Difference Between Cedar Leaf Oil & Cedarwood Oil

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Cedar leaf oil is made from the foliage and branch ends of the arbor vitae or white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) by steam distillation. It can also be made from the foliage of the western red cedar (Thuja plicata).

Cedarwood oil is extracted from sawdust or chips of wood from the red cedar tree (Juniperus virginiana) and other cedar and juniper species. Extraction is by steam distillation. The process uses wood that would otherwise be discarded.

The main active components of cedar leaf oil are thujones, along with fenchone.
Cedarwood oil is made up of cedrenes and other sesqueterpenes as well as cedrol and widdrol.

Cedar leaf oil is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a fresh, sharp smell and hints of camphor.
Cedarwood oil is yellow to dark brown viscous liquid that can crystalize over time. It smells woody or earthy. Cedarwood oil is much more viscous than cedar leaf oil.

Cedarwood oil was used by the ancient Egyptians during the embalming of mummies but today cedarwood oil is used for its fragrance in household cleaning products, deodorants and soaps. Cedarwood oils extracted from different cedar and juniper trees are used in natural insect repellents. The oil is also refined into cedrol and cedryl acetate for the pharmaceutical and fragrance industries.

Cedar leaf oil contains a high proportion of thujone, the hallucinogenic component of absinthe and is regarded as an abortifacient (a substance that can trigger miscarriage).

Cedarwood oil is used as an expectorant and as a topical treatment for acne.

Cedar leaf oil is used in cold remedies for its anti-congestive properties. It is the main component of Thuja Oil, used to treat genital warts. Thuja oil is said to also be an effective remedy for a wide range of ailments, including respiratory infections. The American Cancer Society warns that there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims.