Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic natural substances to create physical and emotional healing, according to Roberta Wilson, author of "A Complete Guide to Understanding and Using Aromatherapy." Numerous trees, herbs and other plants are used extensively in aromatherapy applications. Rosewood is one of the most common plants used in aromatherapy.
Description
Rosewood is an evergreen tree with reddish bark and small yellow flowers. According to Wilson, this tree grows to an average of 125 feet tall. Although the geographic origin of the rosewood tree is unknown, most of the rosewood used for aromatherapy and manufacturing comes from the rainforests of South America. According to Julia Lawless, author of "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," continual harvesting of rosewood trees in South America has caused widespread ecological damage.
Oil Production
Most rosewood used in aromatherapy comes in the form of rosewood oil, which is produced almost exclusively in Brazil and Peru, according to Wilson. The heartwood is extracted from rosewood trees and steam distilled to produce the oil. Rosewood oil is pale yellow in color, and has a sweet, slightly spicy aroma. It may be mixed with olive oil or another carrier oil for aromatherapy applications. This reduces the strength of rosewood's scent.
Aromatherapy Uses
Rosewood oil, when mixed with a carrier oil, is used as a lubricant in massage therapy. This oil also appears in a variety of home and skin-care products, such as soaps, perfumes, candles, and cosmetics. When used in personal care and home products, the scent is thought to provide physical and emotional benefits, notes Lawless.
Emotional Benefits
According to Wilson, the scent of products and oils containing rosewood is thought to calm the nerves and relieve the symptoms of stress and anxiety. It may also increase mental focus, especially during stressful situations. Some herbalists and alternative medicine practitioners believe that rosewood is an aphrodisiac, and may benefit people with low libido, particularly if the lack of sexual desire stems from memories of past traumatic sexual events.
Physical Benefits
The scent of rosewood is thought by some alternative medicine practitioners to boost the immune system, according to Wilson. It may help to ward off colds, fevers and influenza. When applied to the skin, products containing rosewood oil may stimulate the growth of healthy skin cells, which may fade scars. It is also thought to clear excessive oils from the surface of the skin, helping to minimize acne breakouts.
Toxicity
According to Lawless, rosewood is non-toxic. There are no known side effects of using products or oils containing rosewood. However, as with any essential oil, allergic reactions may develop in rare cases. If you are being treated for any medical condition, check with your doctor before using rosewood or other aromatherapy products.
References
- "A Complete Guide to Understanding and Using Aromatherapy"; Roberta Wilson; 1995
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils"; Julia Lawless; 1995
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