Most people don’t give much thought to plants or trees, but it has not always been this way. Plants or herbs were commonly used in ancient times for ailments, epidemics, skin-care, embalming and of course flavoring and curing of foods. Trees were revered, worshiped, and used for furniture, homes and tools. Nature was man’s first source for health, home and work until the Industrial age. The way that health-care and even common goods and services were administered radically changed the way that people viewed what was once so familiar. Nature became something that poets wrote about and families visited on vacations.
In the past few years education and greater global awareness have challenged our sleepy remembrance of how beneficial plants and trees are to our survival. Cedar has held a valuable role in the health of our planet from past to present. The pollination story of the Mountain Cedar sheds light on the negative impact of mankind on this tree and its story of survival. Coexistence is a challenge for those who live in the vicinity of modern day Cedar trees. The debilitating effects of Cedar pollen and how the body responds to this allergen will be explained. And finally an aromatherapy solution for Cedar Fever that comes from the actual source of the problem will be discussed. There are many types of Cedar. Junipers tend to be lumped in with Cedars, though each variety of Cedar and Juniper has a completely unique chemical profile. What is commonly referred to, as Mountain Cedar or Texas Cedarwood is actually a type of Juniper (Juniperus ashei). Texas, along with its neighboring states and Northern Mexico, are home to this prolific tree. The central part of Texas accounts for about 90% of Mountain Cedars in the United States. There are green belts of Cedar (a.k.a. Junipers) throughout the United States, Canada, and even Japan. In his book, ‘Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit’, Gabriel Mojay, explains that, “Juniper is one of the very first plants to be used by humankind.” (Mojay page 86) It was burned as a fumigant to prevent the spread of epidemics and disease from the dawn of civilization until as recently as the 19th century to prevent the spread of small pox. (Mojay page 86) Its ancient popularity may be linked in part to its prevalence. Juniper is the most widely spread conifer on the face of the Earth, being found everywhere in the northern hemisphere. There is much written in 
ancient texts about the powers and use of the Juniper to cleanse and purify the body, mind, and dwellings and of its use as a natural contraceptive. Today, Juniper is most commonly used to flavor gin. It is also used in diuretic (elimination of fluids) and laxative preparations. Juniper is known for removing toxins and is used in this capacity for skin conditions such as weeping type eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It has a warming, invigorating effect upon the body and is suited for matters associated with poor circulation, digestive problems and rheumatic pain. Bronchitis, congestion and respiratory ailments benefit from the oil of this plant. In addition, Juniper works on an emotional level to help those who feel overwhelmed by their own thoughts. It is a superior mental tonic for those who experience rigidity and gloom. Energetically, cedarwood is a powerful Qi tonic. Qi has been described as “life force” or the subtle energy that sustains and is within all living things. (Battaglia Page 179) In stark contrast to the varied and numerous benefits of Cedar is the intense part of its growing period. By late October or early November in Texas pollination season begins. For three to four months the air in Texas is flooded with billions of pollen particles. The male tree releases clouds of thick pollen that looks like puffs of orange smoke clouds that can spread its allergens as far as 400 miles away. (PR News) Hypersensitivity to Mountain Cedar pollen can produce the illness referred to as Cedar Fever, which can include uncomfortable or sometimes disabling allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, eye irritation, cold/flu symptoms, respiratory difficulties, fever, chills, headache, inability to concentrate, sleeplessness, and fatigue. “It is estimated 34% of allergy patients in central Texas are allergic exclusively to Mountain Cedar pollen. The other 66% are allergic to Mountain Cedar along with other aeroallergens.”