If you’re looking to create a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere, you might be considering cedarwood vs. lavender essential oil. Both oils are famous for their alleged calming properties and have a rich history in aromatherapy.
But which one is better for you or for your home? In this showdown, we’ll take a closer look at the unique benefits and characteristics of these essential oils to help you make the ultimate verdict.
The Basics on Cedarwood Oil and Lavender Oil
Before we take a microscope to each essential oil, cedarwood and lavender, to figure out which one is best, here’s a chart summarizing the key differences between the two.
| Cedarwood Oil | Lavender Oil | |
| Derived From | Steam distilled from the wood of the cedar tree | Flowers of the lavender plant |
| Look and Smell | Woody scent with citrus undertones, somewhat soft and camphorous; ranges in color from pale yellow to various shades of brown | Pale yellow or clear color with a light, flowery, and somewhat sweet scent |
| Top Health Benefits | Antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, insecticidal, antifungal properties | Calming and relaxing properties, anti-inflammatory |
| Best Used For | To facilitate wound healing, relieve muscle aches, combat pests and bacteria, soothe coughs, stimulate circulation | Better sleep, digestive system support, immune system support, anxiety relief |
| Cons | May cause irritation, nausea, and vomiting in high doses; should not be used on pregnant women or young children | Can cause headaches or skin irritation at high doses |
| Who Can Use? | Anybody except very young children and pregnant women | Anybody except pregnant or breastfeeding women |
| Best Carrier Oils | Almond, jojoba, avocado, sunflower | Coconut, almond, grapeseed, avocado |
| Shelf Life | 6-8 years | 2-4 years |
What is Cedarwood Oil?
Cedarwood oil is an essential oil extracted through steam distillation from the wood of the cedar tree. The scent of cedarwood oil has a woody and earthy aroma with citrus undertones, making it a great potential choice for those who prefer a more grounded scent.
Now, onto the benefits: cedarwood oil is said to have some serious antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, and insecticidal properties. It’s also said to be great for relieving muscle aches and stimulating blood circulation. In addition, cedarwood oil may soothe coughs and combat pests and bacteria – making it a great addition to your cleaning arsenal.
What is Lavender Oil?
Next up, we have lavender oil – the holy grail of essential oils. This oil is derived from the flowers of the lavender plant through steam distillation. Lavender oil is a versatile oil that may be used for a variety of purposes.
The top health benefits of lavender oil include its calming and relaxing properties, making it a great potential choice for better sleep and anxiety relief. It also has touted anti-inflammatory properties, which means it may help soothe irritated skin.
Cedarwood Oil vs. Lavender Oil: Look and Smell
When it comes to their appearance and scent, cedarwood and lavender oil couldn’t be more different!
Cedarwood oil is derived from the wood of the cedar tree, and its color ranges from pale yellow to various shades of brown. Its scent is woody with citrus undertones, somewhat soft and camphorous. Some people even describe it as having a masculine smell, perfect for those manly men out there. That’s why you’ll see it as an ingredient in countlesse colognes and aftershave products.
On the other hand, lavender oil is steam distilled from the flowers of the lavender plant. Its color is usually a pale yellow or clear, and its scent is light, flowery, and somewhat sweet.
Top Health Benefits of Cedarwood and Lavender Oil
Cedarwood oil is known for its touted antibacterial, antispasmodic, diuretic, and insecticidal properties. This means it may be great for fighting off pesky pests and bacteria, easing muscle aches, and stimulating circulation.
Lavender oil, on the other hand, is widely known for its touted calming and relaxing properties. It also boasts alleged anti-inflammatory effects that may soothe all sorts of pains and discomforts.
And that’s not all! Lavender oil may also support your digestive and immune systems while providing anxiety relief.
Top Uses for Cedarwood and Lavender Oil
Cedarwood and lavender oil are incredibly versatile and both may be used in a variety of ways.
These oils can be blended with carrier oils such as almond, jojoba, coconut, or avocado to create massage oils, facial serums, or body lotions. They may also be added to a diffuser or used in aromatherapy steam inhalation to create a soothing and calming atmosphere, which may relieve stress and anxiety.
These oils may also be applied topically to soothe aches and pains, heal wounds, and combat bacterial infections.
Cedarwood oil has been said to improve focus and clarity, while lavender oil may have a calming effect on the digestive system, soothe coughs, and promote better sleep. These oils are also great for skin health and may help reduce acne and redness, soothe eczema and psoriasis, and promote a healthy complexion.
Pros and Cons of Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is like a soothing hug in a bottle. With its calming and relaxing properties, it’s a go-to for anyone looking to unwind or get a better night’s sleep. Not only that, but lavender oil also boasts anti-inflammatory benefits, which may be helpful in reducing pain and swelling. It’s also commonly used as a potential natural remedy for digestive system and immune system support.
However, as with any essential oil, there are some potential cons to using lavender oil. It may cause headaches or skin irritation at high doses, so it’s always a good idea to patch test your skin and start with a small amount before using it more extensively. Also, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender oil altogether – it’s not been studied extensively in this group, and there may be some potential side effects involved.
Pros and Cons of Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil has a unique woody scent with citrus undertones, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy and natural perfumes. But this oil is more than just a pretty smell – it also boasts some pretty impressive touted antiseptic, antifungal, and insecticidal properties, making it a great potential choice for fighting pests and bacteria.
However, there are a few cons to consider when using cedarwood oil.
For starters, it may cause irritation, nausea, and vomiting in high doses, so it’s important to use it carefully and in moderation.
And like lavender oil, pregnant women and young children should avoid using it altogether. But if you’re looking for a natural way to potentially facilitate wound healing, relieve muscle aches, soothe coughs, or stimulate circulation, cedarwood oil might just be your new best friend.
Are Cedarwood Oil and Lavender Oil Substitutes for Each Other?
So, you may be wondering – can cedarwood oil and lavender oil be used interchangeably? The short answer is… not really. While they do have some overlapping benefits, they are quite different in terms of their scent, properties, and best uses.
Cedarwood oil is said to be best used for wound healing, muscle aches, pests and bacteria, while lavender oil is believed to be better for relaxation, digestion, and anxiety relief. Plus, they have very different scents, which may impact their best uses in aromatherapy.
Best Carrier Oils for Cedarwood and Lavender Oil
For cedarwood oil, your best bets for carrier oils are almond, jojoba, avocado, and sunflower. These oils are rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which may help to nourish and moisturize your skin. Plus, they aren’t as likely to interfere with the woody, citrusy scent of the cedarwood oil.
As for lavender oil, we recommend coconut, almond, grapeseed, or avocado oil. These carrier oils are lightweight and aren’t as likely to clog your pores. Plus, they complement the light, flowery scent of lavender oil perfectly.
When mixing your carrier oil with essential oils, aim for a 2-3% dilution rate. For example, if you’re using 10 drops of cedarwood oil, you’ll want to mix it with about two teaspoons of your carrier oil.
Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, so it’s always a good idea to do a patch test before slathering any new oil all over your body.
How to Choose and Use Cedarwood Oil and Lavender Oil Safely
First things first, when purchasing cedarwood oil, be sure to look for the Latin name “Cedrus atlantica.” On the other hand, when shopping for lavender oil, make sure it is labeled “Lavandula angustifolia.” This way, you can make sure you’re getting the exact essential oil you’re looking for.
When it comes to using these oils, always dilute them before applying them topically. The recommended dilution rate for adults is about one to two drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil. If you plan on using these oils in a diffuser, add about five to ten drops per 100 ml of water.
Now, let’s talk about safety. While these oils are generally considered safe, it’s always best to patch-test them before use and to keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Cedarwood vs. Lavender Oil Shelf Life and Storage
Cedarwood oil has a much longer shelf life than lavender oil. Cedarwood oil can last anywhere from six to eight years if stored properly, while Lavender oil typically has a shelf life of two to four years. So, if you’re looking for an oil that will last you a while, cedarwood might be the way to go.
Both cedarwood and lavender oil should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. This will help to preserve their potency and prevent them from degrading too quickly. However, there are some additional storage tips specific to each oil.
For cedarwood oil, it’s important to keep it in a well-sealed container to prevent oxidation. This can cause the oil to lose its potency and even develop a rancid smell.
As for lavender oil, it’s important to keep it away from heat sources like radiators or stoves. This can cause the oil to evaporate too quickly and lose its potency. Lavender oil should also be kept in a dark glass bottle to prevent light exposure, which may also cause it to degrade.
Cedarwood vs. Lavender Oil: The Ultimate Verdict
When it comes to a calming scent, lavender reigns supreme… or does it?
Cedarwood’s earthy aroma may help soothe anxiety and promote relaxation just as well as lavender. Plus, its grounding properties make it a great addition to your meditation routine.
So, why not give both a try and see which scent speaks to you most?
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