Herb & supplement monograph

Eastern Red Cedar Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Eastern Red Cedar interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Eastern Red Cedar is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Eastern Red Cedar is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Eastern Red Cedar Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Eastern Red Cedar drug interaction appears low for most people. Every listed interaction is rated minor, with none rated moderate or major, and the supporting evidence is weak.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The only interactions on record involve barbiturates, a group of sedative medications that includes drugs like hexobarbital and pentobarbital. In rodent studies, breathing the fragrance from cedar wood chips sped up how the animals cleared these drugs and shortened their sedative effect. However, this effect is graded unlikely, meaning it has not been shown to happen in people, so it is a theoretical caution rather than a proven concern.

What the rest of the list means

Although dozens of medications appear on the interaction list, they all trace back to this one animal finding. The idea is that compounds in cedar oil might boost liver enzymes the body uses to clear certain drugs, but that prediction comes from lab and animal work, not human studies. A long list here reflects theoretical possibilities, not documented harm.

Check your medications against Eastern Red Cedar

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Eastern Red Cedar interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Eastern Red Cedar

49 medications have a known interaction with Eastern Red Cedar, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Eastern Red Cedar using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Eastern Red Cedar interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Eastern Red Cedar combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Eastern Red Cedar affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Eastern Red Cedar is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Eastern Red Cedar interacts with

Barbiturates

In mice and rats given hexobarbital or pentobarbital, sleep time is reduced and metabolism of the drug is increased when they inhale essential oil vapor from Eastern red cedar wood chips in their bedding. Cedrol and cedrene in the essential oil are reported to induce liver microsomal enzymes. Theoretically, inhaling Eastern red cedar wood fragrance might reduce the efficacy of hexobarbital or pentobarbital in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Monograph

Eastern Red Cedar: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Eastern Red Cedar is a North American evergreen tree whose wood and aromatic oil have long been used for fragrance, insect repelling, and folk remedies. Solid human research on its health benefits is very limited, and the essential oil can be toxic if swallowed, so it is mainly used externally or for aroma. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Scientific name: Juniperus virginiana
Family: Cupressaceae
Part used: Leaves (needles), wood, berry-like cones, and essential oil
Common forms: Essential oil, dried leaf, wood shavings/sachets, tinctures, and topical preparations

People commonly use it for

Insect repellent
Aromatherapy and relaxation
Skin and minor wound care (topical, traditional)
Respiratory or congestion relief (traditional)
Antimicrobial and antifungal (lab-based interest)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Often used topically or for aroma, but the essential oil can be harmful if swallowed and human safety data are limited.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally. Eastern red cedar is contraindicated in pregnancy due to reports of abortifacient activity. The specific part or dose of Eastern red...

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is an evergreen tree in the cypress family that is native to much of the eastern and central United States. Despite its name, it is actually a type of juniper, not a true cedar. It is known for its reddish, fragrant wood and small blue, berry-like cones.

People have used its aromatic wood and oil for many years to repel moths and insects, to scent closets and chests, and in traditional folk medicine. Today it is most often seen as an essential oil used in aromatherapy or as wood shavings and sachets. Some Native American and folk traditions also used cedar leaf preparations for colds, coughs, and skin problems.

Uses & effectiveness

Most uses of Eastern Red Cedar come from tradition rather than strong scientific proof. High-quality human studies are largely lacking for nearly all health claims.

The most familiar use is as an insect and moth repellent, where the wood and oil do appear to discourage some pests. People also use the oil in aromatherapy for relaxation, though evidence for specific mental health benefits is weak. Laboratory studies suggest cedar oils have some antimicrobial and antifungal activity, but lab results do not prove the oil treats infections in people.

Traditional uses for coughs, congestion, and skin conditions are not backed by reliable clinical trials. Overall, you should treat any health claims with caution and not rely on this herb in place of proven treatments.

How it works

The essential oil of Eastern Red Cedar contains aromatic compounds such as cedrol and various sesquiterpenes (often grouped as "cedarwood" constituents). These give the wood its scent and are thought to be responsible for its insect-repelling effects.

In laboratory and animal studies, these compounds have shown some ability to slow the growth of certain bacteria and fungi and may have mild anti-inflammatory effects. These findings are preliminary and based mostly on test-tube or animal research, so it is unclear whether they apply to people or to the small amounts used in everyday products.

Safety & precautions

Eastern Red Cedar is most often used externally or for its aroma. The essential oil should never be swallowed, as cedar and juniper oils can be toxic when taken internally and may cause stomach upset, kidney irritation, or other harm.

