Introduction
Cedrus deodara or devdar or devadaru or deodar or Himalayan cedar or devadar or 雪松(xue song) is a species of cedar native which is a genus of conical, coniferous tree from the snowy slopes of the Himalayas in the plant family pinaceae occurring at altitudes of 1500-3200m in the Himalayas and Mediterranean region . cedrus trees can grow up to 30-40m tall (occasionally 60m)tall with spicy-resinous scented wood, needle like leaves measuring 8-60mm long.
Etymology
According to etymology belief, the word derives from the Sanskrit term which means “wood of the gods”, a compound of deva “god, divine” and daru “wood, tree”. Among Hindus, it is also worshiped as divine tree or god of the tree and used to perform meditation to please Lord shiva in deodar forests.
The bark is very dark to black and the cones are held upright. It's spreading branches droop or ‘weep’ at their ends and leaves are pointed. Nowadays cedar wood and cedar oil are known to be a natural repellent to moths.
Major chemical Constituents
The heart wood of Devdaru contains Terpenoids, Flavonoids and Glycosides as main constitute.Essential oil from wood; P- methylacetophenon, atlantone, Sesquiterpenes (a&b – Himochalene , Himachalol etc) stem bark; decoction , Toxifilin.. Its properties and action as described in Ayurveda is given below.
Rasa (Taste): Tikta/Bitter
Guna (Characteristics): Laghu/Light, Snigdha/Unctuous
Virya (Potency): Ushna/Hot
Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Katu/Pungent
Cultivation and Uses
It is widely grown for different purposes like ornamental ,medical uses, insecticides and so on. General cultivation is limited to areas with mild winters, with trees frequently killed by temperatures below approx -25 degree Celsius. It's wood used extensively for constructing public building, temples, houseboat, bridges, canals etc and is in great demand as building material because of its durability, rot-resistant character and shiny oily appearance. Despite its durability, it is not a strong timber and it is unsuitable for delicate work where strength is required like chair making due to its brittle in nature.
The use of deodara in Ayurvedic medicines is well recorded. Its inner wood is aromatic and used to make incense and even can be distilled into essential oil. As insects avoid this tree, the essential oil is used as insect repellent (usually on the feet of domestic animals) as well for antifungal properties(fungal deterioration during storage of meat and food grains).
Even, people suffering from asthma are advised to sit under a Deodar tree early in the morning to improve his/her health.
Cedar oil also often used for its aromatic properties, especially in aromatherapy for improving psychological or physical well-being through topical appliacation,, massage, water immersion etc. It has a characteristic woody odour which may change somewhat in the course of drying out.
The unrefined oils are often yellowish or darker in colour. It's applications cover soap perfumes, household sprays, floor polishes and insecticides and is also used as microscopic work as a clearing oil.
Wood oil is extracted from the heartwood. The oil is antiseptic and is used in skin diseases. Internally, the oil purifies the blood.
The wood oil is also anti-inflammatory as it stabilize mast cell and inhibits synthesis of leukotriene.
It is even useful in treating disorders of imbalance such as neuralgia,paralysis,constipation,bloating,etc.
It also cleanses infected wound and usually applied externally but orally for treating syphilis.
The decoction of bark is used in diarrhea, dysentery, fever and painful urination which help to promotes to urinate.
External appliancation of paste of Deodar helps to relieve breast pain, swelling, inflammation, cleansing infected wounds,and in skin disorders associated with pain and itching. It's paste ingredient also helps to relieve stiffness as in rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis, sweating tretment as well powder ingredient can be useful in treating obesity, pruritus, urticaria etc.
Medicinal Activities of Deodar
Devdar possess following pharmacological activities.
• Antifertility: Reduces fertility
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduce inflammation
• Antiseptic: prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
• Antispasmodic: Relieves spasm of involuntary muscle
• Antiviral: Effective against viruses
• Astringent: Constricts soft organic tissue
• Carminative: Relieves gas in the alimentary tract (colic or flatulence or griping)
• Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration
• Diuretic: Causes increased passing of urine
• Insecticide: Kills insects
Ayurvedic medicines with Cedrus deodara ingredient:k
• Devdarvadi kashaya– used in the treatment of cough, cold, bronchitis, asthma, bodyache etc.
Chandraprabha vati– used in diabetes, diseases of urinary tract.
• Maharasnadi kashayam– used in Vata disorders like Kampavata (Parkinson’s disease), hemiplegia, paraplegia, Neck pain, low back pain, etc
• Pushkaramoolasav – used in treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder, Bronchitis etc.
• Anu oil– used in the treatment of diseases of the above sense organs.
Side effects:
There are no known side effects with this medicine and can be used safely during lactation period and in children. Seek medical advise for usage during pregnancy.
