Using the Wood Oils

For the purposes of this post, we 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, Cedarwood, Cypress, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Melaleuca (Tea tree), Myrrh, Petitgrain, Sandalwood (Hawaiian), Sandalwood, and White Fir.

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, 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, Cedarwood, and Arborvitae each have calming and relaxing benefits. White Fir, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, 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

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

Melaleuca (Tea tree)

• 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 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

White 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 White Fir oil to your shower to evoke feelings of energy and empowerment
• Diffuse White 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

Do you use wood oils? would love to have you share!