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DEVDARU

DEVDARU

Devdaru is a Sanskrit word which means “wood of Gods” and is also known as Himalayan Cedar. The paste of Devdaru, if applied on infected skin relieves itching, inflammation, stiffness and pain related to urticaria, pruritus etc. and was used in earlier times.
 
Deodar is a well-known, tall and evergreen tree found in the Himalayan region and at other parts with a high altitude in India. It bears brown seeds within a cone shaped structure. Its durable and strong timber wood is used to make houses, doors, furniture, houseboats etc. The plant also contains essential oils, which can be used for various clinical purposes like rheumatoid arthritis, headaches etc. The oil also works as an anti-fungal and disinfectant.
 
Cedrus Deodara belongs to family pinaceae and the tree is native to India, Afghanistan, Nepal and non-native to U.S.A., Canada, China, Spain, France and other places.
 
An Ayurvedic herb, Devdaru or Cedrus deodara, is known to cure neurological disorders, arthritis, headache, asthma, fever, wounds, prurirtis, various skin disorders, bloating, obesity, constipation and paralysis.
 
Parts of the Plant that are Used:
  • Wood, bark, leaves which have a bitter, warming taste.
     
  • Natural Constituents of Devdaru or Deodar
     
  • The bark and heartwood od Devdaru yield approximately 2.1% essential oils including p-himachalene, a-himachalene, o-himachalene, himachalo and p-methyl 3-tetrahydroacetophenone. It also yields saturated hydrocarbons both straight and branched chain and flavanoids such as taxifolin, quercetin and deodarin (3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxy-8-C-methyl dihydroflavonol). The most common composition of Cedar deodara is sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons. Deodar oil contains two major sesquiterpenoids a - and Ăź- himachalenes, deodardione and deodardione.
     
  • The bark contains cedeodarin, cedrin, taxifolin, cedrinoside. The essential oil comprises of limonene, alpha terpineol, caryopphyllene, eugenol and anethole. 
 
Description of Devdaru or Deodar Oil: The crude oil has a characteristic yellowish dark colour with a woody odor. The oil contains anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative and expectorant properties. The oil can be applied externally on the skin for various skin ailments such as ulcers, wounds, minor cuts and chest infections. It can also be inhaled for minor throat infections, bronchitis, anxiety and depression since it is calming in nature. 
 
Devdaru has the following medicinal and pharmacological properties: Anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, carminative, diuretic, diaphoretic, astringent, anti-fertility and anti-insecticidal which can be used to treat a wide range of health issues.
 
Devdaru and Kidneys: It can be used to prevent inflammation in kidneys. It also prevents stone formation and prevents urinary disorders.
 
Other Uses of Cedrus Deodara
  • The inner wood or heartwood of the tree is aromatic in nature and due to its pleasant fragrance it is used to make incense sticks. 
     
  • Devdaru wood is highly durable and used in construction and making furniture.
     
  • Devdaru oil possesses an insect repellent property and is applied on the feet of animals to avoid any insect bites.
     
  • Deodar oil has an anti-fungal property and can be used to control fungal infections.
     
  • Its oil can be used as a food additive. 
     
  • The oil is often used in cosmetics to add fragrance in soaps and perfumes. It also has extensive use in aromatherapy treatments.
     
  • Oil can be used as floor sprays, polishes and clearing oil.
 
Devdaru or Deodar Cedar and Safety: There is no side effects or toxicity from the plant except rare allergic reactions from the oil. It should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
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