Coniferous tree native to parts of North America, not to be confused with the poisonous hemlock plant (Conium maculatum). The hemlock tree creates a safe and wonderful essential oil that is full of beneficial therapeutic properties. Read on to learn more about Hemlock essential oil uses and benefits, plus DIY recipes to to try at home!
Hemlock essential oil is also called Tsuga essential oil. It has a fresh and crisp aroma that is great in room sprays, perfumes, and bath products. It is a conifer essential oil. Hemlock oil is sometimes used as an ingredient in natural cleaning products, as it is known to have antibacterial properties.
Hemlock Essential Oil Facts
Hemlock essential oil is derived from the needles and twigs of the tsuga tree, hence why it is something referred to as tsuga essential oil. It has a fresh, woody scent and is said to be helpful in promoting focus and concentration.
Botanical Name: Tsuga canadensis
Botanical Family: Pinaceae
Aka: Tsuga, Eastern Hemlock, or Spruce Hemlock
Aroma: Piney, fresh, fruity, earthy, woody
Extraction Method: Steam distilled
Plant Part Used: Needles, twigs
Shelf Life: 4 years
Kid Safe?: Yes
Safety Concerns: Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant
Hemlock Essential Oil Blends Well With
Tsuga oil is a versatile essential oil that can be blended with other oils to create a variety of different scents. Whether you're looking for an uplifting scent or something more relaxing, hemlock oil has you covered!
Here is what hemlock blends well with:
- Pine
- Oakmoss
- Cedarwood
- Lavender
- Amyris
- Rosemary
- Clary Sage
- Galbanum
- Benzoin
- Lavandin
Therapeutic Uses:
Muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatism, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, respiratory weakness, colds, flu, infections, anxiety, stress-related conditions (from The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless, page 186)
Hemlock Essential Oil Benefits
This energetic oil is supportive to respiratory and immune system. It is also a grounding oil, like most other tree oils. It brings calming to the spirit.
Has a fresh "walk in the forest" aroma that is good for meditation and yoga as it assists with spiritual connection. It also can boost the immune system to fight colds, flu, and infections.
Here are several benefits of Hemlock Essential Oil:
- Supports healthy lung function
- Restores and uplifts mood
- Brings comfort during stressful times
- Supports healthy adrenal activity
- Skin cleansing properties
- Promotes relaxation
- Eases sore throats and coughs
- Soothes sore muscles and joints
- Supports overall immunity and vitality
- Helps to overcome fatigue
- Clears mucus and congestion
Hemlock Essential Oil Uses
Hemlock essential oil has a woody, evergreen aroma but its uses are not limited to diffusing it for its refreshing scent. It is one of the best oils to use for grounding.
Hemlock essential oil should be diluted before being applied to the skin and only a few drops should be used at a time.
- Mix with jojoba oil and enjoy as a natural massage blend for sore muscles.
- Support respiratory health by adding tsuga oil to a nebulizing diffuser
- Add a drop to a diffuser necklace to uplift your day.
- Diffuse to bring comfort during stressful times.
- Place one drop in the palm of hand, rub hands together then deeply inhale the aroma to promote relaxation.
- Blend with a carrier oil and rub onto your chest and neck to help with cough and congestion.
- Place 2 drops on the shower floor just before you get in to support a healthy mind and body.
Hemlock oil is beneficial for the skin and can be used to help soothe minor skin irritations. It can also be helpful in easing muscle tension and promoting a sense of calm.
Hemlock Diffuser Blends
Hemlock diffuser blends can be used to help improve your home's air quality and promote relaxation. Hemlock oil has a fresh, clean scent that can help to clear away toxins and stale odors.
When diffused, hemlock oil can also help to soothe anxious feelings and reduce stress.
Add essential oils recipes below to diffuser with recommended water for your diffuser tank. Read more about diffusing essential oils. I like to use a 100 to 200 ml water tank diffuser but you can use whatever size you prefer.
1. Evergreen Melody Diffuser Blend
Here is a beautiful foresty blend of evergreen essential oils, you can substitute other woodsy essential oils as desired.
- 2 drops Balsam Fir
- 2 drops Black Spruce
- 2 drops Pine
- 2 drops Hemlock
2. Hidden Garden Diffuser Blend
Looking for a gem of a diffuser blend? Bring the outdoors in with this naturally scented recipe and freshen the stale air in your home.
- 4 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Douglas Fir
- 2 drops Hemlock
3. Forever Green Diffuser Blend
Not sure about you but I can't get enough of the forest scented essential oils, here is another great oil blend inspired by nature.
- 3 drops Cedarwood
- 3 drops Balsam Fir
- 3 drops Hemlock
4. Mountain Love Diffuser Blend
Diffuse this essential oil blend reminiscent of fresh mountain air that is so cleansing and refreshing to inhale.
- 3 drops Himalayan cedarwood
- 2 drops Douglas Fir
- 2 drops Ylang Ylang
- 2 drops Hemlock
Hemlock Essential Oil Recipes
Here are 3 simple blends to add the amazing benefits of Tsuga essential oil into your aromatherapy routine.
1. Respiratory Relief Inhaler
Inhale this essential oil recipe to open up your breathing and create calm feelings.
