Ho Wood Oil is steam distilled from the bark and wood of the ho tree. This oil is extremely high in calming linalool and is excellent for promoting a peaceful and relaxing environment. Ho Wood has a woody, floral, and camphorous scent. Its aroma and properties are very similar to Rosewood Oil, which as a threatened species, should be avoided. The camphor content in Ho Wood Oil results in a cooling feeling when used topically.
Ho Leaf plant is also known as Chinese Rosewood, Ho-Sho, Formosan Camphor is native to China, Japan and Formosa. The leaves and twigs are used for steam distillation in order to extract essential oils. The result is a colorless to pale yellow liquid possessing characteristic, sweet, pleasant, floral, and woody scent. The aroma of this essential oil is like camphor. The chemical constituents such as Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Citral, and Pinene are found in Ho Leaf essential oil. It is helpful for treating flu, chills, colds, and coughs. It acts as a tonic and provides relief from fatigue.
Ho Leaf Essential oil Facts
The essential oil of Ho leaf is derived from the leaves and twigs of the plant. It is a perfect substitute for Rosewood essential oil. It is used to calm the mind, uplift emotions, and nourish the skin.
| Name | Ho Leaf Essential Oil facts and benefits |
|---|---|
| Ho Leaf Essential Oil facts and benefits | Cinnamomum camphora |
| Native | Native to China, Japan, and Formosa |
| Common names of Ho leaf plant | Linalol Essential Oil, Ravintsara essential oil |
| Common/English Name | Chinese Rosewood, Ho-Sho, Formosan Camphor |
| Method of extraction | Steam distillation |
| Parts of plants used | Leaves, twigs |
| Color | Colorless-Pale yellow |
| Odor | Characteristic, sweet, pleasant, floral, and woody |
| Flavor/aroma | Like camphor |
| Traditional uses |
|
| Precautions |
|
| Other Facts | It is blended with essential oils of Lime, Clementine, Lemon, Orange, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Germanium, Lavender, Bergamot, Neroli, Cinnamon, and Petitgrain. |
Health Benefits
Anti-Inflammatory
The strong camphor content contained in Ho Wood oil is the main component in making it suitable for use as a natural anti-inflammatory. The oil can be applied to an affected area with a swab of cotton or another clean piece of material and should be left to soak into the skin. It will moisturize and re-nourish your skin, as well as remove any active bacteria on the area that could worsen the inflammation or cause more irritation.
This works particularly well on fungal infections like athlete’s foot and any open or healing wounds.
Anti-Bacterial
The chemical combination of camphor and nerolidol is key in making Ho Wood oil a strong antibacterial agent. The camphor works superficially to help reduce signs of bacterial infection as well as prevent the continued or recurring growth of bacteria on the affected area. The nerolidol works to allow the oil to penetrate deeply into the skin, allowing the antioxidant effects of the oil to clear your skin from the inside too – promoting cell regeneration and health.
When applied regularly, the nerolidol also acts to stimulate the flow of blood cells under the surface of the skin, which means more nutrients are able to reach the affected area and allow for faster healing.
Diffusing
Ho wood essential oil for diffusing.
So “there are many ways to diffuse an oil” should become part of the parlance of our times in my opinion as there really are quite a number of ways to do this. However, from personal experience and I bit of research, I’ve managed to conclude that heat diffusing and diffusion via atomization are the best methods of utilizing essential oils in a vaporous form.
There are other diffusing methods out there, but they generally tend to denature the oil, thus reducing the quality of the product. A heat diffuser is really quite a simple process that entails heating the oil with an open-source of heat, usually a candle. As the oil is heated, it forms a vapor that will freshen the room that the diffuser is placed in.
Atomization is the process whereby liquids (or other materials) are heated to the point where they turn into vapor on a molecular level. This method is the safest way of retaining a material’s chemical compounds and natural elements, whilst transforming its state.
Ho Wood oil works very well in the diffusion process because it has a calming and refreshing odor that is often used to treat depression in aromatherapy and can also reduce stress or anxiety. The oil also works as a natural pest repellent, so will keep your home free of mosquitos and flies – without the need for harmful chemical agents or poisons.
