What is Eastern red cedar good for?
Eastern Red Cedar wood is still used today in herbal medicine for respiratory conditions, as an expectorant to help clear catarrh, coughs, bronchitis and sinusitis. As an anti-spasmodic, it’s used to treat aches, pains and stiffness, arthritis and rheumatism. Penetrating oils are a top choice for finishing cedar wood, especially for outdoor projects. These oils soak deep into the wood, providing a long-lasting protective layer from within. This deep penetration helps the oil enhance the wood’s natural color and texture, giving it a rich, vibrant look.Red cedar is denser than white cedar and tends to be more naturally resistant to rot, insects, and weather. Both types of wood are popular choices used for furniture, flooring, siding, shingles, decks, and more. White cedar is less resistant to moisture and rot, but is usually more budget friendly.Cedar wood contains natural oils that help protect it from insects and decay; however, if not properly maintained, it’s still prone to rotting over time. Regular exposure to moisture and humidity without proper maintenance may cause the wood fibers to break down and weaken your plank’s overall structure.Cedar is an exceptionally durable wood that can withstand rain, wind, snow, and heat. However, untreated cedar fences may fade over time and require yearly maintenance to prevent damage from termites and other insects.These oils are cedar’s medicine to repel insects, molds, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Our ancestors discovered this long ago and used cedar’s medicine in and on themselves to ward off external forces. Cedar leaf is a useful anti-fungal for skin and nail fungus.
What is the difference between red cedar and eastern red cedar?
Western Red Cedar: Sports a fine grain and a smooth texture, making it perfect for those who appreciate a subtle charm that ages gracefully. Eastern Red Cedar: Offers a denser, more knotty look, exuding a robust character that’s as strong as it is aromatic. There are multiple species of Cedar, some don’t taste that great but are safe, and some are neither safe nor tasty. There is one species that delivers a safe and delicious eating experience: authentic Western Red Cedar.Western red cedar used indoors for paneling, posts, beams and joinery requires less protection than exterior siding, trim and decks and consequently different types of finishes are used. The exception to this general rule is when the western red cedar may be subjected to high moisture levels, for example in bathrooms.Red cedar is widely used in shelterbelts and wildlife plantings. The close-grained, aromatic, and durable wood of junipers is used for furniture, interior paneling, novelties, and fence posts. The fruits and young branches contain aromatic oil that is used in medicines.The disadvantages of cedar include its susceptibility to rotting if not properly maintained, and limited availability in some locales. Regular maintenance like cleaning and sealing can help mitigate these issues.
What’s so special about red cedar?
Western red cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insect damage, so no chemical treatment is required. Its superior durability, aesthetic beauty and dimensional stability make it an excellent choice for exterior applications in residential or commercial projects. Eastern red cedar poses a mild toxicity risk to dogs. Canines may be poisoned by consuming high amounts of the plant, particularly the fruits and leaves. If ingested, dogs might exhibit symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset or respiratory issues.Essential oils that are too concentrated can cause lavender poisoning and skin irritation. Some dogs can have allergic reactions to essential oils, including symptoms like a rash, itchy skin, hives, sneezing, a runny nose, and red eyes.A few examples of toxic plants for dogs include lavender plants, citronella, snake plants, lucky bamboo, hydrangeas, and certain poisonous palm plants for dogs. These toxic plants for dogs can produce symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and more.
How to use Eastern red cedar?
As a craft product, Eastern red cedar was used for carving, furniture, fence posts, and moth proofing. Juniperus virginiana was used as a spiritual incense and as an aromatic wood to make instruments. Smudge sticks were made with the leaves for purification rituals. Cedar wood is used for totem poles, carvings, masks and longhouses, as well as canoes, paddles, hooks, spears and fishing floats. Fish are preserved in cedar smokehouses or dried on cedar racks. Western red cedar is also used by Indigenous people to make bentwood boxes to store food or other goods.Juniperus virginiana, also known as eastern redcedar, red cedar, Virginian juniper, eastern juniper, red juniper, and other local names, is a species of juniper native to eastern North America from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and east of the Great Plains.As a craft product, Eastern red cedar was used for carving, furniture, fence posts, and moth proofing. Juniperus virginiana was used as a spiritual incense and as an aromatic wood to make instruments. Smudge sticks were made with the leaves for purification rituals.Prized for its natural fragrance, western red cedar’s aroma is described as pleasantly sweet, citrusy, and slightly spicy. And while humans may be drawn to it, insects and pests are not, making the wood particularly beneficial for exterior applications like structures, cladding, and decking, among many others.Some people do use cedar for a quick warm-up during the spring and fall seasons, where a short burst of hot fire can take the chill off. One thing not to blame cedars for: It has not been proven that cedars produce toxic smoke, unlike some glue fumes in composite wood products.
Is Eastern red cedar medicinal?
Eastern red cedar is a tree. The wood, berries, and leaves are used for medicine. People take Eastern red cedar for cough, bronchitis, joint pain (rheumatism), water retention, and flatulence. They also take it to improve appetite and digestion, and as a treatment for fungal infections and worms. Flavorful and simple to prepare, cedar tea is packed with vitamin C for cold and flu season. The sacred cedar has traditionally been used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes by many Native communities. Do some research before foraging to ensure you have the right leaves, either eastern red or northern white cedar.Eastern red cedar is a tree. The wood, berries, and leaves are used for medicine. People take Eastern red cedar for cough, bronchitis, joint pain (rheumatism), water retention, and flatulence. They also take it to improve appetite and digestion, and as a treatment for fungal infections and worms.Flavorful and simple to prepare, cedar tea is packed with vitamin C for cold and flu season. The sacred cedar has traditionally been used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes by many Native communities. Do some research before foraging to ensure you have the right leaves, either eastern red or northern white cedar.
Is eastern red cedar dust toxic?
Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Aromatic Red Cedar has been reported to cause skin and respiratory irritation. Red Cedar trees have natural insecticidal properties that help repel fleas, ticks, and other insects. The concentration of the insecticidal compounds varies by species of Red Cedar tree, with the Western Red Cedar tree having the highest concentration of these insecticidal compounds.The wood is rich in essential oils, particularly thujaplicins and cedrol, which give it its distinctive scent. This fragrance is not only pleasant but also serves a practical purpose; it acts as a natural insect repellent, making cedar wood a popular choice for building materials and furniture.Cedarwood. The earthy, woody scent of cedarwood serves as a natural mosquito repellent. You might find cedarwood chips or essential oil used in outdoor sprays or diffusers. Its compounds, cedrol and thujone, might help to keep mosquitoes at bay.Natural deterrent: Due to the cedar’s significant repelling properties, it naturally deters a number of insects. This includes adult clothing moths, clothing moth larvae, silverfish, termites, carpet beetles and cockroaches.