Siberian Cedar
Siberian cedar clearly stands out for its air sanitizing effect and natural durability. For centuries, Siberian populations have been exploiting its resin and lumber for its healing and antibacterial properties. It is still today the wood of choice for traditional bathhouses and is a popular pick for indoor furniture or carpentry.
Distribution
Siberian cedar (Pinus sibirica), also referred to as Siberian stone pine, is a member of the Pinus genus (Haploxylon subgenus) and is exclusively distributed in Siberia. It ranges over an area of about 35-40 million ha, with a growing stock of about 7-10 billion m3. Its area of distribution spreads from the foothills of the northern Ural region in the West to the Lena and Amur rivers basin in the East. It is found from the Mongolian border in the South to the lower reaches of the Yenisei river in the North.
Siberian cedar clearly stands out for its air sanitizing effect and global health benefits. The Siberian cedar is often referred to as a “pharmacologists tree” since virtually all its parts (timber, nuts, resin, bark and needles) have found applications in popular healing practices or modern medicine.
A convincing testimony of cedar’s long noticed benefits in popular culture is the passage from the Old Testament according to which
“ the priest shall order that two live clean birds and some cedar wood, scarlet yarn and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed” (Leviticus 14:4).
The timber from Siberian cedar naturally releases volatile organic compounds, known as phytoncides. These volatile compounds have a soothing perfume and a powerful antibacterial effect that result in global health benefits. In Russia, it is the wood of choice for traditional bath houses as well as for indoor paneling, furniture or carpentry. It is commonly reported that Siberian cedar repels mosquitos, moths and that bees willingly settle in hives made out of it. Ancient traditions report that milk, berries or mushrooms are preserved longer in dishes or jars made of Siberian cedar. Apart from its major sanitizing properties, the wood of Siberian cedar has long been used in the building of musical instruments thanks to its interesting sound properties.
Recommended uses:
Indoor
Bath houses
Flooring
Paneling
Cladding
Carpentry