Skin Care
Ho Wood oil has a relatively low comedogenic rating, which means it doesn’t form an oily layer when applied and won’t block up your pores – one of the main causes of blemishes. The high linalool content in the oil, combined with the 1,8-cineole oil helps to replenish essential vitamins in your skin (such as Vitamin E) which help to encourage cell growth and prevents excess sebum oil in oily skin types.
The antiseptic qualities of the oil also remove dead skin cells and kill off any bacteria that might cause infections on the skin or worsen acne. To apply the oil, simply add a drop or two to a cotton swab and apply it to your face preferably after a warm shower and an initial facial scrub. Allow the oil to sit for a few minutes (roughly 5) and rinse it off with warm water.
Calms
One of the most popular uses for Ho Wood Essential Oil is to help relax and calm. Its refreshing aroma helps calm anxious thoughts.
Pain Relief
Ho Wood Essential Oil is helpful in pain relief. It reduces the feeling of pain and has a cooling effect on the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which will help your body heal.
Supports the Immune System
Because of its antibacterial properties, this essential oil can help fight off diseases and infections.
Sleep
Ho Wood’s calming effects can also help you sleep at night. Diffuse it in your room before you head to bed to create a sleepy atmosphere perfect for rest.
Skin Healing
Ho Wood Essential Oil’s benefits include being anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal. Because of this, Ho Wood essential oil is helpful in healing the skin.
Ho Wood Essential Oil is popular in antifungal skincare because it will protect your skin from other stronger oils (like peppermint or clove) that could irritate the skin while enhancing its anti-fungal properties.
- Circulation Boost Body Butter
- Relax and Detox Foot Bath
Focus
Those who meditate love to use Ho Wood Essential Oil’s benefits to increase focus. Even if you don’t meditate, diffusing Ho Wood Essential Oil can help give you mental focus.
- Refresh Spray
- Meditation Diffuser Blend
Headache Relief
Since the aroma of Ho Wood, Essential Oil is calming and its benefits include pain relief, this oil can be used to ease tension headaches by diluting it and using it to massage your neck.
Health Benefits of Ho Leaf Essential Oil
- It provides relief from fatigue, balances emotions, and soothes the mind.
- It is helpful for oily skin, acne, dry skin, and sensitive skin.
- It helps to treat flu, chills, colds, and coughs.
- It lowers pains and headaches.
- It is used to treat cellulite, eczema, wrinkles, scars, and other skin problems.
- It effectively treats stress, shingles, depression, anxiety, pain, and loss of libido.
- It helps to regenerate the tissue of the skin.
- It promotes sleep and calms down the nerves.
- 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
Recipes
Recipes and ways to use Ho Essential Oil – all products available from Penny Price Aromatherapy
Calming Vaporiser Blend
To stay calm and relaxed use the recipe below, in a 10ml dropper bottle use:
- 5ml Ho essential oil
- 2 ml Lavender essential oil
- 2ml Geranium essential oil
- 1ml Bergamot essential oil
Blend all the oils well in the bottle and push in the dropper cap. Use up to 8 drops at a time in a vaporizer.
Christmas Ho Ho Ho Vaporiser Blend
For a beautiful Christmas aroma that brings a little joy and peace, uses the recipe below, in a 10ml dropper bottle use:
- 3ml Ho essential oil
- 3ml Sweet Orange essential oil
- 2ml Cinnamon essential oil
- 1ml Clove essential oil
- 1ml Pine essential oil
Blend all the oils well in the bottle and push in the dropper cap. Use up to 8 drops at a time in a vaporizer and on cotton wool balls to hide in the Christmas tree.
Beautiful Antiaging Hand Lotion
This recipe will help to keep hands smooth and soft and looking beautiful, in a 100ml jar use the following recipe:
- 90mls Blending Cream
- 5mls Rosehip oil
- 4mls Rose hydrolat
- 8 drops Ho essential oil
- 8 drops Palmarosa essential oil
- 7 drops Lavender High Altitude essential oil
- 7 drops Sandalwood essential oil
Put the blending cream into the 100ml jar and stir round to soften. Add the rosehip and stir again, then add the hydrolat and mix well. Finally add the essential oils in the order they are written in the recipe and stir well. Clean the edges of the pot and put on the lid.