Undiluted essential oil can irritate the skin, so it should be diluted in a carrier oil before applying. People with asthma or fragrance sensitivities may react to the strong aroma. Sawdust and wood dust from cedar can also irritate the eyes, skin, and airways.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid using Eastern Red Cedar oil or supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is not enough safety information, and some cedar and juniper products are traditionally considered risky during pregnancy. Children should not be given the oil internally, and it should be kept out of their reach.

Side effects

When used topically in diluted form, the most common side effects are skin irritation, redness, or allergic rash. Breathing in the strong scent may trigger headaches or airway irritation in sensitive people.

If the essential oil is swallowed, it can cause more serious problems such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and potential kidney or nervous system effects. Seek medical help right away if someone, especially a child, ingests the oil.

Eastern Red Cedar: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Eastern Red Cedar from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, overdose of Eastern red cedar oil might cause burning in the stomach, vomiting, convulsions, coma, and death. Topically, Eastern red cedar oil might cause local allergic reactions and irritation; however, several clinical assessments of safety show that applying Eastern red cedar oil topically does not cause skin sensitization or irritation.

McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
Johnson W. Final report on the safety assessment of Juniperus communis Extract, Juniperus oxycedrus Extract, Juniperus oxycedrus Tar, Juniperus phoenicea extract, and Juniperus virginiana Extract. Int J Toxicol 2001;20 Suppl 2:41-56.

Reports by condition

Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Orally, overdose of Eastern red cedar oil (dose not specified) might cause burning in the stomach and vomiting.

McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established, standardized medicinal dose for Eastern Red Cedar. It is not a well-studied oral supplement, and the essential oil is not meant to be taken by mouth.

For aromatherapy or topical use, follow the directions on the specific product label and always dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil before applying to skin. Because reliable dosing guidance does not exist, it is wise to check with a pharmacist or doctor before using any cedar product for a health purpose.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Eastern Red Cedar & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. Eastern red cedar is contraindicated in pregnancy due to reports of abortifacient activity. The specific part or dose of Eastern red cedar associated with its abortifacient activity is unclear; avoid using.

McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

Eastern Red Cedar & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 4 references that drive our Eastern Red Cedar monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
Johnson W. Final report on the safety assessment of Juniperus communis Extract, Juniperus oxycedrus Extract, Juniperus oxycedrus Tar, Juniperus phoenicea extract, and Juniperus virginiana Extract. Int J Toxicol 2001;20 Suppl 2:41-56. PubMed

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Eastern Red Cedar

3 brands in our database make a supplement containing Eastern Red Cedar.

Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products Herbal Terra 3,138 products Wachters' 97 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Eastern Red Cedar

8 products in our database contain Eastern Red Cedar. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Eastern Red Cedar by Herbal Terra Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Eastern Red Cedar by Herbal Terra Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Eastern Red Cedar by Hawaii Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Eastern Red Cedar by Herbal Terra Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions Eastern Red Cedar Alcohol Free by Herbal Terra Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions Eastern Red Cedar Non-Alcohol by Hawaii Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 Milliliter(s) View ingredients & interactions WPB Glucose Modulator by Wachters' Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions WPB Glucose Modulator by Wachters' Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Eastern Red Cedar: Common Questions

Does Eastern Red Cedar interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 49 medications with a known interaction with Eastern Red Cedar. Use the checker above to see how Eastern Red Cedar interacts with a specific drug.

How are Eastern Red Cedar interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Eastern Red Cedar with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Eastern Red Cedar interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Eastern Red Cedar used for?

It is most commonly used as an insect and moth repellent and as a fragrant oil for aromatherapy. Traditional uses for coughs, skin issues, and infections are not well supported by scientific evidence.

Is Eastern Red Cedar safe to take by mouth?

No. The essential oil and concentrated extracts should not be swallowed because they can be toxic and may harm the stomach, kidneys, or nervous system. It is best used externally or for aroma only.

Can I use Eastern Red Cedar while pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is best to avoid it. There is not enough safety information, and some cedar and juniper products are traditionally considered unsafe during pregnancy.

Is Eastern Red Cedar the same as cedarwood essential oil?

Eastern Red Cedar is one source of products often labeled "cedarwood oil," but several different trees are sold under that name. Check the Latin name on the label if you want a specific species.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Eastern Red Cedar

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Eastern Red Cedar — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 8 products with Eastern Red Cedar →

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