|
 Cedarwood
has been used throughout the ages by numerous races. The first
documented use of cedarwood oil was by the Ancient Egyptians
2000-3000 years Before Christ. They used cedarwood oil in the
mummification process and also made the coffin from cedarwood . The
Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used cedarwood
oil to ward off infections and as an ingredient used in cosmetics.
They also
impregnated papyrus leaves with it to repel insects.
The early Europeans
used cedarwood oil to help heal the sick and to prevent
outbreaks of disease. Europeans used cedarwood oil to cure
indigestion, flatulence, leprosy, bubonic plague, smallpox and
fever. In the 17th century, English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper, had
observed that cedarwood was a remedy for heart failure, coughs,
shortness of breath, tuberculosis and menstruation. The American
Indians seemed to have used cedarwood oil for almost any health
condition.
But cedarwood oil
was not only used to cure actual physical illnesses, it was also
used by the American Indians to cleanse the spirit, ward off evil,
and to communicate with nature, including both plants and animals.
During the Middle Ages, Europeans thought that placing a cedar tree
beside the front door would keep witches from entering their houses.
Thus, through out
history, cedarwood oil has been used by a variety of cultures, in
different ways to prevent or cure illnesses. This was all done
without the scientific knowledge to understand the theory and
chemical composition of cedarwood. Therefore, trial and error must
have been used to determine the effect the oil would have on an
individual illness. |
