Ho Wood essential oil is not a mainstream oil but it has many amazing benefits and uses. Thanks to its high levels of linalool, this beneficial oil is extremely calming. In this spotlight, I share ho wood essential oil recipes, as well as other ways you can enjoy this powerful oil.
The essential oil is steam distilled from the bark and wood of the Ho Tree. It has a woody floral aroma with mild sweet camphoraceous notes. It makes a good choice for a unisex oil because the smell is a nice balance making it very appealing to all.
Ho Wood has a similar scent to rosewood essential oil and shares some similar chemical properties. It makes a great substitute for rosewood because rosewood is an endangered species so the essential oil may be hard to come by.
What is Ho Wood Essential Oil Good For?
Ho wood essential oil is derived from the Ho tree, which is native to China. The oil has a sweet, woody scent and numerous health benefits. These include reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and promoting good sleep.
Ho wood essential oil is also said to be helpful for treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. When used topically, the oil can soothe irritated skin and help reduce inflammation. It can also be used in aromatherapy, where its calming scent is used to promote relaxation and ease tension.
Ho Wood Essential Oil Spotlight
Ho wood essential oil has a woody scent and is often used in aromatherapy. Ho wood oil has calming and relaxing properties. It is also used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Ho wood oil is an ingredient in many cosmetic products, including soaps, lotions, and perfumes.
Ho Wood Oil vs Ho Leaf Oil
There are several essential oils that come from Cinnamomum camphora so it is important to read the label and know what you are buying. Both ho wood and ho leaf come from the same tree but they come from different parts of the plant which makes them different essential oils. Ho Leaf Oil, aka Ravintsara Essential Oil, is distilled from the leaves of the Ho Tree. Ho Wood comes from the bark and wood.
When buying this oil, you can look for the essential oil chemotype to determine which one to buy. It should have the words "ct. linalool", or when looking at the product details check the test results to see if it shows high levels of linalool. This just means that the main chemical constituent is linalool.
This spotlight is based on this ho wood linalool chemotype.
Botanical Name | Cinnamomum camphora |
Botanical Family | Lauraceae |
Aka | Ho oil |
Note | Middle |
Aroma | Sweet, floral, woody, camphoraceous |
Extraction Method | Steam distilled |
Plant Part Used | Bark, wood |
Shelf Life | 4-5 years |
Kid Safe? | Yes |
Safety Concerns | Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant |
Ho Wood Essential Oil Blends Well With
Ho wood oil has a wide range of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and promoting skin health. Ho wood oil blends well with other essential oils, such as lavender oil, orange oil, and eucalyptus oil.
When selecting essential oils to blend with Ho wood oil, it is important to consider the desired effect. For example, if you are looking to create a calming blend, then lavender oil would be a good choice. If you are looking to boost immunity, then orange oil or eucalyptus oil would be good choices.
Ultimately, the best way to find the right blend is to experiment and see what works best for you. Here are some oils that Ho Wood blends well with:
- Basil linalool
- Bergamot
- Black Pepper
- Cedarwood
- Clary Sage
- Copaiba
- Cypress
- Elemi
- Eucalyptus
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Orange
- Ravensara
- Roman Chamomile
- Rosalina
- Sandalwood
- Sweet Marjoram
- Tangerine
Therapeutic Uses:
Influenza, colds, chills, bacterial or viral respiratory infection, menstrual cramp, vaginal infection, parasitic skin infection, wounds, cuts, grazes, eczema, acne, stress and stress-related conditions, anxiety, tension
Therapeutic Properties:
Analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antiviral, cytophylactic, immunostimulant, restorative, tonic
Ho Wood Essential Oil Uses and Benefits
Ho Wood is one of the highest sources of naturally occurring linalool found in any essential oils. It offers a relaxing effect when diffused or inhaled. A great alternative to lavender essential oil as a bedtime oil, or pair ho wood with lavender for a deep sleep blend.
When using essential oils topically, it is best practice to dilute them in a carrier oil first before applying to the skin. Jojoba and fractionated coconut oil are popular choices.
