Cedarwood

Cedar Tree
Photo: Nigel Mykura - lic. under CC BY-SA 2.0

Where cedarwood essential oil's aromatherapeutic qualities are listed, it is often stated that it is aphrodisiac. This correlates with the fact that it is often used as an ingredient in perfumery - particularly being associated with scented products for males. It is our task now to investigate cedarwood's aphrodisiac reputation and learn about the basis upon which it rests.

Cedarwood - History / Is Cedarwood an Aphrodisiac?

It's said that the oil of the Lebanon Cedar, Cedrus libani was one of the early essential oils to be extracted by humans and was used in ancient times, such as by perfumers of ancient Egypt. [8] The Egyptians appear to have been very fond of cedarwood - using it for temples, ships, coffins (on account of its resistance to decay) and even using the oil in the mummification process. It was also used by the Egyptians in incense and perfumery. Cedarwood was also used medicinally in ancient times and is still employed by some traditional medicinal systems. [9]

It appears however that the notion that cedarwood is an aphrodisiac fragrance may be a modern one, as it is not anywhere described as such in the old literature of the western world (via Google Books). It may however have some roots in the old Ayurvedic or similar traditional medicine system.

The earliest actual mentions I can find of cedarwood described as an aphrodisiac are from the 1980's - for example Judith Jackson's 1987 "Scentual Touch". This lack of reference however is not particularly unusual, as plant-derived fragrances were not typically listed as aphrodisiac in the old European literature of the subject. Animal based secretions such as musk were however often reported as aphrodisiac even in ancient times.

Curiously, one source mentions that cedarwood is anti-aphrodisiac - "The Botanical Gazette", Volume 12 (1887) states:

"The odor of musk, represented in the vegetable world by Mimulus moschatus and some other species of the same genus, is a notorious aphrodisiac; while an element in the fragrance of camphor, frankincense and cedarwood has the opposite effect. Scarcely anybody will acknowledge that he likes the smell of musk, but nevertheless the perfumers regard it as a principal source of profit."

However this statement should not deter us per se as cedarwood is not by any means the only plant-derived item for which both aphrodisiac and anti-aphrodisiac qualities have been claimed.

From around 1990 onwards, tables of the properties of essential oils very often describe cedarwood as aphrodisiac.... cheerfully copied ad infinitum - with no reference, source, explanation or anything.

Turning to science - no papers appear in Pubmed investigating any aphrodisiac quality of cedarwood. It does appear to have some interesting medicinal potential - and two 2003 scientific studies found cedrol, a component of cedarwood, to have a sedative effect upon inhalation. [10] [11]

In summary - cedarwood has enduring popularity as a pleasing and alluring fragrance component, especially for male scents - and has been in use in perfumery for thousands of years. However there currently appears to be little in the way of hard science to validate or deny the claim. Fortunately, there is little preventing the curious from doing their own investigation, and to wear a little of the cedarwood essential oil as a fragrance, noting whether there is increased attention, arousal or receptivity from a partner or date. One thing to note about cedarwood - it is a powerful scent, easily overpowering and 'a little goes a long way'. Also, it's important that essential oils should not be put on the skin undiluted. A small drop from an essential oil bottle on clothing may well be enough.

A personal note - I have on several occasions noted that the scent of cedarwood essential oil (Atlas Cedar / unknown) appeared to have an effect on my imagination - inspiring ideas and visionary or "mystical thoughts" - together with a mild euphoria or elevation of the spirit.