Cedar, Japanese / Cryptomeria Japonica

Cryptomeria japonica is sold as Japanese cedar. It is not a cedar. True cedars belong to the genus Cedrus in the pine family; Cryptomeria sits in the cypress family, Cupressaceae, alongside hinoki and the junipers.

01 · Origin

Known in Japan as sugi, the tree is endemic to the country and has been planted there widely for timber. Sugi wood has a long history in Japanese building and in the casks used for sake, and old trees line the approaches to many shrines. This oil is distilled from wild-grown wood.

02 · Chemistry

Sesquiterpenes dominate: delta-cadinene and alpha-muurolene, with the alcohol 1-epi-cubenol. The absence of a large monoterpene fraction gives the oil its quiet, dry character and slow evaporation.

03 · In Practice

Woody, resinous and faintly smoky, with a dry green edge. A base note. Diffusion, meditation practice, massage blends and woody accords in natural perfumery. Comparison with Hinoki (No. 1566) gives two Japanese members of the cypress family side by side. Blends with hinoki, yuzu, frankincense, vetiver, cypress and lavender.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.