Synopsis

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

Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara) has a longstanding history of use as an insect repellent in traditional medicine and household practices, particularly in India and surrounding regions. The wood, oil, and sometimes leaves have been utilized for their aromatic properties, which are believed to deter insects such as mosquitoes and moths. Traditional knowledge sources and ethnobotanical surveys document the practice of placing cedar chips in storage areas or burning cedar wood to keep insects away. The effectiveness is attributed to the volatile oils present in the plant, which are thought to create an unfavorable environment for pests.

However, scientific validation for these traditional practices is limited. While there are some laboratory studies indicating that essential oils from related cedar species (such as Cedrus atlantica and Cedrus libani) can have insecticidal or repellent effects, direct studies on Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara) are scarce and generally preliminary. The evidence does not reach the rigor or volume required for strong scientific confirmation, and most data come from anecdotal reports or small-scale experiments. As such, the use of Himalayan Cedar for insect repellency is primarily justified by tradition rather than robust scientific evidence.

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