fraction of a Himachal-derived sample showed over 50% himachalenes and ~15% atlantones. 

Historical & Botanical Significance

Cedrus deodara has long been respected in Himalayan cultures. Its wood is used for temples, traditional structures, and incense. Ayurvedic systems reference deodar wood and its extracts for promoting grounding environments and creating protective aromatic spaces. A detailed review of essential oil production in the Himalayan region shows that oils distilled in small scale industries in Himachal Pradesh have been used traditionally for antimicrobial, insecticidal, and aromatic purposes. Review of essential oil uses from Himalayan Cedrus deodara.

Uses in Aromatherapy and Blending

Himalayan Cedarwood oil is favored in aromatherapy for its calming, grounding scent. It is used to help settle the mind, support meditation, and add depth to wood-resin fragrance compositions. Its dry woody smoke hints make it an excellent base note. It blends harmoniously with oils like frankincense, sandalwood, patchouli, thyme, or citrus top notes to balance brightness with depth.

Safety and Precautions

This essential oil is generally considered safe when used appropriately. Because of its potency, always dilute before topical application and perform a patch test on sensitive skin. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Those who are pregnant, nursing, or managing serious health conditions should consult a qualified professional. Ingestion of Himalayan Cedarwood oil is not recommended unless under the guidance of a specialist.

References


Disclaimer: The above information relates to studies of specific individual essential oil ingredients, some of which are used in the essential oil blends for various MONQ diffusers. Please note, however, that while individual ingredients may have been shown to exhibit certain independent effects when used alone, the specific blends of ingredients contained in MONQ diffusers have not been tested. No specific claims are being made that use of any MONQ diffusers will lead to any of the effects discussed above. Additionally, please note that MONQ diffusers have not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. MONQ diffusers are not intended to be used in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, prevention, or treatment of any disease or medical condition. If you have a health condition or concern, please consult a physician or your alternative health care provider prior to using MONQ diffusers. MONQ blends should not be inhaled into the lungs.Why? It works better that way