Synopsis

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

Cedar, referring generally to species within the genera Cedrus, Thuja, or Juniperus, has been used traditionally in various cultures to support the healing of scratches and abrasions. Indigenous peoples in North America, for example, have used parts of cedar trees—such as leaves, bark, and oils—in topical preparations for minor wounds, skin irritations, and as antiseptics. Historical ethnobotanical records document the application of cedar poultices or decoctions to the skin to promote wound healing and prevent infection. The underlying rationale is that cedar contains aromatic oils and compounds (e.g., thujone, cedrol) believed to have antimicrobial properties.

However, scientific validation for these traditional uses is limited. While in vitro studies have shown that certain cedar extracts can inhibit the growth of some bacteria and fungi, there is scant clinical evidence or modern trials directly evaluating cedar’s effectiveness for treating scratches or abrasions in humans. Most available support remains anecdotal or based on traditional knowledge rather than robust scientific inquiry. Therefore, while cedar’s use for this purpose is clearly rooted in tradition, the strength of evidence supporting its efficacy is low, meriting a rating of 2 out of 5.

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