Natural bois de rose, or rosewood essential oil is an exquisite aromatic substance with versatile application. It has antiseptic and antispasmodic properties and stimulates immunity – an effective protection against viral infections. It relieves skin irritations, softens, moisturizes, improves elasticity and protective functions of the epidermis. It has the ability to tone without excessive excitement, restores strength and memory, activates the emotions, creates an atmosphere of self-confidence and comfort. Keep reading to learn more! We combine all knowledge to the list of the essential oils with the description of use.
What is bois de rose?
Bois de rose, or rosewood, is a tree that grows up to 37.5 meters tall in the Amazonian tropical jungle, with a light brownish pinkish bark (hence the name rosewood). The essential oil extracted from the tree is used in perfumery. Its extraction for industrial purposes began in Brazil in 1930. All parts of the tree are fragrant but only the wood of the trunk is harvested and distilled to obtain the volatile fraction. This tree species has long been used in the Amazon region as a medicinal plant to fight epileptic attacks, make figurines and household items, aromatize and fumigate the dwelling.
The wood is used to make high-end furniture and decorative items (often illegally). Included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 2017.
The raw material is currently obtained from cultivated plantations in Brazil and Peru to conserve natural forests.
Main constituents
Bois de rose essential oil contains cineol (up to 10%), dipentene, methyl heptenol, geraniol, nerol, linalool, alpha-terpineol, isovalerian aldehyde, methyl heptenone, n-methoxyacetophenone, some sesquiterpene alcohols and ketones as well as other components.
Delicate and multifaceted in terms of fragrance, bois de rose contains a high percentage of linalool (86%). The high price and limited supply of natural oil provoke attempts at adulteration through the addition of ho wood oil or synthetic linalool. Therefore, it’s necessary to check the authenticity using gas-liquid chromatography or buy from a verified supplier.
Main characteristics
Method of extraction: full steam distillation.
Physical characteristics: viscous transparent liquid, colorless or pale yellow.
Aroma: sweet, woody, floral with hint of lily of the valley, slightly spicy.
Compatibility with other oils
In combination with rose, vetiver, grapefruit, this oil will set a positive mood, allow you to focus on yourself, on emotions. Suitable for morning meditation.
The composition with bergamot, mandarin, ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose, patchouli and sandalwood is used in luxury perfumery.
It’s complimented with frankincense, nard, lavender to affect the mind.
A soothing blend combined with lavender, vanilla.
Bois de rose essential oil benefits
Bois de rose is a completely safe oil, non-toxic and non-irritating. It has a restorative effect on the body but isn’t stimulating. At the same time, this oil activates the immune system, so it can be useful for people with low disease resistance, during flu epidemics, or for treating respiratory diseases.
Bois de rose has anti-inflammatory, soothing and cleansing effect on the respiratory system.
Relieves bronchospasms. Relieves chronic cough and smoker’s cough.
Optimizes the cerebral circulation, has analgesic and antispasmodic properties, effective for migraines and frequent headaches of various etiologies. Promotes blood and lymphatic purification.
In France, rosewood oil is used as a medicinal agent, primarily in pediatrics for respiratory diseases and infections, as well as in gynecology.
It normalizes metabolism, removes toxins from the body.
It’s also a mild painkiller effective for headaches, especially if accompanied by mild nausea.
Rosewood oil is an excellent antidepressant. It relieves fatigue, lethargy, helps to cope with depression, nervous tension and stress, irritability, tearfulness. Stabilizes the central nervous system, having a balancing effect, improves the well-being of people in a depressed state.
Bois de rose oil relieves muscle spasms during physical overload, restores and activates, helping to overcome periods of mental and physical fatigue and exhaustion.
It stimulates confidence and promotes the sense of security. Recommended before exams and important interviews.
This aromatic essence clarifies the head and at the same time calms the nerves and elevates the mood.
It promotes complete relaxation and recuperation.
It’s often called the food for the soul. It’s one of the most wonderful fragrances, often chosen by women striving for independence and self-affirmation.
It’s also a powerful aphrodisiac, not on the physiological but on the emotional level, helping against sexual frigidity and impotence.
With its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, the oil can be successfully used for skin care, especially for acne. It’s completely non-irritating and suitable even for the most sensitive skin.
Rosewood oil encourages cell regeneration so it’s also useful for aging skin. It’s also effective against stretch marks.
The essence is a good deodorant and has a delightful fragrance, so it’s widely used in the production of bath and skincare products.
In cosmetics, this oil is used for all skin types, especially for dry, sensitive, inflamed and rough skin. It provides gentle care, nourishes and moisturizes, improves elasticity, eliminates irritation, scaling and cracks.
It helps relieve dermatitis eczema, and allergic reactions. It smoothes wrinkles, removes pigment spots, vascular pattern and small scars, evens out face tone, provides protection from aggressive environment. It rejuvenates, gives the skin a smooth, even complexion and a fresh appearance. Effectively copes with sunburns.
As a strong skin tonic, bois de rose restores skin elasticity after illness or severe weight loss. It prevents stretch marks in pregnant women.
It evenly soothes your skin and nervous system. Due to its mildness, it doesn’t irritate the skin but promotes regeneration of skin cells and is therefore suitable for use during pregnancy, for the care of infants and in general can be used at any age.
Bois de rose essential oil uses
Here are some of the methods to use rosewood oil for your benefit.
Aroma lamp/diffuser
4-6 drops of the essence in an aroma lamp or a diffuser spreads a sweet, fragrant scent that has a nerve strengthening, anti-depressant, anti-stress effect and helps relieve cramps. The oil quickly reduces excessive production of stress hormone (catecholamine) and calms the nervous system.
Massage
Mix approximately 10-20 ml (0.3-0.6 oz.) of jojoba/avocado oil with 2-4 drops of rosewood and use this mixture as a massage lotion. It will help activate the skin function, smoothening it and strengthening the connective tissue. It prevents wrinkles, helps to combat cellulite and stretch marks during pregnancy. Improves general well-being, relieves muscle spasms. When massaging the reflexive zones of the feet it eliminates fears and reduces mental lability, increasing self-confidence.
Compress
Mix 1/2 tsp. of yogurt, milk or salt with 2-4 drops of bois de rose and dissolve in 0,25-0,5 liters (8.4-17 oz.) of water at a temperature of about 38°C (100°F). This skin regenerating compress is used in case of skin problems, cellulite, against wrinkles as well as for toning the skin.
To enrich cosmetic products
Add 1-3 drops of rosewood per 5 grams (0.2 oz.) of base product.
Skin applications (in case of inflammations)
3 drops bois de rose + 5 drops of base oil.
Aroma pendant
2-3 drops.
Bath
Mix 1 tsp of yogurt, milk or salt with 5-8 drops of bois de rose and dissolve in a bath with warm (38°C/100°F) water. This tonic bath strengthens and restores the nervous system, activates mental and physical powers of the body and improves the general well-being.
