Ho Wood Essential Oil Recipes, Uses and Benefits - EO Spotlight
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.
Ho Wood Essential Oil Spotlight
There are different species of the Ho Tree, you can look for the essential oil chemotype to determine which one to buy, it should have the words "ct. linalool". This just means that the main chemical constituent is linalool. This spotlight is based on this chemotype.
Ho Leaf Oil, aka Ravintsara Essential Oil, is distilled from the leaves of the Ho Tree (Cinnamomum camphora).
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 years |
Kid Safe? | Yes |
Safety Concerns | Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant |
Essential Oil Blends Well With:
- Basil linalool
- Bergamot
- Black Pepper
- Cedarwood
- Clary Sage
- Copaiba
- Cypress
- Elemi
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- 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? Here are 5 simple yet effective Ho Wood essential oil blend recipes.
1. Ho Wood Roller Blend - Focus on the Positive |
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. |
2. Ho Wood Diffuser Recipe - Woody Bliss |
Here is a woodsy diffuser blend to add some bliss to your day.
Directions: Add essential oil drops to your aromatherapy diffuser with recommended water for the tank. Turn diffuser machine on and enjoy. |
3. 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. |
4. 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. |
5. Ho Wood Diffuser Blend - Peaceful Purity |
Enjoy this peaceful essential oil blend.
Directions: Add essential oil drops to your aromatherapy diffuser with recommended water for the tank. Turn diffuser machine on and enjoy. |
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.
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
Essential Oils for Beginners Guide
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: