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A Guide To Ho Wood Essential Oil and Its Benefits and Uses

Aromatherapy supplies with the words Guide To Ho Wood Essential Oil Benefits and Uses and photo of a ho wood tree.

Ho wood essential oil (Cinnamomum camphora ct linalool) contains mostly naturally occurring linalool, which makes the oil calming, relaxing, and skin-nourishing. Some sources recommend ho wood as a substitute for rosewood essential oil.

Basic Ho Wood Facts

Plant family: Lauraceae

Production: Steam distilled from wood of the tree.

Confusion arises because the Cinnamomum camphora tree has three chemotypes that produce different essential oils:

Ho-sho (Cinnamomum camphora ct linalool) produces ho wood oil
Hon-sho (Cinnamomum camphora ct camphor) produces camphor oil
Yu-sho (Cinnamomum camphora ct cineole) produces ravintsara oil

Sources: Robert Tisserand and The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Third Edition, Vol. 1

Aroma: Sweet, fresh, woody.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Middle

Is ho wood safe to use during pregnancy? Consult a professional.

Is ho wood essential oil safe for children? Yes, for ages 2+.

Cautions: If the oil becomes oxidized, it may cause skin sensitization.

Main components: linalool

Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition

Ho Wood Aromatherapy Benefits

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Ho wood may help relieve flu, colds, chills, menstrual cramps, wounds and cuts, eczema, acne, stress and stress-related conditions, anxiety, and tension.

The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition): Use ho wood in skin care to help deal with acne, cuts and wounds, dermatitis, and stretch marks, and in general skin care for dry, oily, mature, and sensitive skin. The oil may also help reduce muscle and joint aches and pains. For the respiratory system, the essential oil may help relieve chills, coughs, colds, and flu. Another use is in helping decrease anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervous tension, and stress.

Nature in Bottle: Ho wood oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin, acts as a natural pest repellent, and is used in natural perfumery for herbal bouquets, floral notes, soap perfumes, and colognes. Emotionally and energetically, the oil is grounding, relaxing, calming, and may help relieve depression, anxiety, confusion, and melancholy.

Plant Therapy: Ho wood calms, promotes a relaxing and peaceful environment, helps soothe red and itchy skin, and helps relieve respiratory symptoms from colds and seasonal allergies. To use on skin, dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil (to 2-5%).

Eden's Garden: Ho wood oil may help relieve sore muscles, menstrual cramps, and skin irritation. Diffuse this essential oil to support your work environment or to help you fall asleep.