The Grounding Power of Cedarwood and Winter Wisdom

Hello Friend!

Part of the winter experience in the Northern Hemisphere is navigating the colder-than-wanted weather. Many animals instinctively prepare, hunkering down as the temperatures dip toward subzero. This seasonal shift has a quiet wisdom—an invitation to do the same.

Winter is the perfect time to embrace grounding, turn inward, and seek warmth in the things that nourish us most. This is when the deep, woody, and root-based essential oils shine—not only for their ability to center and calm us but also for their powerful role in immune support. These oils, rich in protective and fortifying properties, help create an environment of strength and stability—both physically and emotionally.

One oil that comes to mind as I reflect on this is Indian cedarwood (Cedrus deodara). Majestic and deeply grounding, this cedarwood variety has a rich, balsamic aroma that carries hints of earthiness and warmth. Native to the Himalayas, it has long been revered for its ability to calm the mind, fortify the spirit, and support the immune system. Like many grounding oils, Indian cedarwood is known for its purifying properties, helping to clear the air and promote a sense of well-being—just what we need as we move through winter.

In the Southern Hemisphere, where the sun is high, and summer is in full swing, grounding oils are just as valuable—only now, they can be beautifully paired with bright, uplifting citrus or floral oils to create a sense of harmony with the season. 

No matter where you are in the world, this time of year offers an opportunity to reconnect—with yourself, your space, and the oils that support your journey.

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February 19, 2025 ⏰ 1 PM ET

Aromatic Creations Recipe

This week, we’re blending the rooted depth of Indian cedarwood with the bright, uplifting notes of blood orange and neroli in a silky lotion. While this blend is deeply centering, it also offers immune support. Indian cedarwood, like many grounding oils, has natural purifying and fortifying properties, making it a wonderful choice for wellness during seasonal shifts. Adding blood orange and neroli enhances the blend with their uplifting and soothing qualities, creating a lotion that nurtures both the body and the senses.

Grounding & Immune-Supporting Cedarwood Lotion

Ingredients and Essential Oils

• 2 oz (56 g) Unscented Lotion

• 8 drops Indian Cedarwood Oil (Cedrus deodara)

• 8 drops Blood Orange Oil (Citrus sinensis)

• 4 drops Neroli Oil (Citrus aurantium var amara)

Directions:

1. Add unscented lotion to a 2 oz (60 ml) jar.

2. Drop the essential oils directly into the lotion.

3. Stir gently with a clean spoon (if your jar is small, you may want to stir with the spoon’s handle) or a small spatula to fully incorporate.

4. Give yourself a massage after a shower or before bed for calm and clarity.

For children (ages 5-10): Reduce the total number of essential oil drops to 10 by cutting each in half.

Indian cedarwood helps us feel rooted and steady while offering subtle antimicrobial properties contributing to a strong, resilient foundation. This makes it a beautiful addition to an evening ritual for grounding the mind and supporting the immune system.

Notes of Discovery

A Personalized Approach to Immune Support

There’s something deeply satisfying about crafting your own wellness remedies—simple blends that nurture your body and connect you to the timeless wisdom of plants. When the air turns crisp and winter settles in, our immune systems need all the support they can get.

This is where aromatherapy shines. A DIY immunity roller blend is a practical way to keep that support close at hand—small enough to fit in your pocket or bag, ready whenever you need it.

What You'll Learn in This Blog:

• A simple roller blend recipe for immune support

• How each ingredient works to fortify your body’s natural defenses

• Tips for safe and effective essential oil usage

• Alternative oils if you need substitutions

This blend offers a daily ritual that nurtures resilience and well-being, one drop at a time.

Read the full blog post & get the recipe here:
DIY Immunity Roller Blend with Essential Oils

✨ Plus, this blog includes a free downloadable guide packed with recipes and insights to help you stay healthy all season long!

Product Spotlight

Indian Cedarwood Essential Oil – A Majestic, Grounding Ally

When I reach for Indian cedarwood (Cedrus deodara), I’m immediately drawn in by its rich, woody aroma—steady, grounding, and deeply restorative. This oil has a special place in my blends. I’m comforted by its centering presence and how it supports emotional balance and immune health. It’s the perfect addition to my grounding formulations, where it brings a sense of warmth and connection. 

Indian cedarwood blends beautifully with other woody and resinous oils, creating an anchoring foundation for body oils, lotions, and diffuser blends. Its aroma carries the soul of the Himalayas, where these majestic, wise trees grow strong and resilient.

What makes this oil even more special is its sustainability. Sourced with care, Indian cedarwood is a renewable resource, harvested responsibly to ensure the continued health of the forests it calls home.

Why You'll Love Indian Cedarwood:

• Grounding and centering, calming the mind, and bringing balance

• Supports immune health with its naturally purifying and protective qualities

• Great for evening rituals, promoting deep relaxation and restful sleep

• Versatile for skincare and home, blending beautifully into lotions, body oils, or diffusers

• It pairs well with citrus and florals.

Indian cedarwood reminds me to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the strength found in nature. It’s a staple in my collection, whether I’m blending for calm, resilience, or a simple appreciation of its beauty.

From The Vine

Cedarwoods

Reader Question: Is Indian Cedarwood the same as Cedarwood Atlas?

Karen’s Response:
This is a great question! Cedarwood is one of those essential oils for which the Latin name is especially important.

There are three main types of cedarwood commonly used in aromatherapy:

• Indian Cedarwood (Cedrus deodara) – Native to the Himalayas, deeply grounding with a rich, balsamic, woody aroma.

• Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica) – Grown in Morocco, slightly sweeter and drier, with strong relaxing properties. 

• Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) – Sometimes called Virginia cedarwood, but botanically a juniper. It’s softer, with a warm, pencil-shaving-like scent.

Each has unique qualities and origins, yet they share overlapping properties—especially for grounding, calming, and immune support. All three are usually interchangeable in blends, depending on aroma preference and availability.

One important note—Cedarwood Atlas is currently on the sustainability watch list due to overharvesting concerns. However, replantation programs and responsible sourcing initiatives are helping to restore and protect these valuable trees. When purchasing Cedarwood Atlas, it’s always a good idea to check that it comes from a supplier committed to sustainable practices. (The oil I shared above is sustainably sourced.)

I love exploring the nuances between these different cedarwood varieties. Do you have a favorite? Let’s continue the conversation!

Stay Inspired!

The Himalayas, home to the towering Cedrus deodara, embody a quiet strength—steadfast, ancient, and deeply rooted in the earth. Their presence reminds us that true resilience isn’t about resistance but about standing firm, bending with the winds of change, and finding stillness in the vastness of it all.