Deodar, Cedrus deodara, Himalayan cedar, deodar cedar

Cedrus deodara, popularly known as deodar, Himalayan cedar, or deodar cedar is a species of cedar belonging to Pinaceae (Pine family). The plant is native to Afghanistan, Tibet, Nepal, Pakistan, and India (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu-Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh). It is massively found in the northwest Himalayas from Kashmir to Mussoorie. It grows at altitudes of 1,500–3,200 m (5,000–10,000 ft.). In Sanskrit scripts, it is stated as the tree that grows in the place of Gods. Some of the popular common names of the plant are Deodar, Deodar cedar, Himalayan cedar, cedar, Devadara, Beyar, Devadarm, and Devdar. The botanical name of the tree is derived from the Sanskrit Nevada (Dev=Gods, Dar=wood), which means wood of the gods.

The generic name Cedrus is derived from the ancient Greek name for the coniferous tree; in another opinion the name is derived from the Greek word Kedron, a river of Judea. The specific epithet deodara is derived from Sanskrit Nevada, which refers to the tree of the gods or timber-of-the-gods; another opinion suggests that the word Deodar is derived from a historical Indian state. Since Himalayan cedar is the national tree of Pakistan, it is a very important timber tree in Pakistan, Kashmir and NW India. Its strong and durable wood is mostly used for construction. The plant is also harvested from the wild for medicinal use. It is occasionally cultivated for timber in some parts of southern Europe and is also grown as an ornamental – there are several named forms, some of which are dwarf-growing and suitable for smaller gardens.

Deodar Facts

Plant Description

Deodar is an elegant, large, ornamental, evergreen, dioecious, coniferous tree that is pyramidal when young, maturing to flat-topped trees with broad-spreading horizontal branches. It is perhaps the most pendulous of the true cedars, with drooping branchlets and branching that is gracefully drooping at the tips. Lower branches typically remain on the tree as it ages; often touching the ground. The plant normally grows about 40-50 m tall, exceptionally 60 m, with a trunk up to 3 m diameter. The plant thrives on most soils, being very tolerant of dry sites and of drought when it is established. It succeeds in very chalky soils and prefers a rich loam or sandy clay in full sun. Bark is greyish brown, dark, almost black, with vertical and diagonal cracks dividing it into irregular oblong scales. Twigs are slender, with numerous short spur shoots, branches droop with age; buds are very small and round.

Leaves

Leaves are solitary, acicular, stiff, sharp-pointed, needle-like, mostly 2.5–5 cm (0.98–1.97 in) long, occasionally up to 7 cm (2.8 in) long, slender and 1 mm (0.039 in) thick, borne singly on long shoots, and in dense clusters of 20–30 on short shoots. They vary from bright green to glaucous blue-green in color.

Leaf arrangement	Spiral
Leaf type	Simple
Leaf margin	Entire
Leaf shape	Needle-like (filiform)
Leaf venation	Parallel
Leaf type and persistence	Evergreen, needled evergreen
Leaf blade length	Less than 2 inches
Leaf color	Green, silver
Fall color	No color change
Fall characteristic	Not showy

Flower

The plant is monoecious. Male flowers are solitary and erect catkins, pale green to yellowish-green with a purplish tinge, oblong, ovoid, and 2.5 to 4.6 cm long and 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter. On opening, they elongate rapidly to 5-7.5 cm in length and become yellow with pollen. The female flowers are solitary and erect at the end of arrested branchlets; flowers, at the time of pollination, are oblong, ovoid, 1.2 to 2.0 cm long and 0.6 cm in diameter, pale glaucous green. The scales occur in a spiral of 8 x 5; at the time of pollination, they stand perpendicular to the axis, exposing ovules and close after pollination. Flowers appear between September and October.

Flower color	Unknown
Flower characteristics	Not showy

Fruit

Cones solitary or in pairs, erect, ovoid, or ellipsoidal, 7.5-12 cm long and 5- 8.7 cm in diameter with numerous fan-shaped scales arranged in a spiral of 8 x 5 on the persistent woody central axis, rounded at the apex. It is bluish when young, reddish-brown when ripe. Fruit starts maturing from September to November and the seed is shed from September to December. Seed scales are 5-6 cm wide, usually glabrous on the upper side. On each scale rests a pair of winged seeds. Seeds are triangular, winged, 2.5 to 3.7 cm long; wings with rounded corners and 2- 2.5 cm broad.

