Rosewood Oil Substitute? Try Ho Wood Essential Oil!

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

I’m happy to be shining the spotlight on Ho Wood essential oil. This oil often flies under the radar but its lovely scent and powerful properties make it a great oil worth getting to know! This is especially true since it’s one of the essential oils that can be used as a Rosewood oil substitute.

First, why would you want a substitute for Rosewood essential oil? 

Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) essential oil is a beautiful, aromatic, and versatile oil that’s been used for many years in holistic aromatherapy. Here’s the thing… it’s gravely endangered! At e3, we have a commitment to sustainability, so Rosewood essential oil is one of the essential oils we no longer carry. According to the Airmid Institute, “Aniba rosaeodora essential oil is frequently adulterated for many reasons including –  it is among the most commercially valuable essential oils on the world market, the tree is Endangered and CITES-protected…” They also reported that, “suppliers and retailers attempting to obtain legally exported, authentic A. rosaeodora oil may often unknowingly purchase an adulterated oil.”  Again, we see the need to take time to be an educated consumer. 

Why is Ho Wood essential oil an excellent alternative to Rosewood Oil?

Unlike Rosewood, Ho Wood is a far more sustainable tree that grows throughout Asia in a wide range of environments. The scent is very similar and it has similar properties as well! Ho Wood is high in Linalool. Linalool affects the serotonin receptor. It helps treat conditions such as anxiety and depression and can help to combat insomnia. It is also safe for most skin types. 

You can get an idea of the versatility of Ho Wood essential oil when you see some of the e3 blends that contain it — Transition Blend, Courageous, Bruise & Scar Blend.

Benefits & Therapeutic Uses of Ho Wood Essential Oil

• Physical uses:  Colds, flu, immune support, muscle aches & spasms, joint  aches
• Skin care uses: Beneficial for blemished and oily skin
• Psychological uses: Anxiety, tension, stress
• Subtle uses: Calms and comforts. Encourages feelings of peace.

3 Ways You Can Use Ho Wood Essential Oil as a Replacement for Rosewood Oil

For Your Mental & Emotional Health

Inhalation: Put 1-3 drops of Ho Wood essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose. Pause and inhale again. (Avoid touching your nose with the tissue.)

Inhalation, Hot Water: Add 1-2 drops of Ho Wood essential oil to a small bowl of hot water. Keeping your eyes tightly closed, lean over the bowl and breathe in deeply yet gently, pause then exhale. Continue for 30 seconds. Inhale through your nose for respiratory or sinus conditions and through your mouth for throat issues or coughs. Repeat as desired.

Massage: Mix 6-30 drops of Ho Wood essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion.

For Skin Rejuvenation

Body Lotion: Add 6-30 drops of Ho Wood essential oil in 1 ounce of fragrance-free, natural moisturizing lotion. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Body Oil: Mix 6-30 drops of Ho Wood essential oil in 1 ounce of a carrier, such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Facial Oil: Mix 2-5 drops of Ho Wood essential oil in 1 ounce of a carrier such as jojoba, calendula, or rosehip seed oil.

For Your Skin & Emotional Health (2 benefits for 1 application!)

Bath: Mix 4-8 drops of Ho Wood essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. (You can also add the essential oil to 1/2 cup of whole milk or heavy cream.) Set aside. If you have muscle aches, add 1-2 cups Epsom or Dead sea salts. Fill the tub with warm water and immerse yourself. Add the essential oil mixture and swirl the water around you. Massage your skin and breathe in the aroma. Remain in the tub for 10-15 minutes.

Foot Bath: Mix 1-3 drops of Ho Wood essential oil in 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. Set aside. Fill a tub (deep enough to cover your feet and ankles) with warm water. Add the essential oil mixture, stir well, and immerse your feet for 10-15 minutes. Breathe in the aroma and massage your feet.

Compress, Facial: Fill the sink with warm water. Add 1-3 drops of Ho Wood essential oil to the water and agitate the water to mix well. Lay in a clean washcloth, wring, and apply to face, with eyes closed, holding in place for 5-10 seconds. Repeat dipping, wringing, and applying – 3 times. Pat dry.

Hopefully, this article has encouraged you to give Ho Wood essential oil a try. As a reminder, there are always alternatives when it comes to essential oils. Mother nature has been generous in giving us lots of options. So if a certain essential oil doesn’t smell that great to you, or is too expensive, or is endangered as in the case of Rosewood, take a look at a substitute. You can search for more information right here on e3’s blog or feel free to reach out and ask us questions.

Would you like to learn more about how aromatherapy and your sense of smell works? Grab a copy of our downloadable free ebook, Listen to Your Nose – An Introduction to Aromatherapy. Psst… you’ll also get a 20% off coupon to use on your next order!