cade oil

Cade oil, also known as juniper tar, is a volatile oil obtained through the destructive distillation of the wood and branches of the prickly juniper (*Juniperus oxycedrus*). It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Mediterranean regions, for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and keratolytic properties. Cade oil is primarily used topically to treat various inflammatory dermatoses, including psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff. In the United States, it is recognized as an active over-the-counter (OTC) drug ingredient under the name juniper tar, typically formulated in topical creams, ointments, and anti-dandruff shampoos. However, it contains phenolic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that can cause contact dermatitis, and its oral ingestion or extensive topical application can lead to severe systemic toxicity, including renal failure and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Other names

cade essential oiljuniper tarjuniper tar oiljuniperus oxycedrus oiljuniperus oxycedrus wood oiljuniperus oxycedrus wood taroil of cadevegetable tar oil