Aromatherapy series: the skincare benefits of ho wood essential oil
With a delicate yet irresistible woody, sweet scent, ho wood essential oil is now considered as the go-to aromatic for those in need of comfort, reassurance, and balance, while also having a variety of skincare benefits. But why use it in your salon or spa?
Ho wood is quickly gaining popularity as an alternative to rosewood essential oil, which is now on The CITES list of critically endangered species, requiring strict permits to indicate that it is ethically and sustainably sourced.
While ho wood is a relatively new and little-known oil within the vast spectrum of essential oils on the market, its actions are similar to rosewood, and offer exemplary benefits in its own right.
Ho wood oil, known as cinnamomum camphora linalooliferum, comes from the camphor tree, which is an evergreen part of the Lauraceae family. The tree is typically native to various countries within South East Asia, while also found in Australia, Africa and Madagascar. Growing in abundance, the tree offers sustainability as the crop is plentiful and its growth is even considered invasive in some regions.
Ho wood is steam distilled from the bark and wood of the tree, producing an essential oil with a woody, sweet, herbaceous scent. The structure consists primarily of linalool, with a small percentage of sesquiterpenes, mono terpenes, oxides, and esters. Ho wood is considered one of the most potent sources of naturally occurring linalool found in any steam distilled essential oil.
Why is ho wood good for the skin?
Ho wood offers a variety of benefits for use on the skin and is an excellent oil to include within a synergistic essential oil formulation. Its versatile composition allows it to treat many skin concerns, imparting its anti-inflammatory and skin conditioning actions to maintain a healthy epidermis.
Anecdotally it is regarded for its skin strengthening and reparative actions on ageing skin requiring additional support making it a key oil within formulations for mature clients.
Ho wood can be found in Eve Taylor London’s Revitalising Aromatic Serum No.5.
The chemical structure of ho wood not only gives this oil its unique comforting aroma, but anti-septic and purifying actions for those in need of a skin-boosting tonic. When used within a blend for the body, ho wood can assist with soothing areas of discomfort and promotes an all-round feeling of wellbeing and contentment.
How does ho wood aid mental wellbeing?
As well as the various physiological effects ho wood offers, this wonder oil is renowned for its supportive actions to improve and balance the emotions. It brings feelings of comfort and security and acts as a metaphorical hug in a bottle.
Suitable for those feeling emotionally weary, overburdened, or in a negative mindset, the unrivalled benefits of ho wood are notably beneficial for menopausal women experiencing heightened emotions, by soothing and nurturing the senses, taking the edge off the raw feelings, and helping to lift the mood – collectively supporting the feelings of overwhelm.
When treating those with emotional distress and imbalance, ho wood can be used practically in a variety of ways, either used as a standalone oil or blended with other supportive oils such as rose otto, sandalwood, and geranium.
One of the easiest methods is through diffusion using a suitable device or oil burner, this can be placed in the client’s room and allow them to inhale the aromatic molecules for ongoing support.
For on-the-go aromatherapy, add a few drops of essential oil onto the beads of a lava shell bracelet – the porous surface of lava beads traps aromatic molecules, allowing clients to benefit throughout the day as it is worn. Eve Taylor London’s Hug in a Bottle diffuser blend is an ideal blend, promoting emotional support, comfort, and reassurance in times of need.
