Cade EO
Description: Cade oil is distilled from the young twigs and wood of more mature plants. The oil is resinous, a darkish brown colour, and has a strange wary smell which is even caustic and tar-like (not surprisingly, as creosol forms the main constituent of creosote).
The principal constituents: Phenols (creosol, guaiacol), sesquiterpenes (cadinene) and terpenes.
Oil of Cade from J. oxycedrus is applied to skin rashes, scaling eczema, and psoriasis. It is made by dry distillation of the heartwood of various species of juniper tree. It is also known as juniper tar oil and contains phenol, which has a mild disinfectant action. Applied externally, it is a non-irritant and used mainly for such chronic conditions as scaling eczema and psoriasis.
Cade oil hair rinse is effective on psoriasis of the scalp, and is made by adding a few drops of oil to hot water and leaving on the hair for fifteen minutes before rinsing off.
ITS USES
In illnessUnadulterated cade oil is one of the best remedies for hair loss, dandruff, hair weakened by dyeing and bleaching, and skin eruptions.
Dandruff remedyThis makes enough for only a few applications.
- 5 ml (1 tsp) castor oil
- 2 drops wheatgerm oil
- 3 ml (a good 1/2 tsp) soya oil
- 10 drops cade oil
- Mix all the ingredients together well, and place in a dark bottle. To use, rub gently into scalp, massage for a few moments, then leave for a couple of hours. Wash off with a mild shampoo. Use twice a week I would advise consulting a practitioner concerning any other hair problems, as they can be caused by diet or other conditions, and will need expert or specialist treatment.
Cautions
Dangers: Unfortunately, cade is often adulterated with pine, birch, petrol and tar, so the benefits this oil can offer to the skin are limited (the name ‘creosote’ comes from the Greek words meaning flesh-saving, referring to the powerful antiseptic action on the skin). In fact the false oil can provoke terrible skin reactions so, to check, hold the oil up to a light: if it is blackish-brown instead of reddish and dark, it may have been adulterated.
Juniper tar (cade oil) poisoning in new born after a cutaneous application