Ho Wood (White Camphor)

Cinnamomum camphora var. linalool--distilled from wood, bark, leaves and twigs. Also known as White Camphor. Also known as Camphor Tree, Camphorwood or Camphor Laurel. The oil is extracted by steam from the chipped wood, root stumps and branches. White Camphor oil is the first distillation fraction.  Has a bright, warm, penetrating, slightly woody aroma. Almost like a  blend between Cinnamon, Tea tree and Lemongrass oil. Mainly used in the fragrance industry as a substitute for Rosewood.   Most Ho Wood oil is "rectified" to remove undesirable components.  This is not necessarily a bad thing and does not affect the properties.  You might want to do a search for more information and check on your sources before buying. It has 6 different chemotypes--camphor, linalool, 1.8 cineole, nerolidol, safrole and borneol, which are dependent on the country of origin. It has become a noxious weed in Australia and Florida.

Ravintsara essential oil, also called ho leaf oil, is not the same as Ravensara or Ho wood. Ravintsara essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves only. It's scent is smoother and contains practically no camphor notes at all. It is used to treat wounds, bacterial infections, arthritis, inflammation, pain, headaches, insomnia, congestion, respiratory troubles, allergies, sore muscles, muscle cramps, colds, flu and depression.

*Safety Data: Generally considered safe, may cause irritation to sensitive skin. Always dilute with a carrier oil.  Do not use on broken skin.

CHARACTER:    "Calm Embrace"   Defensive , Peaceful,  Calm Spiritual Mentor

CRYSTALS:    Botswana Agate, Wood Agate, Mookaite, Amethyst, Ametrine, all Tourmalines, Sodalite, Clear Quartz, Rose Quartz (powerful heart restoration),Citrine, Amethyst, Selenite 

ETHERIC COLORS:  Silver/blue, green, yellow, rose-pink, lavender

CHAKRAS:  Primary is Heart, with Crown, Throat and Solar secondary

MUSICAL:  F, A; Harp, classical guitar, soft Bamboo flute

ASTRO:  Venus, Moon, Taurus, Cancer

ELEMENTS:  Water, Air

PERFUME NOTE:  Middle to Top

ENERGY TYPE:  2,4

CHEMICAL FAMILY:  Oxide

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:    Relaxing,  Calming,   Gratitude, Acceptance, Meditation, help manifest visions into realities.  Harmonizes interpersonal energy.  Supports meditation and inner stillness

  

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES: Anxiety, Nervous tension,  Depression,  stress, trauma, insomnia, grief, heartbreak, irritability, fear of vulnerability

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: Skin issues (irritated, itching)* measles, typhoid, cough, asthma, hiccups, nausea, cramps, muscular pain

PROPERTIES:  Analgesic, antidepressant,  sedative, Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, cardiac, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, insecticide, muscle relaxant,  anti-convulsant, antifungal,   antimicrobial, anti-spasmodic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, cellular (skin)regenerative, immune stimulant, nervine  

BLENDS:  Dragon Quest, Into The Woods,  

Moss Agate, Dragon Breath

Blends Well With: Basil, Cajeput, Chamomile, Sandalwood, Ylang ylang, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme  

 

The main chemical components depend on the part distilled and may include: 80-90%Linalool, Cineole, Camphor, Borneol, Camphene, Menthol, Borneol, Pinene, limonene, myrcene and Dipentene. 

ARCHETYPES:  PHILOSOPHER, MYSTIC, SEEKER, COUNSELOR, ADVOCATE, ALCHEMIST, DEFENDER, PROTECTOR, VISIONARY, COMPASSIONATE HEALER, PEACE BRINGER

PERSONALITY:  (Ho Wood and Ravintsara have slightly different personalities.  Ravintsara is more laid back and peaceful, the introvert.)

 +Love language is very much physical touch.

+They have a special gift of courage to help face change and leap into the unknown. 

+someone who listens more than they speak

+They are sensitive and empathic.

+They make good counselors and coaches because they become aware and realize the nature of problems, especially inner-child work.

+Ethical, compassionate and dedicated to their causes--tend always be supporting a cause.

+Loves being out in nature and will find a way to experience the outdoors on a regular basis. 

(Updated March 9, 2026)

Laurel

Laurus nobilis--steam distilled from the leaves of the aromatic evergreen shrub or tree native to the Mediterranean, sometimes called "Bay Laurel".  A symbol of triumph to both Greeks and Romans. Has a fresh, spicy, slightly sweet, herbaceous with subtle camphor and balsamic depth aroma.

    

CAUTIONS: Can cause irritation to sensitive skin.  Use in low doses…1 - 20%. Avoid during pregnancy.

