During Biblical times, the famed cedars of Lebanon (Cedruslibani) provided one of the world's earliest perfumes. Visitors sought solitude in this holy forest, praying and seeking spiritual guidance. Although the oldest surviving cedar tree is 2,500 years old, most Cedruslibani trees were destroyed long ago.
Noah purportedly burned an offering of cedarwood and myrtle incense to show his gratitude for surviving the great flood. Tibetans likewise burned cedarwood incense in their temples; they also used it as a medicinal remedy. The temple of King Solomon was built of cedarwood to symbolize strength, nobility, and dignity. In Greek mythology, Artemis was given the surname Cedreatis because images of her were hung high atop the cedar trees.
Cedarwood oil was an important ancient antidote for poisoning. The ancient Egyptians included cedarwood oil in their embalming preparations, and they also constructed sarcophagi from cedarwood. Many of these 3,000-year-old coffins are still in good condition. Egyptian incense, perfumes, and cosmetics often contained cedarwood. When they discovered that the reddish brown wood repelled insects, the Egyptians built ships and furniture from cedarwood. Each pharaoh owned his own ceremonial
Native Americans in what is now New Mexico treated skin rashes, arthritis, and rheumatism with Texas cedarwood. Other Native Americans burned cedar leaves as incense and used red cedar wood to fight respiratory ailments, tuberculosis, kidney infections, skin disorders, gonorrhea, venereal warts, and delayed menstruation. They also repelled insects and vermin with it. For centuries, people have lined closets and chests with cedarwood to protect valuable clothing and personal belongings from moths and other insects. At one time, a popular commercial insecticide contained cedarwood and citronella oils as active ingredients. Sachets and potpourri are commonly contained cedar chip stores that release a fresh, clean aroma into the atmosphere and combat insects.