Use as needed throughout the day and before going to bed.
Summer Moisture Cream
This is a light cream recipe for those warmer summer days, in a 100ml jar blend the following:
- 50ml Blending Cream
- 40ml Moisture Cream for sensitive skin
- 9.5ml Neroli hydrolat
- 7drops Ho essential oil
- 4 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
- 4 drops Petitgrain essential oil
Put the moisture cream into the 100ml jar and stir round to soften. Add the blending cream and stir again, then add the hydrolat and mix well. Finally, add the essential oils in the order they are written in the recipe and stir well. Clean the edges of the pot and put it on the lid.
Use twice a day to help skin stay soft and supple.
Sleepy Bath Foam
This is a really relaxing way to end the day and it is safe for children and the elderly too! In a 100ml bottle with a pump top blend the following recipe:
- 99ml Bath Foam Base
- 15 drops Ho essential oil
- 8 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
- 7 drops Bergamot essential oil
Put the bath foam into a small bowl and add the essential oils. Stir really well and then, using a funnel, put the blend into the bottle and apply the lid. This can take some time so be patient! Use a dessertspoonful in each bath and soak for at least 20 minutes.
I do hope that you try out Ho in all its diversity – if you have any questions about Ho essential oil or the recipes in this Blog please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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 the 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 a blank inhaler and put on the end cap (base). To use, place under the 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 the diffuser machine on and enjoy. |
Ho Wood Essential Oil Vs. Avocado Oil
So this was a bit of a challenging question for me to answer because it’s a bit like comparing oranges and apples – they’re two different oils that are suitable for a variety of different uses. Therefore, one cannot say that oil A is ‘better’ than oil B – the only thing I can do is compare the uses and benefits of these oils in order to give you a better indication of which to use for a particular ailment or issue.
Firstly, it’s important to note that Ho Wood oil can easily be replaced by Eucalyptus oil and in many cases, it is. Ho Wood oil shares many of the same medicinal benefits of eucalyptus oil in that it’s an excellent natural analgesic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and sedative treatment and is particularly effective at treating general pain, minor wounds, insect bites, colds, inflammation, and a range of infections quite well. This is largely due to the oil’s high linalool content.
Ho Wood oil has a strong and piney odor with a pungent floral twist and is very similar in scent to either tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil. I would recommend using it for treating hair and scalp infections as well as to address the aforementioned health issues.
Avocado oil, on the other hand, is a highly effective natural oil on its own but is generally used as a carrier oil with other essential oils to create a blend and ultimately, a more potent natural mixture that can be used to help treat a wider variety of health issues more effectively.
Avocado oil is considered to be rich in natural minerals and vitamins such as oleic acids (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamin K, B, C, and E, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, and fiber (and that’s not even the whole list!). So it’s easy to see why many consider the avocado to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet (and why they’re so expensive).
Using the oil is a great way to save cash as you get a more concentrated version of all the natural goodness contained within the avocado plus it’s more versatile as a natural product. The oil is highly effective at moisturizing and nourishing the skin and hair. It’s a great way to hydrate dry, cracking skin and can help to prevent the signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals with its high vitamin E content.
While avocado oil is great for more general use in terms of hair and skin, it’s also quite effective as a natural antiseptic treatment and helps to enable wounds to heal faster, reduce the appearance of scars and scar tissue, and is ideal for treating muscle cramps or spasms too.
So I’d say the main difference between these two oils is that avocado is more suitable for general use (it’s so safe, you can eat it) while Ho Wood is better for more practical medicinal and industrial uses. By combining the two though – you’ll have a pretty potent natural remedy that you can use to treat everything from bad hair days to bad headaches (and more).
Ho Wood Essential Oil Vs. Rosewood Essential Oil
Rosewood essential oil. First, a little info about the Rosewood tree. It is an evergreen tree that is native to the jungles of Brazil and Peru (the Amazon) and is evergreen. It is a sturdy and very aesthetically pleasing wood that is used in everything from construction and building furniture to the creation of a really great essential oil. I have personally also used Rosewood in the creation of soaps at home because of its warm, spicy aroma and floral hints that are similar to that of Ho Wood – so blending the two is highly recommended!
