Article from Issue #61 (September 7, 2023)
dōTERRA® Product of the Month - Hinoki Oil
by dōTERRA®
Derived from the wood of the precious Japanese hinoki tree, Hinoki essential oil carries a fresh, woody, balsamic aroma and is cherished for its skin soothing benefits. Hinoki’s two main chemical constituents, alpha-Pinene and delta-cadinene, contribute to its distinctly soothing, relaxing fragrance. Whether you incorporate Hinoki oil into a relaxing massage or your skincare routine, its calming scent helps create a refreshing and rejuvenating aromatic experience.
doTERRA Hinoki oil is especially gentle on the skin, making it a good alternative for individuals who are sensitive to other evergreen trees. Hinoki is also a popular ingredient in commercial personal care products and perfumes and is commonly used throughout Japanese cultural practices, especially in baths as it promotes an environment of relaxation.
doTERRA Hinoki essential oil is usually offered as a limited-time product, so whenever its available, you’ll want to rush to add it to your home collection.
How do I use Hinoki oil?
- Massage: Massage into the feet, back, or chest prior to bedtime for a calming aroma.
- Bath Soak: Add two to three drops to bathwater for a relaxing aroma at the end of a long day.
- Afternoon Aroma: Rub two drops into the palms of your hands and inhale deeply for a comforting aroma amidst a busy afternoon.
- Skincare: Add one drop to your moisturizer for a soothing effect in your skincare routine.
- Floor Cleaner: Add four to five drops to your hardwood floor cleaner for a woody, fresh scent.
- Diffusion: Add three to four drops to your diffuser for a soothing aroma throughout the day.
What is Hinoki oil?
The Japanese hinoki tree is a species of cypress, native to central Japan in East Asia. While Hinoki is a prized resource, its wood has been over-populating areas of Japan for years. Seeing an environmental and economic need, doTERRA has partnered with forest management groups in Japan to use the timber industry’s by-product of Hinoki wood to create this beautiful essential oil. Through the Hinoki Co-Impact Sourcing effort, doTERRA not only contributes to Japan’s forest management programs, but also creates needed jobs across rural Japan—ensuring that this unique, premium oil continues to give back to the people of its native land.
Fun Facts
In Japan, Hinoki has been used historically as a building material for temples, shrines, and palaces. It takes about a half pound of hinoki wood to produce every 5 mL bottle of Hinoki essential oil. Dwarf hinoki trees are often used by bonsai artists.
More About Hinoki
In Japan, the oil is frequently used in baths to create a relaxing environment, and the tree itself has historical significance. Hinoki wood is incredibly durable, which makes it valued for construction. Well-built hinoki structures can last a thousand years or more. One example is the pagoda at Horyuji Temple in Nara, Japan. It was built around 600 AD and is still intact today.
Hinoki wood is so valued in Japan that, by law, the essential oil can only be extracted from trees that have fallen. doTERRA utilizes by-products from the timber industry and culled trees, ensuring that no part of these prized trees goes to waste.
What essential oils blend well with Hinoki oil?
The soothing aroma of Hinoki pairs well with citrus oils like Tangerine, Bergamot, and Lemon as well as Cedarwood, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Frankincense, Cypress, and Sandalwood essential oils.
Cautions
For external use only. Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
dōTERRA® Product of the Month - Citrus Twist 15 mL
DoTerra Product of the month: Cypress Oil
DoTerra Product of the month: Lemon Eucalyptus Oil