Rosewood

A tree growing profusely up to 37.5 m in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon. The logs are cut and floated downriver during the flood season between April and July.

Common Name:

Rosewood

Botanical Name:

Aniba rosaeodora

Family:

Lauraceae

Location:

Brazil, French Guyana.

Extraction:

Steam distillation

Parts Used:

Heartwood chips.

Color and Odor:

The essential oil is colorless and has a woody middle note and floral undertone. The odor is rich and subtle.

Background:

Rosewood oil has only recently been introduced to the aromatherapy repertoire. The rose-scented wood is used to make cabinets. It was probably used by the native Indians in the Amazon jungle for medicinal purposes.

Note:

An alernative to rosewood oil is ho leaf oil, obtained from Cinnamomum camphora, a tree growing in china. Both oils share the same properties and can be used to treat the same problems.

Properties:

Tonic, stimulant, sedative, slightly analgesic, antidepressant, cephalic (Head Clearing), deodorant, antiseptic.

Planet:

Element:

Direction:

Magical Influences:

Uses:

Nervous System—For clearing headaches resulting from nausea, gently relieving the effects fo nervousness and stress. Also for steadying the nerves during stressful periods such as examinations, job interviews or crisis situations.
Skin—Promotes cellular regeneration. Valuable for wrinkles, aging, sensitive or inflamed skins.
Emotions—Emotionally uplifting and enlivening, stabilizing the nervous system. It has an overall calming effect without causing any drowsiness. Helpful when weary and over-burdened. Particularly valuable during meditation, and helps daydreamers to concentrate. Its subtle but real aphrodisiac properties are helpful in treating mood swings and emotional confusion and reviving the libido. Induces a warm and comforting feeling for counteracting feelings of neglect, abandonment and paranoia. Useful for clearing the atmosphere or recharging your energy. Rosewood produces tranquility while exhilarating the consciousness.

Blends:

NERVOUS	SKIN	EMOTION
Rosewood 6	Rosewood 3	Rosewood 6
Basil 3	Frankincense 2	Orange 3
Lavender 2	Sandalwood 2	Coriander 2

Bibliography: