# Cedar: history, meaning and how to burn it

> Cedar is the wood and needles of cedar trees, with dry, warm and woody. Its history and traditional uses, how to burn it safely, scent pairings and cedar ince

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/cedar
Updated: 2026-10-30

Cedar is the wood and needles of cedar trees, from the Atlas mountains, Lebanon, the Himalaya and North America. It gives dry, warm and woody.

## History

The cedars of Lebanon were famed in the ancient world and used in Solomon's Temple. In North America, cedar is a sacred medicine for many Indigenous peoples.

## Traditional uses

Burned for grounding, protection and a sense of shelter.

These are traditional and spiritual uses, not health claims.

## How to burn it

Use cedar incense sticks or cones, or a little cedar wood on charcoal.

## Burning safely

- Use a heatproof holder or bowl, on a stable surface away from curtains and shelves.
- Open a window a little; smoke should clear, not build up.
- Never leave burning incense alone, and keep it away from children, pets and birds.
- Put it out fully in sand or a dish of water when you are done.

## Scents that pair well

Cedar blends well with [sandalwood](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/sandalwood), [frankincense](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/frankincense) and [patchouli](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/patchouli).

## Questions

**What does cedar smell like?**

Dry, warm and woody.

**What is cedar used for?**

Burned for grounding, protection and a sense of shelter.

**Where does cedar come from?**

The Atlas mountains, Lebanon, the Himalaya and North America.

**Is cedar safe to burn indoors?**

Yes, cedar is fine to burn indoors with sensible care. Open a window, use a heatproof holder on a stable surface, keep it away from curtains, children and pets, and never leave it burning unattended. If you have asthma or are sensitive to smoke, a diffuser or [oil burner](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/how-to-use/oil-burners) is a gentler choice.

**How do you burn cedar?**

Cedar is easy to burn at home: use cedar incense sticks or cones, or a little cedar wood on charcoal. Light the tip, let the flame catch for a few seconds, then blow it out so it smoulders. Always ventilate the room.

**What goes well with cedar?**

Cedar blends well with [Sandalwood](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/sandalwood), [Frankincense](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/frankincense) and [Patchouli](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/patchouli). Burn them one after another or mix small amounts on charcoal; tradition pairs scents to deepen or balance the mood. Start with less than you think, as blends can be strong. See our [incense guide](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/incense-types-explained).

**Is cedar a wood?**

Yes, cedar is the wood and needles of cedar trees. It comes from the Atlas mountains, Lebanon, the Himalaya and North America and gives dry, warm and woody. Knowing the type helps you choose how to burn it: resins need charcoal, while woods, herbs and flowers are usually sold as sticks, cones or bundles.

## Related

- [Sandalwood](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/sandalwood)
- [Frankincense](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/frankincense)
- [Patchouli](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/patchouli)
- [All incense and herbs](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs)
- [Incense types explained](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/incense-types-explained)
- [Smoke cleansing traditions](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/smoke-cleansing-traditions)

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Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health or medical claims. UK delivery £3.95, free over £40.