Check out some of the benefits of ho wood essential oil:
- Promotes calmness and peace
- Leaves a cool, fresh feeling on the skin
- Has powerful anti-viral properties
- Emotionally uplifts the spirit and alleviates stress
- Acts as a natural disinfectant and germicide
- Relieves congestion
- Promotes restful sleep
Ho Wood Essential Oil Recipes
Looking for some ways to include this beautiful oil into your DIY blends? Ho wood essential oil has a sweet, woody scent and is often used in aromatherapy. It can also be added to lotions and creams to help soothe dry skin. Here are 6 simple yet effective Ho Wood essential oil blend recipes.
1. Deep Relaxation Roll on |
Ho wood is great for relaxation, so are lavender and frankincense. This essential oil roller blend is a favorite for rolling on some deep relaxation.
Directions: Add all recipe ingredients to the roll-on bottle. Shake to blend together, roll onto arms, chest, shoulders, and neck for calming relief. 4% dilution. |
2. Ho Wood Roller Blend - Positivity |
Here is a lovely oil blend to add some positivity to your life.
Directions: Add all recipe ingredients to the roll-on bottle. Shake to blend together, roll onto arms, chest, shoulders, and neck for calming relief. 4% dilution. |
3. Sweet Dreams Inhaler Recipe |
Try this oil blend for sweet and peaceful thoughts and emotions.
Directions: Add oils to your personal aromatherapy inhaler. Use as needed when you want an aromatherapy boost. |
4. Ho Wood Air Freshener - Mental Refresh |
Here is an essential oil air freshener the spritz in the air as needed to freshen your space.
Directions: Add ingredients into the spray bottle, spray well to blend and before each use. |
5. Ho Wood Inhaler Blend - Uplifted Spirits |
Try this uplifting essential oil blend.
Directions: Add wick to a small bowl, drop essential oils onto the wick, using tweezers to pick up the wick, then get any oil residual left in the bowl onto the wick. Place the wick in blank inhaler and put on end cap (base). To use, place under nose and inhaler the aroma. |
6. Information Overload Inhaler Blend |
This Ho wood oil inhaler is simple for on the go. Inhale when feeling overwhelmed or overloaded.
Directions: Add oils to your personal aromatherapy inhaler. Use as needed when you want an aromatherapy boost. |
Where to Buy Ho Wood Essential Oil?
This oil can be purchased from Barefut. I purchase from a variety of essential oil companies (yes I like to try lots of different oil brands). I can ALWAYS great deals on their website and they offer nothing but high quality essential oils. Barefut has been in business since December 2010 and is ran by Certified Aromatherapists.
Here is how Barefut describes Ho Oil:
This oil is steam distilled from the bark of the Ho tree located in China and is commonly used for its pain relieving properties. As a member of the Camphor family, it has very similar properties to the Camphor Essential Oil, but does have a different aroma. Ho Wood Essential Oil is perfect to add to any essential oil blend to help boost the immune system, and even to ease skin irritation.
Ho Wood Diffuser Blends
Ho Wood oil blends well with other essential oils, including bergamot, geranium, and lavender. When used in a diffuser, ho wood oil can help to promote relaxation and ease stress.
Add one of the essential oil recipes below to diffuser with recommended water for your diffuser tank. I like to use a 100-200 ml water tank diffuser but you can use whatever size you prefer.
Ho Wood Diffuser Blend - Peaceful Purity |
Enjoy this peaceful essential oil blend.
Directions: Add essential oil drops to your aromatherapy diffuser with the recommended water for the tank. Turn diffuser machine on and enjoy. |
Ho Wood Diffuser Recipe - Woody Bliss |
Here is a woodsy diffuser blend to add some bliss to your day.
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Meditative Diffuser Blend |
Turn this blend on when you need to meditate and be in a relaxed state.
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Sleep in Peace Diffuser Blend |
Here is a sweet blend for sleep.
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Confident and Calm |
Exude confidence and calmness with this diffuser blend.
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Focus on the Positive |
Try this diffuser blend with ho wood oil.
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General Essential Oil Precautions
Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. Plant Therapy clearly labels their oils "KidSafe" on the bottle if the oil can be used for children ages 2–10).
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 here.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues here.
Newbie to Oils? Read More: Essential Oils for Beginners