Cedarwood was one of the very first essential oil to be extracted by humans — the ancient Egyptians are supposed to have used it 2 to 3 thousand years before the Common Era, primarily for mummification and to ward off infection. They valued it so highly that the cedar-producing region of Lebanon was annexed into the Egyptian empire to assure a stable supply of aromatic wood. Even in the 17th century, British herbalist Nicholas Culpeper recommended cedarwood to remedy cough and shortness of breath. Today, it is popular as a skincare tonic and a tool to enhance physical vitality and mental clarity.