Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) has a long-standing history of traditional use as an insect repellent, especially in North America. Indigenous peoples and early settlers commonly used the aromatic wood and foliage to deter moths, cockroaches, and other insects. The wood's strong, distinctive scent is due to volatile oils—primarily cedrene and thujopsene—which are believed to have repellent properties. Cedar chests and closets made from Eastern Red Cedar are still popular for protecting clothing and linens from insect damage, particularly from moths.

Scientific validation for these uses is limited. Some studies have demonstrated that essential oils or extracts from various cedar species, including Juniperus virginiana, can repel certain insects. For example, research has shown that cedarwood oil can reduce moth infestations and repel some species of ants and ticks. However, the efficacy is often less than that of synthetic repellents, and results can vary depending on the method of application and insect species. There is little robust clinical or field research directly supporting the effectiveness of Eastern Red Cedar as a broad-spectrum insect repellent, especially in comparison to conventional repellents like DEET. Thus, the use of Eastern Red Cedar for this purpose is primarily justified by tradition, with some supporting but limited scientific evidence.

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