(PR News) According to research published by The Journal of Immunology, Mountain cedar pollen has been labeled a new class of pollen allergens that are contributing to allergic disease. (Midoro-Horiuti) The affects of hypersensitivity to aeroallergens such as mountain cedar cause allergic diseases in up to 30% of the adult population and 40% of children. (Brooks) The human body’s immune system can be understood as a organization of dedicated cells that search out and annihilate potentially harmful foreign trespassers, such as viruses, bacteria, cancerous cells, and the like. The search team consists of specially produced proteins called antibodies. Antibodies are constructed of several varieties of molecular structures known as immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, is the type familiar with allergies. They attach themselves to mast cells in key look-out points in the eyes, throat, nose, lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract. When an IgE reacts negatively to something the body encounters (such as pollen) it sends an alert to the mast cell. The mast cell begins the process of eliminating the unwanted intruder or allergen by secretion of histamines, prostaglandins, and various chemicals. The uncomfortable purging cycle that the immune system reserves for allergens may result in inflammation and the excess mucous production sometimes running down the back of the throat and at other times pouring out of the nose. It seems hard to say what makes one of us more allergic than another to seasonal allergens. Stress does seem to tax the optimum function of the immune system. Heredity is also recognized as a possible factor. (Wein page 2) The toxicity and prevalence of a specific allergen may be overwhelming to the body if these other challenges to the immune system are involved. A pollen allergy to Cedar can vary in severity from mild to severe. Sufferers find that sneezing, irritated eyes, and increased production of mucous in the nose and throat can contribute to sleep deprivation, cough and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eyelids). Sinus, bronchial or infection of the Eustachian tubes and even allergen-induced asthma are possible in more serious cases. Studies have shown that the intensity of the juniper pollen in recent years has much to do with the threat of pollution to its existence. This fierce ancient plant has survived to this day because it has mastered adaptation. We will most likely continue to see increases in potency and pollen counts until pollution levels diminish. (Anto) For allergy sufferers this can be debilitating or life threatening. However, the general population and most physicians seem to be oblivious that the aforementioned illness is the result of an allergy to Cedar pollen. The pollution concern becomes a moot subject when those in authority fail to acknowledge there could be a threat to health. Aromatherapy offers natural solutions for allergies and a wide variety of health problems. A therapeutic aromatherapy blend will consist of the beneficial part of plants to holistically (consideration of the body as a whole; mind, body and spirit) address the imbalance and illness. A remedy for Cedar Fever ironically required the use of the beneficial part of the Cedar plant. This formula cues the immune system not to respond with an allergic reaction to the offending pollen. One drop of our ‘Cedar X’ essential oil product inoculates the body for about four hours from the effects of Cedar pollen exposure. I have used this product for eleven years with thousands of clients and customers from all over the United States. It is a safe effective solution for those looking for a natural remedy. A diluted version is available for children, the elderly and pets. To learn more or to order visit: www.naturalreflexes@aol.com Mankind can and does benefit from co-existing with the plant world. As with any relationship, we have had times of mutual appreciation and even reverence and eras of misunderstanding and disregard. Our health and wellbeing have suffered when we have ignored this natural partner. The story of the Cedar is good for us to remember as it encapsulates our love and struggle with the plant world. For, as nature goes, so goes mankind. Works Cited Anto, J.M and J. Sunuer. 1986. A point-source asthma outbreak. Lancet 1:900. Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy. Australia, 2003. Pages 178-179. Brooks, Dr. Edward G. Variable Expression of Pathogenesis-Related Protein Allergen in Mountain Cedar (Juniperus ashei) Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Center, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0366. <http://www.jimmunol.org/cgi/content/abstract/164/4/2188> Midoro-Horiuti, Terumi, Variable Expression of Pathogenesis-Related Protein Allergen in Mountain Cedar (Juniperus ashei), The Journal of Immunology 2000. 164 2188-2192. <http://www.jimmunol.org/cgi/content/abstract/164/4/2188> Mojay, Gabriel, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Healing Arts Press, Vermont USA 1997, pages 86-87. PR News Now. A Winter Plague in Texas. 17 January 2005. <http://www.prnewsnow.com> Medical Alternatives Wein, Harrison Ph.D. “Word on Health”, Fighting Seasonal Allergies, June 2002. page 2. <http://www.nih.gov/news/WordonHealth/jun2002/seasonalallergies.htm>
A New Way of Thinking about Cedar
November 13, 2008 by kkrost
