Using the Wood Essential Oils
For the purposes of this post, I have classified oils as wood oils that come from either the wood, the leaves and branches, or the resin of trees. This list includes Arborvitae, Birch, Black Spruce, Cedarwood, Cypress, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Guaiacwood, Melaleuca (Tea tree), Myrrh, Petitgrain, Sandalwood (Hawaiian), Sandalwood, Siberian Fir, and Wintergreen.
In this grouping of oils, most can only be used aromatically or topically. (This of course, is with the exception of Myrrh, Petitgrain, and Frankincense which can be used internally.) Of these two methods, the benefits to the skin are strong. Cedarwood, Cypress, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Guaiacwood, Melaleuca (Tea tree), Myrrh, and both types of Sandalwood have purifying or clarifying properties when applied to the skin. Out of the wood oils, Cedarwood is effective for repelling insects.
The wood oils are also great for emotional purposes. Petitgrain, Myrrh, Cypress, Guaiacwood, Cedarwood, and Arborvitae each have calming and relaxing benefits. White Fir, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Birch, Myrrh, and Eucalyptus are specifically good for tension or stress.
Each of these oils works well when diffused. You can also put them in a warm bath by putting a few drops into liquid soap and dissolving it into the water.
Read on to find out some of the more unique uses for each oil:
Arborvitae
Powerful cleansing and purifying agent
Diffuse to purify the air of any odor
Apply to skin to reduce the appearance of blemishes
Create your own cologne with Cedarwood, Arborvitae, and Frankincense
Plant Part: Wood
Birch
Massage Birch essential oil into the back and legs for a cooling sensation after exercise.
Place a few drops of Birch essential oil on a cotton ball and tuck it in your gym bag to mask odors.
Apply Birch essential oil to the skin to help reduce the appearance of blemishes.
Diffuse a drop or two to encourage a stimulating, energizing environment.
Plant Part: Wood
Black Spruce
Combine with carrier oil and massage into the skin for soothing comfort.
Diffuse throughout the day for a relaxing aroma.
Apply to the skin to help soothe minor skin irritations.
Inhale throughout the day to promote feelings of easy breathing.
Plant Part: Needles and branches
Cedarwood
Before exercising, massage one to two drops into your chest to maintain vitality throughout your workout
After noticing a fresh blemish, directly apply one drop to affected area to immediately improve its appearance
Put a drop on a cotton ball and place in your closets and storage boxes to keep any moths at bay
When a child wakes up frightened, apply one to two drops to the bottom of their feet to help soothe and calm them
Plant Part: Wood
Cypress
Before a long run, apply Cypress to your feet and legs for an energizing boost
Apply two to three drops to chest before gardening to promote vitality and energy
To help improve the appearance of oily skin, add one to two drops to your toner
Diffuse with Lime oil to invigorate your senses
Plant Part: Leaf
Douglas Fir
Promotes a positive mood and sense of focus when applied to your skin or diffused
Diffuse two to three drops Douglas Fir oil with two to three drops Eucalyptus oil. Alternatively, you can rub it into your hands and inhale deeply for feelings of clear airways and easy breathing.
Combine with one to two drops of Wintergreen oil for a relaxing massage experience
Plant Part: Branch and leaf
Eucalyptus
Promotes feelings of clear breathing and open airways
Create a soothing massage experience by diluting two to four drops with a carrier oil
Take use of its purifying properties for surfaces by mixing mix 10 drops of Eucalyptus oil, Peppermint oil, and Wild Orange oil with 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1 3/4 cup water in a 16 oz. glass spray bottle.
Diffuse during the winter months to invigorate you on a cold, dreary day
Place one to two drops in your hand and inhale deeply to clear the mind
Add one drop to moisturizer and apply to skin for revitalizing benefits
Place a few drops in your morning shower to invigorate your senses
Plant Part: Leaf
Frankincense
Take one to two drops in a veggie capsule to support healthy cellular function*
Add to your facial moisturizer to reduce the appearance of blemishes and to rejuvenate the skin
Apply Frankincense directly to your nail bed to maintain healthy looking fingernails when you’re in a dry climate
Apply to the bottom of your feet to promote feelings of relaxation and to balance your mood
Add a couple drops of Frankincense oil to the moisturizer of your choice to help hydrate and rejuvenate the skin whenever your hands need moisturizing, especially when you’ve been out in harsh weather
Plant Part: Resin
Guaiacwood
Apply to the desired area to soothe minor skin irritations and support the skin’s natural hydration.