Fruit shape	Oval, cone
Fruit length	3 to 6 inches
Fruit covering	Dry or hard
Fruit color	Brown
Fruit characteristics	Does not attract wildlife; showy; fruit/leaves not a litter problem

Health benefits of Deodar

Since ancient times, deodar plants have been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. Moreover, all parts of this tree-like heartwood, leaves, bark, oil, resin, etc. have numerous types of medicinal benefits and antiseptic properties. Listed below are some of the valued benefits of Deodar

1. Treats Cough

Accumulation of mucus in the airways may cause cold-related cough. Deodar helps to reduce cough by effectively removing mucus from the airways, and it is also extensively recommended in the treatment of tuberculosis. Consuming the mixture of Deodar powder and hot water also helps to cure cough. Apart from that mix 1 drop of Davana oil with 1 drop of cedarwood oil in warm water and inhale its vapor to expel mucus from the trachea. Thus inhalation of vapor cures sinusitis, colds, fever, and cough.

2. Controls Fever

Traditional medicine uses deodar to treat viral fever and acute fevers. The inner bark of the deodar tree is finely powdered and prepared a decoction by boiling this bark powder in water or by adding some other herbal products with deodar bark powder. By consuming this distilled water for fever you can also gain energy and stability.

3. Cures Epilepsy & Neurological Disorders

Epilepsy is considered one of the most common disorders of the central nervous system, mostly affecting brain function and resulting in sensations, seizures, and loss of awareness. Deodar extract can significantly reduce the nature of epilepsy and its effects and helps in curing it over time.

Additionally, the alcoholic extract derived from the hardwood of Deodar greatly helps to regulate the levels of Kapha found in the nervous system, thus providing the body with antidepressant properties. Himalayan Cedar oil is very helpful in balancing the Vata dosha which is the main cause of various neurological disorders. Deodar oil is used to treat all nerve-related problems including stroke, nerve pain.

4. Promotes Digestion

Mild carminative and digestive properties of the Deodar helps to cure all the problems relating to the digestive system. Anti-flatulent property helps to reduce the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus reducing flatulence, bloating, constipation, and abdominal distension. Similarly, the antacid property of the herb prevents the formation of excessive acids in the stomach thus treating indigestion, ulcer, and gastritis and promoting better absorption of nutrients in the body. Additionally, it improves the peristaltic movements of the gut and helps in the complete removal of stools, and prevents the formation of Ama.

5. Rectifies Arthritis

Arthritis is caused by the severity of the maximum Vata that gathers in the body, causing swelling, pain, and difficulty in movement. Deodar tree extract has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat arthritis. Extract also has the feature of balancing the Vata and provides relief for body aches and joint pains caused by arthritis. Heartwood oil prevents leukotriene synthesis and helps stabilize mast cells. In addition, Deodar can help relieve erections in cervical spondylosis.

6. Treats Skin Disease & Wounds

Oil extracted from the Deodar plant is rich in anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. This oil when applied topically helps to treat wounds and pruritus. Apart from that its oil consists of two types of chemical compounds called Benzyl Benzoate and OCD, which kill active acaricides and effectively kill parasites and germs. Similarly, its oil is effective against Sarcoptes skin infections, including psoriasis, scabies, and eczema.

Mix Deodar, Guggulu, and Turmeric well and apply the paste to intolerant swellings. This combination is also recommended for use in the treatment of leprosy, and fungal skin infections.

7. Cure Asthma

Deodar is the most important ingredient in vegetable oil and is used to treat asthma and shortness of breath due to its anti-allergic properties. Since it consists of allergens it is used to treat hiccups, sinusitis, and runny nose.

8. Alleviates Blood Disorders

Toxins and impurities in the body and blood are excluded by ingesting Deodar bark powder or extract orally. When taken internally it can effectively improve liver function. Deodar is considered an excellent cure for vascular disorders, excessive bleeding, and infections in the blood such as sepsis.

9. Alleviates Backache

Topical formulas made with Deodar are very effective in treating back pain after childbirth and during menstruation. Additionally, its juice is taken orally to relieve back pain and strengthen the spinal cord.

10. Good Utero-Tonic

When Himalayan cedar bark extract is taken regularly, it strengthens the uterus and improves our health. When taken internally, some of the active compounds present in it stimulate the release of eggs from the ovary. This spontaneous process can effectively treat uterine dysfunction, amenorrhea, leucorrhoea, anovulation, and dysmenorrhea.

11. Aids to Control Obesity

Unhealthy eating habits and delicate lifestyles are primary causes of weight gain, which can lead to poor digestion and various diseases. Deodar wood helps to reduce obesity by helping to expel excess fat and triglycerides deposited in the body.

Similarly, antioxidants in Himalayan Cedar help greatly in reducing the toxin called Ama and improving the metabolism. All these processes are carried out by their digestive properties called Pachan and appetizer properties called Deepan.

12. Stress and Anxiety

The essential oil obtained from Deodar plays a significant role in discomforting off stress and eliminating various symptoms of anxiety-like uneasiness, restlessness, cold hands, feet, etc. Calming and grounding properties of the plant also actively help to uplift the mood and promote feelings of hope and joy.

Just pour a few drops of the cedarwood oil in the potpourri and relax in the aromatic environment or get a head massage with a few drops of this oil to get rid of stress and insomnia.

13. Treats Alopecia

Alopecia areata is a term used to describe the circular baldness or occurrence of sudden hair loss in both men and women. Deodar oil is good natural medicine with no side effects to cure alopecia and control hair loss. This oil cures scalp irritation, excessive dandruff, hair loss, etc., and promotes healthy hair growth.

14. Osteoarthritis

Deodar is beneficial in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis may cause pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving. It has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis-like pain and swelling in the joints.

15. Fights Respiratory Issues

Due to its potent anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic properties, Deodar helps in treating a host of respiratory troubles.  It is extensively used for treating the common cold, sore throat, cough and flu symptoms. It also thins and loosens the rheum particles within the chest and nasal cavities and therefore eases breathing and helps the body to get rid of mucus. It is also beneficial in treating bronchitis and asthmatic conditions.

16. Aids in Weight Loss

The abundance of flavonoids in Deodar helps the body shed excess weight faster. Due to the presence of fiber and anti-obesity action, Deodar satisfies sudden hunger pangs and prevents overeating and thus plays a pivotal role in one’s weight loss regimen. The herb also improves metabolism and helps the body to maintain a proper weight.

17. Improves Cognitive Functioning

Deodar is an ancient and traditional remedy to increase the functioning of the brain. Antioxidants present in the bark improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Several research concludes that people taking deodar in powdered or decoction form regularly, have improved memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities. It also helps in treating epilepsy, memory loss, stress, anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Traditional uses and benefits of Deodar

• Heartwood is carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and expectorant.
• Decoction of the wood is used in the treatment of fevers, flatulence, pulmonary and urinary disorders, rheumatism, piles, kidney stones, insomnia, diabetes, etc.
• It has also been used as an antidote to snake bites.
• The essential oil obtained by distillation of the wood is used in the treatment of bronchitis, menorrhagia, phthisis, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and skin eruptions.
• The resin obtained from the wood is used externally to treat bruises, skin diseases, and Joint injuries.
• It has been proved beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery.
• Leaves are used in the treatment of tuberculosis in Ayurvedic medicines.
• It is applied externally to treat skin diseases.
• The oil obtained from the seed is used externally and orally for the treatment of Syphilis.
• In Traditional Ayurvedic medicine, bark is used to cure cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, cold, cough and hiccups.
• Pollen also treats the sexual problems of both males and females.
• Paste of deodar helps to relieve swelling inflammation, pain, cleansing infected wounds, and in skin disorders associated with pain and itching.
• Its paste is applied to relieve breast pain and mastitis.
• Decoction of deodar wood pieces is made and taken twice a day in hiccups and breathlessness.
• The paste is mixed with turmeric and Guggulu and applied on indolent swellings.

Ayurvedic Health benefits of Deodar

• Diarrhea: Make a decoction of Deodar bark. Take it, twice a day.
• Skin Diseases: Apply Deodar seed oil to the infected skin, locally.
• Kidney Stones: Prepare a decoction of Deodar bark. Take it, twice a day for one week.
• Tuberculosis: Prepare a decoction of Deodar leaves. Take it, twice a day for 15 days.

Other Facts

• It is a wind-tolerant tree and can be used in shelterbelt plantings.
• It is a valuable timber, but a poor fuel, producing a lot of smoke as it burns.
• Inner part of the wood is used for making essential oils used in aromatherapy.
• The deodar is the national tree of Pakistan.
• It is worshiped as a divine tree among Hindus.
• Deodar wood was used extensively for the construction of public buildings, canals, bridges, barracks, and railway cars during the British colonial period in India and British.
• Inner wood is aromatic and used to make incense.
• Essential oil is used as insect repellent on the feet of horses, cattle, and camels.
• It is used in house building, beams, floorboards, door and window frames, furniture, general carpentry, and boats. It also produces quality plywood.
• It’s a soil conservation and erosion control species in the Himalayas.

Precautions

• It may cause allergy or skin irritation to some people.
• Always take oral medicine after food as it may lead to stomach upset in empty stomach in some individuals.
• People taking oral preparations of Deodar should be careful of pre-existing gastritis problems. Individuals with pre-existing gastric problems should start medication in low doses orally and then graduate up. Always take expert opinion before starting.
• Oral preparations may not be safe in pregnancy but acceptable in the lactation phase. Since Deodar has emmenagogue action and it acts of female hormones, pregnancy is not the right time to take it. So strict medical supervision is advisable.
• Deodar has hot potency and so not advisable for people with serious Pitta dosha.
• Some Ayurvedic texts recommend avoiding the use of Deodar in girls below 18 yrs. of age.
• Its formulation of Chandraprabha Vati contains salt during preparation and hence should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure.

 

References

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