Cedar – (Calocedrus Decurrens)

Cedar is used in part with White Sage to smudge and cleanse a space.  A few pinches of the dried herb are placed on a hot charcoal disk, which immediately releases a wonderful scent. The smell of burring cedar is said to attract good spirits and eliminate negative energies. You may wave the smoke around yourself, or anyone else by using a feather or even cupping it with your hand. Use caution to avoid spreading burning embers.

As one of the first trees in creation and one of the most powerful medicines, people are naturally drawn to ceder. In addition to its use as a smudging agent, cedar can be made into a tea.  Steep hot water over the twigs and branches to treat fevers, rheumatic complaints, chest colds and flu. Leaves and small twigs are added to a hot bath for relieving symptoms of the common cold and as a full body cleanse.  Smokers can benefit from the bath as it helps to open breathing passageways.  Those suffering from foot or toe fungus can soak their feet in a tea several times daily until it clears up.

Cedar is a powerful antimicrobial and is used topically and internally.

Caution:  Cedar contains strong volatile oils including thujone, a ketone that is known to be toxic in large quantities.  Cedar is strong medicine and should be used with care – the dosage is usually low and it is not used for long periods of time.  It should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding or with kidney weakness.