Ho Wood (White Camphor)

Cinnamomum camphora var. linalool--distilled from wood, bark, leaves and twigs. Also known as White Camphor.   It is also known as  Camphor Tree, Camphorwood or Camphor Laurel. The oil is extracted by steam from the chipped wood, root stumps and branches. It is then rectified under vacuum and filter pressed. White camphor oil is the first distillation fraction.   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.

 Has a bright, warm,  penetrating, slightly woody aroma. It’s almost like a natural blend between cinnamon, tea tree and lemongrass oil. Mainly used in the fragrance industry as a substitute for Rosewood.  

          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.  Do not use on broken skin.

CHARACTER:    "Calm Warrior"   Defensive , Peaceful,  warm

GEMS:    Botswana Agate, Wood Agate, Mookaite,  Amethyst, Ametrine, Blue Tourmaline

ETHERIC COLORS:  Silver/blue, green, yellow

PERFUME NOTE:  Middle to Top

ENERGY TYPE:  2,4

CHEMICAL FAMILY:  Oxide

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:    Relaxing,  Calming,   Gratitude, Acceptance, help manifest visions into realities.

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES: Anxiety, Nervous tension,  Depression,  stress,  trauma, insomnia

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES: Skin issues (irritated, itching)* measles,  asthma, hiccups, nausea

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

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.

+They make good counselors and coaches because they become aware and realize the nature of problems.

+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.

BLENDS:  Dragon Quest, Into the Woods, Moss Agate

ARCHETYPES:  PHILOSOPHER, MYSTIC, SEEKER, COUNSELOR, ADVOCATE, ALCHEMIST, DEFENDER, PROTECTOR, VISIONARY

Blends Well With: Basil, cajeput, chamomile, lavender, sandalwood, ylang ylang Cedarwood, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme  

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

Laurel

Laurus nobilis--steam distilled from the leaves. Sometimes called "Bay Laurel".  A symbol of triumph to both Greeks and Romans. Has a fresh, camphoraceous, slightly sweet aroma.

    

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

 

CHARACTER: "Confidence Encourager" Sweet, fresh, instantly transporting, pure, expansive, restoration, immortality; shielding against others treacherous thoughts; Apollo

CHAKRAS: 3, 5

GEMS: Jade, Moldavite, Obsidian, Tiger Iron

ELEMENT:  Ether, Fire, Warm and Dry

PERFUME NOTE:  Top/Middle

BLENDING FACTOR: 1     

ASTRO:   Sun, Jupiter, Aries, Leo

ENERGY TYPE:  3, 4

CHEMICAL FAMILY: Monoterpenes, Oxides

 

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

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES: depression, anxiety, fear,

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, anti-spasmodic, analgesic, febrifuge, insecticide, stomachic, sudorific, tonic.

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.

+ 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.

+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.

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

+Their right use of power increases discernment abilities. 

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

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

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. 

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 due to specific extraction methods used to create vanilla in liquid form. 

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

ETHERIC COLORS: Orange, Gold, Green

GEMS: Mother of Pearl, Citrine, Amber, Carnelian, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Unakite

MUSIC NOTE: Base D

PERFUME NOTE:  Middle to Top            

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Confidence, promises of good things to come,  

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.

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, Palomino, Pink Tourmaline, Point Sublime, Princess Bride, Swadisthana, Timberline, Valentine, Vanilla Pie Spice

ARCHETYPES: CHILD (ALL), DIVA, EMPATH, GOURMET, PRINCESS, BAKER

 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.

Lime

Citrus Limette/Aurantifolia--is 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, sweeter buoyant scent. The two, blended together, are delightful. The steam distilled version avoids all risk of photosensitivity so is wonderful for skin care.  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.

CHARACTER: "Child Like Delight" Sweet, fresh, new, enjoyment, spring, innocence regained, Fruit of Lasting Impression and Motherly Embrace

ETHERIC COLORS: Green, Gold, Blue, Magenta

NUMBER: 1
CHAKRA: 3
ELEMENT: Fire, Air
PERFUME NOTE: Top
Blending Factor: 4
GEMS: Green Aventurine, Chrysoprase, Emerald, Flurorite, Malachite, Peridot, Green Tourmaline
ASTRO: Saturn, Sun, Mercury
ENERGY TYPE:  2, 1

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

USED TO FOR THESE NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES: 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. 

PERSONALITY:
+Breath of fresh air on a spring day. Positively wonderful to have around.
+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.
+Usually have an answer to life’s problems.
+Like sports, but not necessarily fierce competition.
+Usually do not bear grudges, unless in the negative mode.
+ 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.