In fact, the oils have very similar chemical compositions and work incredibly well together. Both have high linalool content, although Rosewood has a bit more than your average vial of Ho Wood oil, sourcing oil from Ho Wood oil from either Taiwan or Japan makes up for that as trees from these areas have a linalool content of roughly 80-85% on average.
Linalool is considered a chemical intermediate, which means it stimulates reactions in other substances. It is great for stimulating the growth of skin cells (used in the production of Vitamin E), has strong antibacterial qualities, and acts as a natural pest repellent.
Combining these two oils only strengthens their effects and their smells work very well together as well. Both function as natural deodorants and both can be used as pain relievers as they both have mild analgesic properties. The added benefit of both of these oils is that they can both be ingested (in very small, regulated doses) to help relieve problems of digestion and keep your immune system strong and healthy.
So, in my opinion, it’s not really a matter of one versus the other – but how and when could I use both together. They’re pretty amazing in their natural form and even better together – nature’s ‘Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel,’ if you will.
Sustainability & Sourcing
There is much concern and quite rightly so, regarding the sustainability of rosewood essential oil from Brazil. Brazil does produce the best rosewood, but as the forests are diminished and continue to be so, the availability of the oil is causing concern around the world.
Penny Price Aromatherapy used to obtain rosewood essential oil from small distillation units that used leftover wood from cabinet making. However, as the number of trees reduces, so does the furniture crafting industry in Brazil. We then sourced our rosewood essential oil from India, the next best place, and have had no supply problem there at all.
The concern is though that because traditionally the oil comes from Brazil, that somehow this makes rosewood unethical and so even though we can source it, it is becoming scarcer even in India because demand is dropping.
It can be hard to give explanations to the general public about where you source your oils from – they just see the name of the oil and assume we are being unethical!
Ho Essential Oil is the BEAUTIFUL ANSWER!
Not only does it have a beautiful fragrance, but as I mentioned above, it is almost exactly the same chemically as rosewood, the smell is almost exactly the same and the properties are almost exactly the same. Win-win! In fact, most people cannot tell the difference between the two oils, and better still, Ho is much cheaper as it is much more readily available.
- When buying in Ho essential oil, we need to ensure that the chemotype is ‘linalool’, as this wonderful ingredient gives the properties we need for skincare and also the beautifully sweet, rosy aroma.
- If we just buy Camphor oil, this is quite different as this more resembles eucalyptus or ravintsara, so check the Latin name is: Cinnamomum camphora c.t. linalool
Camphor is a tall tree growing up to ten meters in as many years. When grown in a plantation the trees are coppiced and harvested twice yearly. The essential oil of Ho possesses a clean, sweet, floral woody, and delicate odor, and is clear to pale yellow, and is generally thought to be safe to use.
Traditionally, the Ho-Sho [Ho = fragrant] tree was called formerly Shiu-Sho [Shiu = smelling], and the oil obtained from it was known as Shiu Oil. The characteristic of the Ho-Sho is that its chief component is linalool.
At one time Ho-Sho was not produced at all, but when it was realized that linalool could be used as a valuable perfume ingredient, the exploitation and distillation of Ho-Sho trees were started in 1920. The rectified oil, obtained from crude Ho-Sho oil by fractional distillation, gained a worldwide reputation as an excellent source for the isolation of linalool.
Other chemical constituents include cineole, g-terpinene, terpinolene, p-cymene, and cis-linalool which all help to support the linalool in the gentle therapeutic effect of the oil.
Therapeutic Properties of Ho Leaf Essential Oil
Ho essential oil is very versatile and can be used for many common ailments. It is particularly helpful to the nervous system, especially in helping with stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
For the skin, Ho essential oil is really useful. It can be helpful to relieve the itching and redness of acne and help with candida, dermatitis, dry skin, dull skin, eczema, scar tissue, and stretch marks.
In the bedroom department, Ho essential oil is highlighted for frigidity and apathy! The main chemical component as we have said above is linalool, which has been found to have a relaxing effect, and inhalation of linalool vapors does have a sedating effect producing calmness and sleepiness. Using one or two drops on the pillow at night to induce sleep works in much the same way as Lavender essential oil, which also contains linalool.
