Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): What it is and how people use it

Quick fact: eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper, not a true cedar. People use the wood, berries, and essential oil for scent, pests, and traditional remedies. This page gives clear, practical notes on common uses, safe ways to try it, and important warnings.

The wood smells warm and slightly sweet. That aroma makes cedar chips popular for closets, furniture, and natural moth repellents. The berries are small, blue, and often used like other juniper berries — but they’re stronger and shouldn’t be overused. The essential oil is concentrated and widely sold for its woody fragrance and topical uses.

Practical uses and simple how-tos

For scent and pest control: place a few cedar chips or a small cedar block in closets and drawers. Replace or sand the surface every year so the scent refreshes. For a low-effort room scent, add a few drops of cedarwood oil to a diffuser for short sessions (10–30 minutes).

Making a mild tea (berry infusion): crush 3–5 ripe berries and steep in one cup of hot water for 5–10 minutes. Sip slowly and don’t drink it daily. This is a traditional use; treat it like a strong herbal tea and stop if you feel any stomach upset or dizziness.

Topical use: dilute cedarwood essential oil in a carrier oil (like jojoba or sweet almond). A safe starting ratio is 1–2 drops of cedarwood oil per teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil. Apply a small amount to a patch of skin first to check for irritation. Don’t apply undiluted essential oil directly to skin.

Safety, cautions, and who should avoid it

Do not use eastern red cedar internally if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Juniper-type berries can stimulate uterine contractions and affect kidneys in sensitive people. If you have kidney disease, talk to a healthcare provider before using any internal form.

Allergic reactions and skin sensitivity happen. Always patch-test diluted oil on the inside forearm and wait 24 hours. If you notice redness, itching, or burning, stop using it. Children and pets can be more sensitive—keep essential oils and crushed berries out of reach.

Buy quality products: choose reputable brands for essential oils (look for Juniperus virginiana on the label) and avoid oils labeled only as “cedar blend” without clear ingredients. If you harvest wood or berries yourself, make sure the tree identification is correct and harvest sustainably—don’t strip whole branches and avoid protected areas.

Want more detail on related herbs or safe drug interactions? Browse our guides on herbal safety and specific medicines. Eastern red cedar can be useful around the home, but respect its strength and follow simple safety steps to avoid problems.