CHARACTER: "Confidence Encourager"  expansive, restorative, immortal; Victor, Disciplined Leader, Dignified authority; Clear-minded strength

ETHERIC COLORS:  Deep green, golden yellow, Olive bronze, Amber

CHAKRAS: Solar, Throat, subtle Crown

GEMS/CRYSTALS: Jade, Moldavite, Obsidian, Tiger Iron, Dragon Blood Jasper, Apatite, Lapis Lazuli, Kambaba Jasper, Sunstone, Onyx, Tourmaline, Pyrite

ELEMENT:  Ether, Fire, Air,

PERFUME NOTE:  Top/Middle

BLENDING FACTOR: 1      

ASTRO:   Sun, Jupiter, Aries, Leo

MUSICAL:  E or G; trumpet, French horn, ceremonial drum; upbeat tempo

ENERGY TYPE:  3, 4; Warm and Dry

CHEMICAL FAMILY: Monoterpenes, Oxides

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE STATES:   Warmth of emotion, awareness, courage, confidence, uplifted mind, concentration, inspiration, creative boldness, self-esteem, stimulating rational or "higher mind", sparking inner vision, clear sightedness, gaining new perspectives

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: depression, anxiety, fear, shielding against others treacherous thoughts;

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:  scars, acne, hair loss, urinary problems, wounds, ulcers, respiratory, digestive problems, lymph stagnation, glandular problems, cramps, cough

PROPERTIES: anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, sedative, anti-viral, skin regenerator, analgesic, antispasmodic, astringent, stimulant, expectorant, antiseptic, anti-neuralgic, febrifuge, insect repel, sudorific

BLENDS: Dragon Quest,  Jade,   Wood Badge,  Way of the Leaf,  Timberline,  

Combines especially well with Bergamot, Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang

The principal constituents: Cineol up to 50 percent, and a-pinene, eugenol, geraniol, linalool, phellandrene, sesquiterpene and sesquiterpenic alcohol. 

ARCHETYPES:  APOLLO, CRUISE DIRECTOR, PROTECTOR, ADVOCATE, POET, HERO, ARCHANGEL MICHAEL, CONQUEROR, CRUSADER, PROPHET, LEADER, VICTOR, PHILOSOPHER KING, ORATOR

PERSONALITY: 

+A poet who uses imagination and inspiration to attain their goals.

+ Every experience is valuable and everything they do could be poetry.

+Indescribable presence which lights up human existence. 

+Boss and leader. Employed in many key posts. Conducts life much like a battle.  Leads with dignity.  Speaks with confidence.

+ Can be helpful to others, tempering feelings and assisting in overcoming fears and inhibitions. 

 +Their ambition and assurance enhances a person's awareness of their own value.  Has earned respect.

+Can help the Citrus personalities emerge from emotional deadlocks.  +Can encourage each person to discover their own power, take responsibility and shake off emotional turmoil. Strategic rather than impulsive

+ Invitation to the mysteries and finding of one's grail.   

+Their right use of power increases discernment abilities.  Values honor.

(updated Feb. 25, 2026)

 

Vanilla

Vanilla planifolia-- solvent extracted from the fruit.  The green capsules or fruit are picked, cured, and the immature vanilla pod or bean is fermented and dried to turn it into a fragrant brown vanilla bean. It is one of the most popular and well known flavors/aromas.   There is no such thing as vanilla essential oil! You can find Extract, powder, whole pods, etc. Total CO2 extract is the most common form used in aromatherapy. It is costly in comparison to other forms. There are many mislabeled synthetic substitutes. The scent of vanilla is easily created in the form of a synthetic, so do your research before buying.  Other than food grade vanilla extract there are five types of vanilla, none of which are a pure essential oil.

 

1. Vanilla Co2 Extract (Select or Total) (roughly 30 - 200 times stronger than the extract used in cooking.)

2. Vanilla Absolute

3. Vanilla Oleoresin

4. Vanilla Dilution (Co2 or Absolute) blended in a fixed oil 

5.  Vanilla Tincture (beans macerated in an alcohol base)

I have several different forms in my palette of vanillas. 

CHARACTER:  “Good Things” Relaxing, Sweet, Gentle, Relational

ETHERIC COLORS: Orange, Gold, Green, Ivory, Caramel Amber

GEMS/CRYSTALS: Mother of Pearl, Citrine, Amber, Carnelian, Peach Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Unakite, Scolecite, Botswana Agate, Sunstone, Poppy Jasper, Rose Quartz, Pink Opal, Rhodonite, Golden Calcite, Mother of Pearl

MUSICAL: Base D, A flat; warm cello, lullabies; slow dance rather than a march

CHAKRAS: Sacral, Heart, Root

PERFUME NOTE:  Middle to Top             

 

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Confidence, promises of good things to come, emotional safety, soft confidence, healthy sensuality, 

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE TRAITS:  Recover from Grief or shock; Disconnected from pleasure

PROPERTIES:  aphrodisiac, sedative, antioxidant, anti-depressant

BLENDS: Brave Heart, Caldera, Captivating, Carnelian, Chocolate Jelly Rings, Citrine, Cream Soda, Deep River, Dreamsicle, Enchantment, Gingerbread, Kachina, Key Lime Pie,  Lemon Meringue, Marzipan, 

Moonstone, Mother of Pearl, Opal,  Palomino, Pink Tourmaline, 

Point Sublime, Princess Bride, Swadisthana, Timberline, 

Valentine, Vanilla Pie Spice,

Blends well with almost anything-- Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Sandalwood, Tangerine, and Vetiver. 

