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Arborvitae oil has a refreshing, woodsy scent that can create a calm and peaceful atmosphere for your sacred space. Feel rooted and strong like the tree that produces this aromatic oil. Learn all about arborvitae essential oil uses and benefits, plus enjoy our diffuser blends and DIY Recipes!
Arborvitae oil has powerful cleansing and purifying action. This woodsy oil has many benefits and is ideal for aromatic or topically use for natural health and wellness. Let it help calm and uplift your spirits. Diffuse this oil to combat environmental and seasonal threats.
Arborvitae Essential Oil Facts
Arborvitae means "tree of life." It is the largest tree in the cypress family and can reach up to 100-200 feet in height. It is native to Canada.
- Botanical Name: Thuja plicata
- Botanical Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress family)
- Aka: Western Red Cedar
- Blending Note: Top
- Aroma: Woody, warm, earthy
- Extraction Method: Steam distilled
- Plant Part Used: Wood
- Shelf Life: 3-4 years
- Kids: Not recommended
- Pregnancy: Not recommended
- Safety Concerns: Keep out of the reach of children. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult a physician. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not use it internally unless instructed by a licensed health practitioner or physician. Not to be confused with thujone-rich Arborvitae distilled from the leaves. See Essential Oil Safety for more information.
Arborvitae Essential Oil Blends Well With
Arborvitae oil is a great oil to have on hand. Its woodsy, earthy scent is refreshing and calming. Arborvitae essential oil blends well with many other oils, making it versatile.
Here are some oils that arborvitae blends well with:
- Birch
- Cedarwood
- Eucalyptus
- Cassia
- Jasmine
- Neroli
- Orange
- Lavender
- Ylang Ylang
- Frankincense
- Manuka
- Myrrh
- Nootka Tree
- Patchouli
- Sandalwood
Arborvitae Essential Oil Substitute
What can I use instead of arborvitae oil? Need a substitute for arborvitae oil? You could replace it with cedarwood essential oil. Most tree oils make good alternatives for arborvitae oil. Read more about essential oil substitutions.
Arborvitae Oil Benefits
This powerful essential oil has various benefits. Here are some reasons to love this amazing essential oil:
- Works as a natural preservative and can help protect wood from rotting
- Inspires feelings of peace and calm
- Acts as a powerful cleansing agent
- Purifies and cleanses the air
- Provides a calm and serene environment
- Helps promote healthy skin, hair, and nails
- Protects against seasonal and environmental threats
- Soothes the body and emotions
- Acts as a natural bug-repellent
Arborvitae Essential Oil Spiritual Benefits
Arborvitae essential oil is popular for its spiritual benefits. Many people use it to open their minds and increase their understanding of spiritual matters. It can also help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
It is known to be a powerful purifier and aid in protection from negative energy. When used in meditation, arborvitae can help connect you with your spiritual guides and provide guidance.
In addition, arborvitae is thought to promote growth of the soul and increase intuition. To enhance your spiritual practice, consider adding arborvitae essential oil to your routine.
8 Arborvitae Oil Uses
Arborvitae essential oil has a woodsy, earthy scent that can be invigorating or calming, depending on your needs. It has a variety of therapeutic uses and is a great addition to your wellness routine. Learn more about how to use arborvitae oil below.
1. Mix with jojoba oil and citronella oil (or lemongrass oil) to use as a natural insect repellent. Apply to exposed skin before hiking.
2. Use during meditation for a sense of peace. Check out our Meditation inhaler recipe below.
3. Mix in mulch while gardening for a natural bug repellent.
4. Use to heighten your yoga practice by helping you relax.
5. Add a drop to a diffuser necklace to keep calm at work.
6. Diffuse to purify air of unwanted odors and repel insects in the home. Diffusing arborvitae can also boost the immune system and assist with cold and flu symptoms.
7. Place one drop in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, then deeply inhale the aroma to relieve stress.
8. Create DIY recipes for sinus pressure, muscle pain, inflammation
Arborvitae Diffuser Blends
This oil has a unique woodsy scent that can be enjoyed alone or blended with other oils. Here are oil blends to add the powerful benefits of Arborvitae essential oil into your aromatherapy routine with these arborvitae diffuser blends.
Forest Dawn Diffuser Blend
Great morning essential oil blend of uplifting and energizing oils to invigorate your senses.
- 3 drops Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
- 1 drop Arborvitae (Thuja plicata)
- 1 drop Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
- 1 drop Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Directions: Add essential oils to your diffuser with recommended water. Read more about diffusing essential oils.
Coastal Breeze Diffuser Blend
Scent and purify the air with this delightful recipe from our blog post on Essential Oil Blends for a Great Smelling Home. It combines trees and citrus oils. This diffuser blend can be used for multiple purposes.
- 3 drops Cypress
- 3 drops Tangerine
- 2 drops Arborvitae
Lumberjack Diffuser Blend
Great blend to bring the outdoor woody aroma inside, bringing peace and balance to your space.
- 2 drops Arborvitae (Thuja plicata)
- 2 drops Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)
- 2 drops Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Fresh Energy Diffuser Blend
You will love the woodsy freshness of this blend of tree oils with a twist of lime, very energizing.
- 3 drops Arborvitae (Thuja plicata)
- 2 drops Silver Fir (Abies alba)
- 2 drops Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
Directions: Add essential oils to diffuser with recommended water. You could also make a room spray with this blend, just add it to a spray bottle with water.
Arborvitae Essential Oil Recipes
Here are more arborvitae essential oil blend recipes to make at home:
Woodsy Cologne Roll On |
Here is a natural essential oil cologne in roll-on form, perfect for enjoying the woodsy aroma of the outdoors.
Directions: Add essential oils to the roller bottle and top off with jojoba oil. Roll onto wrists, chest, and shoulders. 5% dilution. |
Into The Woods Beard Oil |
This woody and warm combination provides an earthy aroma. Add a few drops to your beard daily.
Directions: Combine oils into a dropper bottle and shake to blend. 2% dilution. |
Meditation Inhaler Blend |
Inhale this blend before mediation or when needing some relaxation
Directions: Add essential oils to cotton wick and insert into inhaler. Read more about using aromatherapy inhalers. |
Sleep Boost Roll On |
This trio offers natural sedative action to help you get some well deserved sleep.
Directions: Add essential oils to roller bottle and top off with jojoba oil. Roll onto wrists, chest and shoulders. 4% dilution. |
Happy Mama Roll On |
For when overworked mama needs some happy time, just roll on the bliss!
Directions: Add essential oils to roller bottle and top off with jojoba oil. Roll onto wrists, chest and shoulders. 5% dilution. |
Natural Wood Preservative and Polish Oil |
Use arborvitae for its natural preserving properties. Try this homemade wood polish using essential oils and natural ingredients most kitchens have.
Directions: Mix in a bowl and apply to microfiber cloth. Wipe down wood surfaces and let air dry. |
Where to Buy Arborvitae Essential Oil?
If you are looking for a new essential oil to add to your collection, arborvitae is worth considering. This oil is not offered by very many EO brands, here are a few brands I use that do have it:
General Essential Oil Precautions
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. Always keep essential oils out of reach from children and pets.
Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner.
If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 1-2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil, read more about patch test for essential oils.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues here.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.
Newbie to Oils? Get our guide or read more here: Essential Oils for Beginners