A tall, 30-40 m (100-130 ft.) coniferous tree, with a dark-brown or grey, deeply ridged trunk and wide branches bearing whorls of needle-like leaves. It carries both male and female cones, the latter being the larger. They are green at first, turning brown as they ripen over a two-year period, when they break up to release the seeds. Cedars often reach a great age, living for several hundred years.
History and traditions
The ancient Egyptians used oil of cedar for embalming and in their religious rituals. These beautiful, wide-spreading trees, with their head-clearing pine scent, were much prized in biblical times and celebrated in the Song of Solomon (“His countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars”). And in the Canticles, that evocative Hebrew love poem, also attributed to Solomon, the beloved is compared to many plant fragrances, and told, “The smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.” King Solomon is also alleged to have denuded Lebanon of its cedars to build his massive temple.
Related species
There are only four species of conifers which are true cedars, all rich in aromatic essential oil. As well as C. libani, there is C. atlantica (Atlas cedar) and C. brevifolia (Cyprus cedar), both classified by some authorities as subspecies of C. libani, and C. deodara, the Indian cedar.
Growth
Fully hardy trees, they grow in any well-drained soil and a sunny position.
Uses
Medicinal
The essential oil has antiseptic, fungicide and insect-repellent properties. It is used as a steam inhalation for bronchial and respiratory complaints, to soothe skin irritations, for alopecia, dandruff and other scalp problems. It also has a calming effect for states of anxiety.
Aromatic
The oil is added to perfumery, soaps and cosmetics. The wood is used to make furniture and storage chests which, due to its aromatic properties, helps to deter moths and insects.