- 5 drops Hemlock
- 5 drops Roman Chamomile
- 5 drops Lavender
- Blank Inhaler
Directions: Add essential oils to cotton wick and insert into inhaler.
Inhaler blends are great for on the go or when in an enclosed area with others present. They allow you to get in a quick aromatherapy session without bothering those around you. Read more about using aromatherapy inhalers.
2. Spastic Cough Chest Rub
Experience the wonderful healing and supportive properties of essential oils in this DIY cough blend.
- 14 drops Hemlock
- 6 drops Bergamot
- 4 drops Roman Chamomile
- 2 oz Virgin Coconut Oil
- 2 oz glass jar
Directions: Melt coconut oil in a warm water bath (place closed jar into warm water). Add essential oils to glass jar, pour melted coconut oil into jar. Stir to mix, allow to cool to solid form. Apply small dab to chest as needed. 2% dilution.
3. Sinus Relief Inhaler
This trio of essential oils can help to clear sinus congestion and support healthy airways.
- 6 drops Hemlock
- 5 drops Ravintsara
- 4 drops Tea Tree
- Blank Inhaler
Directions: Add essential oils to cotton wick and insert into inhaler.
Where to Buy Hemlock Essential Oil?
Hemlock is not widely available. Plant Therapy use to carry hemlock spruce but unfortunately they no longer do (I cry).
- Young Living sells it under the name Tsuga essential oil.
- Stillpoint Aromatics has Hemlock currently available too, I have used this company before and they offer great products.
The process of extracting hemlock spruce oil from the bark requires expertise and adherence to relevant regulations to guarantee the purity of the oil. Therefore, it is essential to choose a supplier who follows the appropriate protocols during the extraction and shipping process.
To ensure complete transparency and provide customers with all necessary information, suppliers often provide a declaration of the nature of the oil. This declaration can be downloaded from their website or requested with the order. It lists the common names, genus species, and ingredients contained in the product, ensuring customers have a clear understanding of what they are purchasing.
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.
Avoid old or oxidized oils, they may cause skin sensitization. Store oil in dark, airtight container.
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), it is best practice to always 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.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Newbie to Oils? Get our guide below or read more here: Essential Oils for Beginners
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Learn all about Essential Oils in this Beginner's Guide and how to use them safely and effectively. Written by Jennifer Lane, Loving Essential Oils Owner & Certified Aromatherapist:
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Hemlock Essential Oil Combinations
Hemlock essential oil has a wide range of benefits, making it a popular choice for use in essential oil blends.
Hemlock oil is known to help with joint pain, inflammation, and skin conditions such as acne and eczema. It is also said to boost the immune system and provide relief from anxiety and stress.
When combined with other essential oils, the benefits of Hemlock oil are amplified. Some popular Hemlock essential oil combinations include:
Hemlock and Lavender oil:
- This combination is said to be helpful in soothing anxiety and stress.
Hemlock and Peppermint oil:
- This combination is said to be helpful in relieving headaches and migraines.
Hemlock and Eucalyptus oil:
- This combination is said to be helpful in clearing congestion and easing breathing.
Hemlock and Rosemary oil:
- This combination is said to be helpful in boosting the immune system.
Hemlock Essential Oil Substitutes
Hemlock is a coniferous tree that is said to have a number of benefits, including reducing inflammation and pain. However, due to its strong aroma, many people are looking for substitutes for Hemlock essential oil.
There are a number of essential oils that can be used as therapeutic substitutes for Hemlock oil. Some of the most popular include Lavender oil, Eucalyptus oil, Rosemary oil, and Peppermint oil. These oils all have similar properties to Hemlock oil, and they can be used in the same way.
For example, they can be added to a diffuser or used in a massage oil. Eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint oils are all good for respiratory issues when diffused or inhaled. Rosemary oil can help improve memory and cognitive function when diffused.
Hemlock oil should be diluted before use, and it should not be used on broken or irritated skin.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hemlock Spruce Essential Oil
Here are a few FAQs on this oil:
What is hemlock essential oil used for?
Hemlock spruce essential oil can be used in different quantities depending on the need. For example, it can be used in smaller proportions for decongestant purposes, helping to alleviate coughing and respiratory issues. It is also called tsuga essential oil.
How to Use Tsuga Essential Oil
Tsuga essential oil is a great choice if you want to fill your home with a fresh, pine-like aroma. You can easily use it in a diffuser to create a delightful scent. It blends well with other woody fragrances, so feel free to experiment and find the perfect combination for your liking. By mixing Tsuga essential oil with other woodsy scents, you can create a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere in your home.
Can I use Hemlock Essential Oil for pain?
Hemlock essential oil has been known to work effectively as a muscle relaxant. Its properties make it great for relieving muscle aches and spasms.
Final Thoughts on Hemlock Oil Uses and Benefits
In conclusion, hemlock spruce essential oil has numerous benefits. Its use as a decongestant and muscle relaxant makes it a valuable addition to any aromatherapy routine. By selecting a high-quality, therapeutic grade oil from a reputable supplier, you can confidently incorporate hemlock spruce oil into your daily regimen.
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