  Its main components are acetic acid, capric acid, eugenol, furfural, isobutyric acid, and vanillin hydroxybenzaldehyde. Most of the flavors that include “vanilla” are not actually derived from proper vanilla at all. They are synthesized from hydrocarbons.

ARCHETYPES: CHILD (ALL), DIVA, EMPATH, GOURMET, PRINCESS, BAKER, NURTURER, GENTLE LOVER, SWEET ALCHEMIST

PERSONALITY: 

+ All about the future and forward movement.

+ Enjoys an air of mystery.  

+ Very much an optimist and that feeds back on the state of the now, leaving a pleasant and calm state that can spiral up with more promises of good things to come.

+ Idealistic risk taker, may rely more on intuition than logic.

+ Generally emotionally expressive and successful in close relationships.

+ Are content. When they fall in love with something, they are happy to be tied to it for a long time without the fear that they are missing out on something better. They're happy with being happy.

+They don't need the approval of others to feel good.

+They don’t need grand gestures or constant entertainment to be happy.  Material possessions and flashy gifts are not the main concern.

 -High achiever who may forget comfort.

(updated Feb. 22, 2026)

Lime

 

Citrus Limette/Aurantifolia/hystrix-- cold expressed from the outer part of the fresh peel. Or steam distilled. (which is preferred)  The expressed oil is not recommended for aromatherapy purposes as it is a skin and photo-sensitizer. Lime essential oil has many of the same uses as Lemon Oil, but with a lighter, tart, crisp, sweeter buoyant scent. The two, blended together, are delightful.  It is a familiar scent to many, as it is used extensively as a fragrance component in cosmetics, perfumes, and soaps. It smells so refreshing and uplifting, and is one of the inexpensive oils, too.

Possible skin sensitivity. Phototoxic for the cold expressed only. Avoid sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product. It may cause dark spots on the skin. The steam distilled version avoids all risk of photosensitivity so is wonderful for skin care.

CHARACTER: "Child Like Delight" Sweet, fresh, new, enjoyment, spring, innocence regained, Crisp and effervescent, Spontaneous, Quick thinking

ETHERIC COLORS: Lime Green, Pale Gold, Blue, Magenta, Yellow

NUMBER: 1

CHAKRA: Solar, Heart with subtle Throat

ELEMENT:  Air with light Fire

MUSICAL:  G or A; flute, light percussion, chimes; upbeat/lively

PERFUME NOTE: Top

Blending Factor: 4 

GEMS: Green Aventurine, Chrysoprase, Emerald, Fluorite, Malachite, Peridot, Watermelon Tourmaline, Apatite, Citrine, Clear Quartz, Calcite

ASTRO: Gemini, Leo, Sun, Mercury

ENERGY TYPE:  2, 1

CHEMICAL FAMILY; Monoterpene

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Joy, Emotional clarity,   Awareness, Uplift, Balance, Energize

USED TO FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: Resentful, Depressed,   Mentally Fatigued,  Irrational, Fearful, Anxiety. 

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL PROBLEMS: Infections, toothache, fever, psoriasis, rashes, respiratory, food poisoning, allergies, mouth sores, oral thrush, varicose veins, dandruff, healthy hair, nausea   

PROPERTIES: germicide, astringent, anti-viral, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, digestive,  fungicidal and purifies air.  

BLENDS:   Caldera, Chocolate Jelly Rings, Dancing Angels, Key Lime Pie, Marzipan, Mesa Verde, Princess Bride, Time Catcher, Tree of Life, Tropical Trail, Wood Badge, Opal      

Blends well with: Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Other Essential Oils from the Citrus Family 

It is composed of compounds like alpha pinene, beta pinene, myrcene, limonene, terpinolene, cineole, linalool, borneol, citral, neral acetate, and geranyl acetate.

 ARCHETYPES:  ADVENTURER, ANGEL, ATHLETE, CHILD MAGICAL, CHILD NATURE, DANCER, ENVIRONMENTALIST, GARDENER, PRINCE/PRINCESS, JOYFUL MESSENGER, SOCIAL CATALYST/SPARK

PERSONALITY:

+Breath of fresh air on a spring day. Positively wonderful to have around.  Brings humor into tension.

+Exudes a sense of energy. Sparkling, full of life.

+Positive approach, unshakable confidence. “Never doubt yourself”

+Successful in their chosen profession.

+Original, intuitive, thoughtful, energetic.  Encourages spontaneity.

+Usually have an answer to life’s problems. Witty and quick-thinking.

+Like sports, but not necessarily fierce competition.

+Usually do not bear grudges, unless in the negative mode. Lets go of resentment.

+ Like the Lemon, they can be a bit of a workaholic if they enjoy their work, letting it dominate their life, but with a casual air about it. If they lose a business deal, they will not fret.

-If negative, can be inclined to be sharp and cynical, world wary and world weary.

-If burnout causes negativity, can be a hypochondriac.

(updated Feb. 25, 2026)