BLENDS:   Caldera, Chocolate Jelly Rings, Dancing Angels, Key Lime Pie, Marzipan, Mesa Verde, Princess Bride, Time Catcher, Tree of Life, Tropical Trail, Wood Badge 
      
 ARCHETYPES:  ADVENTURER, ANGEL, ATHLETE, CHILD MAGICAL, CHILD NATURE, DANCER, ENVIRONMENTALIST, GARDENER, PRINCE/PRINCESS

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.

Cajeput

Melaleuca minor, M. cajeputi, M. leucadedron var. cajeputi  is distilled from the leaves, buds and twigs.    A cousin of Tea Tree, but is chemically more like Eucalyptus.   Has a fresh, camphorous aroma with a slight fruity note-- stated to resemble the combined fragrance of camphor, rosemary, and cardamom. Called White Wood, White Tea Tree, Punk Tree and Swamp Tea Tree. Used in throat lozenges, gargles, soaps, cosmetics, detergents and perfumes.   An ingredient in Tiger Balm muscle rub and  Olbas Oil decongestant.   At less than $3 an ounce, it should be in everyone's arsenal of oils!

 

CAUTIONS: Possible skin irritation; could be sensitizing. Better suited for diffusing or inhalation. Do not diffuse near or apply to the face of children 6 years of age or younger.

 

 CHARACTER:  "Bright Escape" Yang (leaning toward neutral), Brightening, encouraging, forward drawing, freeing, don't look back

 

GEMS:    Red or Poppy Jasper, Lemon Chrysoprase, Ruby Zoisite, Water Jade, Obsidian, Unakite, Green Tourmaline

NOTE:    Middle

CHAKRA:  6

PERFUME NOTE: Top        

ELEMENT:  Air       

ASTRO:  Sagittarius, Pisces

ENERGY TYPE: 3,4

CHEMICAL FAMILY:  Oxide

 

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:   Calm, confident, balanced, clears mind and thoughts

 

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: Stress, torturous trauma, rage, helplessness, guilt or shame, drowsiness,

 

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES: respiratory ailments, viral infections, flu, rheumatism, insect bites (especially fire ants), oily skin, eczema, psoriasis, acne, arthritis, muscle aches and pains, catarrh, cough, sinusitis, sore throat, urinary infection, improve circulation, neuralgia, cuts, wounds, fever, varicose veins, intestinal problems, period pains, neuralgia, cold sore, gout, lice

 

PROPERTIES; Expectorant, Tonic, antiseptic, insect repellant, Antimicrobial, antineuralgic, antispasmodic,   balsamic,   carminative,  decongestant, diaphoretic, Mildly analgesic,  febrifuge, insecticide, sudorific, vermifuge, stimulant

 

OTHER USES; Add to washing machine cycle, hand sanitizer, add to skin washes, keep ants away, mouthwash and antiseptic gargle, disinfect toothbrush

 

 

PERSONALITY:

+They learn from what happens. Every experience is a benefit.

+They find pleasure in life.

 + Helpful to those who are afraid and stuck, to help them "accelerate out of danger" and take swift and decisive action to escape from their current predicaments.

+Hard worker

 +Their hearts are connected in some way to the natural world. They love being out in nature.

+Like the Tea Tree, they have no hidden motives.  Direct, encouraging, instills inspiration in others. However, occasionally their directness can "rub" others the wrong way.   

+Rarely has any illnesses. Germs pass them by.

 +Very much a natural athlete, love the exertion, especially in outside sports.

+Supporting—people flock around for emotional support

+Mild mannered, at ease around children and elderly

- If negative, it's easy for them to forget about themselves, because they are such hard workers.

 

BLENDS CONTAINING:   Rain Cove,  Way of the Leaf,

 ARCHETYPES:   HEALER, CHILD (ALL), ATHLETE, ENVIRONMENTALIST, WANDERER, WORKAHOLIC

BLENDS WELL WITH:  Cedarwood; Clove Bud; Cistus; Oregano; Rosemary; Thyme, Eucalyptus, geranium, clove, bergamot, lavender

 

Chemical Constituents:  Cineol (up to 65%), terpineol, terpinyl acetate, pinene, cadinene, limonene, cymene

Myrtle

Myrtis communis distilled from the leaves/twigs (sometimes flowers). Fresh aroma at first reminiscent of evergreen and a sweet eucalyptus, with an almost floral dry down. There are several chemotypes including Lemon, Honey, Green and Red. Each one has its different constituents for different conditions.  However, all Myrtles help with the things listed below.

Appears to be low dose non-toxic, non-sensitizing. Avoid use on sensitive or damaged skin. Mild and generally non-sensitizing, making it useful with children and elderly.

