White Cedar: A Botanical with Deep Lineage

Our White Cedar sprigs come from Thuja occidentalis, an evergreen conifer known for its layered, scale-like foliage and crisp resinous scent. For generations, this plant has been woven into smudging, cleansing ceremonies, aromatic offerings, and handcrafted tools. Its smoke and scent were traditionally used to refresh a space, mark a transition, or anchor intention.

Historical & Cultural Context (with Safe Internal-Use Notes

Among various Indigenous and Northern communities, cedar was burned, carried, hung, and occasionally brewed into very mild infusions for specific ritual or seasonal purposes. These practices were not casual beverages; they were carefully prepared by experienced herbal practitioners within well-understood cultural frameworks.

Modern herbal safety is extremely clear: Thuja occidentalis contains thujone, a compound that can be toxic internally in quantity or prolonged use. For this reason, any internal preparation today is considered highly cautious and generally limited to trained herbal professionals working within their own traditions.

Sacred Plant Co provides White Cedar solely for external aromatic use, honoring its heritage while respecting modern safety standards.

Aromatic & Sensory Profile

Crush a sprig or light its tip and you’ll meet a scent that is unmistakably woodland: crisp pine, bright resin, cool camphor, and deep green balsam. The fragrance is clean without being sharp, grounding without being heavy. It fills a room like fresh forest air moving through open branches.

Common External Uses (Traditional + Modern)

White Cedar is widely used for:

• Smudging & aromatic cleansing

• Ritual smoke bowls on charcoal

• Home fragrance, hung or crumbled

• Crafting — wreaths, altars, evergreen décor

• Aromatic bowls or potpourri

• Symbolic gifting and ceremonial bundles

Note: While some cultural practices included internal infusions, modern safety guidelines mean these require professional oversight and are not recommended for general use.

SPC offers cedar for aromatic, external ritual, and craft purposes only.

How to Use Sacred Plant Co’s White Cedar (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare: Place a sprig in a heat-safe bowl or shell.

2. Light: Ignite the tip briefly; allow it to smolder, not flame.

3. Use the Aroma: Waft the smoke gently through your space.

4. Extinguish: Press the ember into sand or a fireproof dish. Never leave burning herbs unattended.

Why Each Step Matters

• Slow ignition activates resin oils without scorching them.

• Movement of smoke distributes aroma evenly.

• Proper extinguishing respects the plant and prevents waste.

What Makes Sacred Plant Co’s Cedar Exceptional

• Wildcrafted harvest from healthy stands

• Slow air-drying to preserve structure and deep green color

• Whole sprigs — not shredded material

• Rich aromatic strength

• Premium kraft bag packaging that protects freshness

• Handled in small batches with care and botanical expertise

Storage & Longevity

Keep sealed and dry. Avoid moisture, direct sunlight, and crushing. Properly stored, cedar retains aroma for years.

Safety & Compliance 

• Contains naturally occurring thujone

• Thujone can be toxic internally

• Historical internal uses were rare, mild, and practiced by trained herbalists

• Any internal use today requires professional herbal guidance

• Sacred Plant Co does NOT recommend ingestion

• Intended only for external aromatic and ritual use

• Burn safely and monitor embers at all times

FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Premium wildcrafted Thuja occidentalis

• Slow-dried for maximum aroma

• Whole sprigs with clean, vivid foliage

• Crisp evergreen scent (pine, camphor, balsam)

• Ideal for smudging & ritual smoke

• Excellent for wreath-making & décor

• Long aromatic shelf life

• External use only; professionally cautious plant

FAQ (Revised)

Q: Did people historically drink cedar tea?

Yes, some communities prepared very mild cedar infusions in specific cultural contexts. Because Thuja occidentalis contains thujone, any internal use is considered high-risk without professional herbal oversight. Sacred Plant Co does not recommend ingestion.

Q: What does White Cedar smell like?

Bright evergreen, cool pine, resin and subtle citrus-balsam undertones.

Q: Can I burn it safely indoors?

Yes — when used responsibly in a ventilated space and monitored at all times.

Q: How long will my cedar last?

Stored properly, the aroma remains strong for years.