In massage oil, Ho essential oil can help combat tired muscles- especially after vigorous exercise.
Ho essential oil works really well with other essential oils such as Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Vetiver, Rose, Bergamot, Orange, Mandarin & Neroli. Lavender and Geranium, Frankincense and Clary Sage, and the various wood oils.
As far as I know, Ho essential oil has no known toxicity, although most books tend towards saying it should not be used in pregnancy. For myself, I am sure that if it is used correctly by a qualified aromatherapist and for a therapeutic reason, it would be fine.
Ho, essential oil is used for its uplifting, cleansing, clearing, and relaxing properties, but for me, is most useful in relieving topical pain (such as sunburn) and as skincare active (for problem skin and for relieving skin stress). It has traditionally been used for many common ailments including muscular aches and pains, insomnia, stress and tension, and skin conditions.
Penny Price Aromatherapy has several blends including Ho essential oil. Three of these products are Nurture Love, Nurture Peace, and Active Rollerball.
A carefully chosen blend of essential oils to help bring about a state of forgiveness and benevolence, thereby promoting cordial relationships. The blend can also be used in the bedroom. The blend is made with Ho, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, and Lavandin Essential Oils to promote peace and unity within the spirit.
This lovely blend eases feelings of tiredness, leaving you happier and more relaxed. Inhalation of this blend is recommended during panic attacks and massaging with the ready-mixed blend in carrier oil around the neck and shoulders can bring instant relief to tension.
This little rollerball helps you to roll on energy. The blend helps increase energy in the mind and body and will help to boost energy and promote wakefulness.
Active is a blend of essential oils which include Ho, Bergamot, Rose Absolute, and Eucalyptus Staigeriana essential oils.
Precautions
- Pregnant women should avoid it.
- Not to be used undiluted.
- A patch test is preferred before use.
- It should not be used in mucous membranes and eyes.
- Use it under the supervision of a health practitioner.
- People with sensitive skin might get skin irritation.
- Allergic people should not use it.
From Where To Buy
- Women-owned and family-operated since 2009, we personally source each essential oil and raw ingredient to ensure affordable prices without compromising quality. Voted the #1 Non-MLM essential oil company, it's our pleasure to be your one-stop shop for all things aromatherapy.
- As the leader in the essential oils industry, we value safety, quality and education in offering only the best aromatherapy products. For this reason, we test every batch of essential oils and provide GC/MS reports to our customers to ensure each oil’s therapeutic value and purity.
- Each of our products is expertly formulated and hand-poured, including over 200 essential oils and synergy blends. We also offer a wide array of natural home and body products that are kind to the environment. Have a question about essential oils? Our certified aromatherapists are happy to lend a hand in your EO journey!
or
- Arabian Sandalwood Oil / Ingredient Origin – USA / Ingredient Type – Manufactures Grade Oil
- Common Uses: The uses for Oils both for health and emotions are vast and diverse. Many oils have various therapeutic uses in Aromatherapy. Some products that you can make with Oils are – natural cleaners, candles, laundry and body soap, air fresheners, massage, bath products, health and beauty, muscle rubs, energy boosters, breath fresheners, mental clarity and headache reliving products
- Essential Trading Post is guided today by its original value to commitment of product quality, customer service and business integrity at an affordable price. Our collection includes some of the following oils Allspice Angelica Anise Amber Basil Bay Bergamot Birch Black Pepper Balsam Fir Carnation Cedar Orange Cajeput Clementine Clove Cumin Cypress Dill Dragons Blood Eucalyptus Frankincense Fennel Fir Needle Gardenia Ginseng Geranium Ginger Grapefruit Honeysuckle Helichrysum Ho Wood Hyssop
- Juniper Berry Lilac Lavender Lime Lemon Lemongrass Litsea Marjoram Melissa Myrrh Myrtle Neroli Niaouli Nutmeg Orange Oregano Palmarosa Parsley Patchouli Peppermint Spearmint Pine Penny Royal Petitgrain Ravensara Rose Rosemary Rosewood Sage Sandalwood Spearmint Sweet Almond Spruce Thieves Tangerine Tea Tree Thyme Turmeric Valerian Vanilla Vetiver Wintergreen Yarrow Ylang
References