 

 CHARACTER:  "Supportive Balancer"  Protection, Angelic, Balancing, Revitalizing, Energetic Truth, Empowerment, Yang with strong YIN

ETHERIC COLORS: Green, Gold, Pink

GEMS: Rainbow Jasper, Unakite, Garnet, Jade, Amazonite

PERFUME NOTE:  Middle to Top        

ELEMENT:  Air, Water       

ASTRO:  Venus, Libra

ENERGY TYPE:  4,2

CHEMICAL FAMILY:  Oxide, Monoterpene

 

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  Protection, Promise, Bounty, Communication, Forgiveness, Divine Love, Meditation, Quiet, Calm, Supportive of Self, Comfort, Upliftment, Acceptance, Harmony

 

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: Agitation, protects through emotional upheavals, Addictions, Sadness, Grief,  nervous conditions, calms mental chatter, exhaustion, Disoriented, busy but not productive. Excellent for Mental Stress where thought processes need to be quieted. It might be helpful, by diffusion, for the type of insomnia that is caused by the mind refusing to stop running its “to do list.”

 

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:  acne, oily skin, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, colds, flu, infections, thyroid, hypothalamus, bacterial infections.  Very mild, so can be used easily for children.

 

PROPERTIES;  Astringent, Anti-catarrhal, antiseptic,  balsamic, sedative, expectorant, decongestant, deodorant, nervine, aphrodisiac

 

PERSONALITY:  

+Loving, strong, inviting respect.

+Humble, but energetic

+Peacemaker

+Supporting—people flock around for emotional support

+Mild mannered, at ease around children and elderly

+Ego has no entrance pass with this personality.

-

 

BLENDS CONTAINING:  Anasazi,  Desert Cathedral,  Emerald Pool, Kayenta, Kolob Trail, Manipura, Outback Blue, Point Sublime, Rain Cove, Sage Country, Sitalpu, Sunrise, Sunstone, Thunderbird, Tomahawk, Twelve Tribes, Way of the Leaf, Star Breath

 

 ARCHETYPES:    HOUSEKEEPER, CHILD-DIVINE, GODDESS, ADVOCATE, PEACEMAKER, PIONEER, CARE GIVER, APHRODITE

 Blends with CITRUS, BERGAMOT, LAVANDIN, LAVENDER, ROSEMARY, CLARY, HYSSOP, BAY, LIME, LAUREL, GINGER AND OTHER SPICES.

 Contains: cineole (35%), myrtenol, pinene, geraniol, linalool, camphene, limonene, methyl eugenol etc.

Muhuhu

brachyleana hutchinsii--distilled from wood (mostly sawdust and scrap wood cuttings).  Also known as African Sandalwood.  However, it does not have the same wonderful fragrance or benefits of true sandalwood and is more similar to Atlas Cedarwood. It can be used with true Sandalwood to extend it. Has a balsamic-woody, sweet and faintly floral odor, reminiscent of vetiver, sandalwood and cedarwood.   It is grown in the coastal regions of Tanzania and Kenya and the hardwood is used for carvings and furniture.

 

Generally considered non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritating in low doses.  Dilute  for topical use. 

CHARACTER:    "Expansive Shifter",  transition, Yin, New Home,  Balancing, Introspective, Meditative, Protective, Expansive

CHAKRA:  Opens Root; 2, 6,7

GEMS:  Riverstone, Botswana Agate, Wood Agate, Amber, Aragonite, Mookaite, African Opal, African Jade, Pietersite, Smoky Quartz

PERFUME NOTE:  Base to Middle

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  Grounding, Relaxing, Meditation, Calming, Sedative, Gratitude, Acceptance

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES: Anxiety, Nervous tension,  Depression

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES: Respiratory, chronic infection, cough, acne or oily skin, dry skin,

PROPERTIES:  Aphrodisiac, antimicrobial, emollient, tonic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, hypotensive

PERSONALITY:

+May be drawn to Carpentry or similar creative vocations.

+Serene and in charge of their emotions, aware of their direction in life.

+Instinctively knows when something is missing or not right.

+Supportive of others trying to pick up the threads of their lives.

+Tactile in a gentle sort of way depending on the mores of their culture.

+Sensuous, easy-going, self-assured, calming.

+They tend to land where they need to be.

+ They embrace wholeness, able and complete just the way they are.  

+Love camping and the outdoors.

-If negative, can be possessive of their knowledge and manipulating.

-May need to clarify boundaries and strengthen sense of self.

- May have opened themselves too much and now need to withdraw

BLENDS:  Circle of Light,  Enchantment, Hopi Legend,  Kayenta,  Mesa Verde, Moonstone, Sahasrara, Sitalpu,   

ARCHETYPES:  PHILOSOPHER, MYSTIC, SEEKER, COUNSELOR, CARPENTER, ARTIST, ARCHITECT, BUILDER, CRAFTSPERSON, DECORATOR, ENVIRONMENTALIST,

Blends well with Rose, Rosewood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli,  and Orange.  It seems to add smoothness to any blend.

Contains:  sesquiterpenes, cadinene, copaene