Rosewood Essential OilBotanical Nomenclature: Aniba rosaeodora Rosewood essential oil is one of the most controversial essential oils used in aromatherapy today. While rosewood isn't considered an endangered species, commercial exploitation of these Amazonian trees have, in the opinion of some environmentalists, destroyed the integrity of the Amazonian river banks. Rosewood trees need to be 10 years old or older to produce an acceptable essential oils but in some areas, more than half of any given rosewood tree is left onsite to decay after harvesting and "old growth" rosewood trees are virtually non-existent. Regardless of the particular environmental issues associated with rosewood, there's no denying that rosewood oil is very important to the perfume and cosmetics industry. Rosewood oil is considered a good skin tonic and is a favorite ingredient in cosmetics marketed for "sensitive" or "mature" skin. Rosewood oil is produced by distilling the wood of Aniba rosaeodora trees that are at least 10 years old. In recent years, an attempt has been made to market an oil made from the leaves but this oil has been met with less-than-enthusiastic response.
Characteristics of Rosewood OilRosewood essential oil should be nearly colorless and have a definite "woody" scent. Rosewood oil rarely smells like roses but all rosewood oils should have a subtle "floral" undertone. It can be dry to the nose and perhaps even a bit "spicy".Psychological AromatherapyRosewood is considered a "balancing" oil and is often distilled to deepen concentration during meditation and to "open the Chakras". Some texts list rosewood as "stimulating" while others classify it as "relaxing". Perhaps this discrepancy explains rosewood's ability to "balance".Traditional Uses for Rosewood OilAromatherapy expert Salvatore Battaglia assigns the following additional actions to rosewood oil:
Scientific Studies on Rosewood OilLike many essential oils, rosewood hasn't been extensively studied scientifically. But a few studies have found rosewood offers marked anti-microbial activities.Antifungal Activities A 2004 study from the University of Belgrade found that rosewood's 1.8-cineole content made it a potent anti-fungal agent when tested on 17 micromycetes.
Safety IssuesMost aromatherapy texts list rosewood oil as non-toxic and non-sensitizing but, like most essential oils, rosewood has not been extensively tested for safety. A 1995 paper from Germany discussed the case of a 53-year-old woman who experienced relapsing eczema blamed, in part, on her use of diffused rosewood oil. Her case was so severe that the complete removal of the interior surfaces of her home was necessary.References: Battaglia, S. (2005). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Simic, A., et al. (2004). The chemical composition of some Lauraceae essential oils and their antifungal activities. Schaller, M., et al. (1995). Allergic airborne contact dermatitis from essential oils used in aromatherapy. Leave Rosewood Essential Oil & return to Essential Oil Directory page.
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