Rosewood essential oil is a beautifully fragrant oil with a long history of use in perfumery, skincare, and wellness. Known for its floral-woody scent and mood-boosting properties, this essential oil has been loved by many for years. However, its popularity has also led to serious conservation concerns. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of rosewood essential oil, its endangered status, and sustainable alternatives that allow you to enjoy similar benefits without contributing to deforestation.
This blog is all about using (or choosing to not use) rosewood essential oil.
What Is Rosewood Essential Oil?
Rosewood essential oil is derived from the Aniba rosaeodora tree, an evergreen species native to the South American rainforest. Also known as Bois de Rose, this tree produces an oil that is extracted through steam distillation of its wood, branches, and leaves. Unfortunately, harvesting rosewood essential oil requires cutting down the entire tree, a practice that has significantly contributed to its endangered status.
Rosewood essential oil is classified as a middle note in aromatherapy. Its aroma is floral with woody undertones, making it a favorite in perfumes and calming blends.
The Endangered Status of Rosewood
The increasing demand for rosewood essential oil has led to extensive deforestation, pushing Aniba rosaeodora into endangerment. The tree takes approximately 50 years to mature, further making current harvesting practices unsustainable. In his book Aroma Tree, Salvatore Battaglia states:
“The IUCN report stated that populations of all rosewood species have seriously declined because of over-harvesting of the trees for rosewood oil extraction. Even though the Brazilian government has implemented restrictive regulations to control the harvesting, these laws are meaningless if they are not enforced. To my knowledge…no rosewood oil is available from plantation-grown rosewood trees. My advice to you is to not use rosewood oil until it is from plantation-harvested timber. There are so many other wonderful oils that can be used in its place.”
If you choose to purchase rosewood essential oil, it is crucial to research your supplier. Reputable companies will provide transparency about their sourcing and sustainability practices. If a supplier does not mention sustainability efforts, it is best to look elsewhere.
Uses and Benefits of Rosewood Essential Oil
Despite its endangered status, rosewood has been praised for its versatile benefits. If you already own a bottle, here’s how you can use it mindfully and sparingly.
1. Skincare
Rosewood essential oil is often used in skincare for its potential to support wound and scar healing. Its antibacterial properties may help with acne, eczema, and insect bites. A low dilution in a face oil or cream can promote healthier skin while providing a luxurious scent. It can also be a lovely addition to a DIY face mask.
2. Stress Relief
High in linalool, the same calming compound found in lavender essential oil, rosewood is considered an excellent choice for reducing stress and anxiety. Diffusing it in your home or adding a drop to a personal inhaler can help create a sense of calm.
3. Mood Boosting
The warm, floral-woody scent of rosewood has uplifting properties that may help improve mood. Whether diffused, added to a roller blend, or incorporated into a personal perfume, this oil can bring a sense of joy and balance to your day.
4. Headache Relief
When blended with lavender and peppermint essential oils, rosewood may help alleviate headaches. A diluted application to the temples or a deep inhalation from an aromatherapy diffuser can be soothing during times of tension.
5. Cold and Flu Season
Rosewood essential oil possesses antibacterial properties that may provide respiratory support during cold and flu season. Adding it to a diffuser blend with eucalyptus and tea tree oil may help create a cleansing and comforting atmosphere.
6. Meditation and Yoga
Rosewood can be used in meditation and spiritual practices due to its grounding yet uplifting aroma. It may be particularly helpful for those focusing on self-healing or deepening their mindfulness routines.
7. Energetic and Emotional Support
Energetically, rosewood has an affinity for relationships. With ties to the sacral (second) chakra, it may support community connections, while its connection to the heart chakra encourages love without judgment. This oil can also promote perspective, helping individuals approach situations with greater clarity and emotional balance.
Sustainable Alternatives: Nature-Identical Blends and Substitutes
Given the environmental concerns surrounding rosewood essential oil, it’s worth considering sustainable alternatives that offer similar benefits and aromas.
Nature-Identical Essential Oil Blends
To support conservation efforts, some companies create nature-identical essential oil blends. These blends mimic the chemical composition and scent of rosewood essential oil without the need for tree harvesting. By carefully combining key compounds like linalool, science offers an ethical way to enjoy the benefits of rosewood without harming the environment.
Essential Oils That Smell Like Rosewood
If you’re looking for an essential oil blend that captures the essence of rosewood, consider the following combination:
- Ho Wood (Cinnamomum camphora ct. linalool) – This oil has a very similar scent to rosewood and is a sustainable alternative.
- Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) – Offers a soft, rosy note that complements the blend.
- Elemi (Canarium luzonicum)– adds relaxation and comfort to the blend, with a light base note.
To create a nature-inspired rosewood blend, try this recipe:
DIY Rosewood-Inspired Essential Oil Blend
- 4 drops Ho Wood
- 1 drop Palmarosa
- 1 drop Elemi
Diffuse this blend or add it to a carrier oil for topical use. This alternative offers a beautiful floral-woody aroma without contributing to deforestation.
Final Thoughts
Rosewood is a deeply cherished oil in the aromatherapy world, but its endangered status means we must use it responsibly, or find an alternative. If you already have rosewood oil, use it sparingly and with respect. If you’re looking for a sustainable alternative, nature-identical blends or substitute essential oils can provide a similar aromatic experience without harming the rainforest.
By making informed choices, we can continue to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy while protecting the natural world for future generations.
Safety Precautions
- Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying them to the skin.
- Perform a patch test before using any new essential oil blend.
- Discontinue use and consult a medical professional if irritation occurs.
- Never ingest essential oils.
Have you tried any rosewood oil alternatives? Let me know in the comments!
Further reading
Endangered species list