Diffuse throughout the day or as a supportive aroma during yoga or meditation.
Use Guaiacwood aromatically in the evening for a tranquil aroma.
Apply it to your hands and wrists or neck to enjoy the deep, woody aroma and support a harmonious, rooted environment.
Plant Part: Wood
Tea tree (Melaleuca)
Use in your shampoo, conditioner, or body wash to utilize its cleansing and rejuvenating effects on your skin, hair, and nails
Take internally in a veggie capsule to protect against seasonal threats*
For occasional skin irritations, apply one to two drops of Melaleuca essential oil onto the affected area
Add one to two drops to water, citrus drinks, or veggie caps to support the function of a healthy immune system*
Apply to skin after shaving to soothe skin
Apply to fingernails and toenails after showering to keep nails looking healthy
Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and use on surfaces to protect against environmental threats
Plant Part: Leaf
Myrrh
Add one drop to your toothbrush before brushing to harness its powerful cleansing properties for the mouth.
To help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, add one to two drops to your face or body lotion for a smooth, youthful-looking complexion
Diffuse to help promote awareness and uplift your mood
Add one to two drops to one-fourth cup of water with a little agave or honey to help ease the stomach*
Put one drop in two ounces of water and gargle for an effective mouth rinse
Diffuse during the holidays to maintain peaceful feelings throughout your home
Promotes emotional balance and well-being
Plant Part: Resin
Petitgrain
Blends well with other citrus oils, Cassia, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Geranium, and Lemongrass.
Take internally to help ease feelings of tension, help calm the nervous system, and promote restful sleep.*
Before going to bed, add a few drops of Petitgrain along with Lavender or Bergamot to a cotton ball and put it in your pillowcase for their aromatic benefits.
Add one to two drops to water or juice and drink to help support the health of the cardiovascular, immune, nervous, and digestive systems.*
Plant Part: Twigs and leaves
Sandalwood (Hawaiian)
Diffuse or apply to the neck and shoulders at bedtime for a restful night’s sleep
After a long day of work, add one to two drops to your hot bath to promote relaxation and reduce stress
Improve the appearance of your hair by adding one to two drops directly to your shampoo
Put a few drops into your palms and inhale the scent to enhances and improve your mood
Use before your morning meditation to utilize its grounding and uplifting properties
Apply one to two drops to wet hair to help restore moisture and give hair a silky shine
Inhale Sandalwood directly from palms or diffuse to lessen tension and balance emotions
Plant Part: Wood
Sandalwood
Apply to your skin the day before a big photo shoot or presentation to promote healthy looking, smooth skin
If you’re a gardener, studies have shown that Sandalwood oil can have positive effects on garden plants. In one study, researchers sprayed several species of plants with a solution of Sandalwood oil. After being sprayed, results showed that the essential oil helped the plants cope with environmental stress.
Frequently used in meditation for its grounding and uplifting properties
Fill a large bowl with steaming water, then apply one to two drops of Sandalwood to your face and cover your head with a towel. Place your face above the steaming water. Your skin will feel nourished and rejuvenated.
Apply one to two drops to wet hair to help give hair extra shine by adding and restoring moisture to the strands
Put a few drops on the back of your neck at bedtime to lessen tension and balance emotions
Plant Part: Wood
Siberian Fir
After strenuous activity, massage directly into skin for soothing comfort, dilute with a carrier oil as needed
On a day when deadlines are approaching, add one drop of Siberian Fir oil to your shower to evoke feelings of energy and empowerment
Diffuse Siberian Fir for an energizing effect
Put one to two drops into your palms and breathe in to evoke feelings of stability
Place a few drops on your terracotta ornaments for a bright holiday scent
Plant Part: Leaf
Wintergreen
Combine one to two drops of Wintergreen essential oil with a carrier oil and rub on the skin for a soothing, warming massage.
Diffuse Wintergreen oil for a sweet, minty aroma.
Place a few drops of Wintergreen oil on a cotton ball and place it in your gym bag.
Add 1–2 drops of Wintergreen oil to warm bath water and enjoy the soothing sensations of Wintergreen essential oil.
Plant Part: Leaf
Enjoy you tree oils!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.