Cedar: wood to burn, true and false cedars, how to choose and stay safe

What is cedar for burning?

The word 'cedar' is misleading: it refers to several trees that are not closely related.

• The true cedars form the genus Cedrus, conifers of the pine family: the Lebanon cedar (C. libani, from the mountains of Lebanon, Syria and southern Turkey), the Atlas cedar (C. atlantica, Morocco and Algeria) and the Himalayan cedar or deodar (C. deodara).
• The 'cedars' of North America are not true cedars: eastern red cedar is a juniper (Juniperus virginiana), western red cedar a thuja (Thuja plicata). These are the source of many 'cedar' shavings sold for scent or for wardrobe care.

The part used is the wood (shavings, sawdust), sometimes the twigs, or the oil obtained by distilling the wood. 'Cedar scent' products (sticks, cones) often contain it in the form of oil.

A little history

Lebanon cedar has a place in ancient history: the Epic of Gilgamesh mentions a cedar forest, the Phoenicians used its wood for their ships and exported it to Egypt, and the Bible tells how Solomon had it brought for the Temple of Jerusalem. The tree appears today on the Lebanese flag. Ancient texts mention resin and oil 'of cedar'; the exact identification of the trees behind these words remains debated by specialists (some suggest juniper). The Sanskrit name of deodar, devadāru, means 'wood of the gods'.

Its scent, described simply

Cedar smells of dry, clean wood, with a slightly peppery softness that recalls a freshly sharpened pencil (pencils were once made of eastern red cedar). Himalayan deodar is more resinous and more camphoraceous. The smoke is discreet and somewhat dry. Enthusiasts say it adds air and structure to a blend.

Traditional cultural uses

In the Himalayas, according to local customs, twigs and deodar wood are used in temple incenses. Among many North American peoples, the smoke of eastern red cedar accompanies purification rites, whose details belong to each nation. In Europe, pieces of cedar were long kept in wardrobes, more for their smell than for any ritual. Today, cedar is a simple ambient scent, which many people use when they want a woody smoke that is not very sweet.

How to burn it

• Shavings on a heating plate or a sheet of mica: a clean scent, without crackling.
• Shavings on charcoal: cedar wood contains resin pockets that crackle and throw off small sparks; use a deep burner, with sand, and fine shavings.
• Sticks and cones: convenient, but read the composition; many contain only a scented oil.

Never burn painted, varnished, glued or treated wood: only raw wood shavings sold for incense are suitable. The Incense and smoke cleansing guide details the equipment.

Choosing well and spotting imitations

Ask for the Latin name: 'cedar' without further detail can mean a juniper or a thuja. Shavings should have a clean smell of dry wood, without a chemical aroma. Be wary of wardrobe shavings treated with insecticides or scented, offcuts from carpentry of unknown origin, and 'cedar' sticks whose list mentions only 'fragrance'.

Sustainability and ethics

True cedars are fragile: the IUCN classes Lebanon cedar as 'vulnerable' and Atlas cedar as 'endangered', because of deforestation, fires and overharvesting of the wood. Do not look for wood from these trees for incense, unless the seller can prove it comes from timber offcuts or plantations. North American 'cedars' are more abundant; they may come from sawmill offcuts, which is good news when that is the case, but check it.

Cedar is also an alternative to palo santo and sandalwood, two woods under pressure; choose it too with a clearly stated origin.

Safety

Resinous wood crackles and can throw off sparks: use a deep burner, away from fabrics and paper, and never leave it unattended. Air the room, burn little, and avoid any smoke in a bedroom. People with asthma or who are sensitive to smoke, young children and birds should not be exposed; dogs and cats must be able to leave the room.

Storage

Keep the shavings in a jar or a paper bag, in a dry place. They keep their smell for several years, which gradually fades; it can be revived by rubbing or lightly sanding them.

Pairings with other incenses

Frequently asked questions

Also read

The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Guide to incense and resins.