Sonya TerrellEssential Oil Spotlight: Arborvitae
Botanical Name: Thuja plicata
Country of Origin: Canada
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Plant Part: Residual Wood Materials
Aroma: Woody, Warm, Earthy Consistency: Thick
Blends Well With: Birch, Cedarwood, Cassia, and Eucalyptus
Main Chemical Components: Methyl thujate, methyl myrtenate, a-terpineol
Emotions: The Oil of Divine Grace
Literally meaning the “Tree of Life,” Arborvitae is the tree (and oil) that keeps on giving. Each Giant Arborvitae tree is cherished as homes and canoes are built from it’s wood, baskets are made from the roots, and clothing, rope, and twine are made from the bark, and the boughs brush away illness and sadness. With natural preservation properties, essential oil from the native Canadian Arborvitae tree acts as a powerful cleansing and purifying agent, while providing a warm and earthy aroma. The Arborvitae is majestic in size and abundant in unique benefits. DoTerra's arborvitae is that is sourced form the heartwood of the Thuja plicata contains distinct chemical profile and is uniquely concentrated in methyl thujate. Its long lifespan would normally mean that it's difficult to harvest sustainably, but it's closely watched by Green Peace and replanted in abundance to ensure its sustainability. It's aroma is deep and earthy, usually loved or hated with very little in-between.
Arborvitae essential oil has a high content of tropolones, a group of chemical compounds that protect against environmental and seasonal threats, have powerful purifying properties, and promote healthy cell function. Hinokitiol, one of the tropolones in Arborvitae, protects the body from harmful elements while supporting normal cell activity. This compound also contributes to Arborvitae’s natural insect repellent properties. Thujic acid, another tropolone found in Arborvitae, has been studied for its ability to protect against common threats in the environment.
Arborvitae essential oil has incredible benefits when it comes to preserving the wood surfaces within your home. A spray of this oil (mixed with water) makes an excellent wood preservative while also acting as a natural insect repellent and a natural cleansing and purifying agent. It’s the ultimate do-it-all spray!
Here's a DIY polish to make your wood furniture come back to life:
Ingredients:
1/4 cup of olive oil
1/4 cup of vinegar
5 drops of Arborvitae Essential Oil
5 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions:
Add oil and vinegar into a glass spray bottle.
Add the drops of Arborvitae and Lemon essential oils.
Shake well and apply to microfiber cloth to wipe wood surfaces clean.
Emotionally, Arborvitae has been used for centuries by Natives to promote grounding, calming, and spiritual trust. Like all tree oils, it can help us stand strong and stable. It also helps those of us who feel like everything is or has to be a struggle, or that we must do things ourselves without help. It can help a person process through control issues, rigidity, trust, fighting with reality, courage, and more.
Arborvitae is good for aromatic and topical use. Here's a few examples on how to use doTERRA's Arborvitae.
Physical Uses
Protects against environmental and seasonal threats.
Promotes healthy cell function
Powerful cleansing and purifying agent
Natural insect repellent. DIY Bug Repellent Spray: Combine 20 drops of each of Eucalyptus and Lemongrass, and 3 drops of Arborvitae in 4oz spray bottle and top with witch hazel. Shake, spray, and enjoy!
For respiratory support, massage 1 drop over the throat and chest every few hours.
Emotional Uses
Being a perfectionist can be exhausting. Diffuse Arborvitae during meditation for a sense of peace and calm today!
Inhale 1 drop from the palms, diffuse as desired, or massage over the energy centers of the body for emotional balance.
For control issues, diffuse as desired or massage topically over the solar plexus and heart.
Calming Mood Diffuse Blend: 2 drops of each of Arborvitae, Sandalwood, and Wild Orange
To purchase your own Arborvitae, visit my doTERRA website and check out Arborvitae.
Want to know more about this amazing essential oil? Check out the Spotlight on doTERRA: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-arborvitae-oil
Studies done on Arborvitae from PubMed:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29450142
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28811611