Essential NoseCamphor
Camphor essential oil from Cinnamomum camphora is characterised by the ketone camphor as its principal constituent, alongside 1,8-cineole, safrole, and limonene. Camphor activates the TRPV1 receptor at low concentrations to produce warmth, then rapidly desensitises it, accounting for its counter-irritant and analgesic action in topical preparations.[1] In vivo studies have confirmed analgesic efficacy and anti-inflammatory activity for the oil across multiple experimental pain and inflammation models.[2]
Ho Wood
Cinnamomum camphora ct. linalool
- Also Known As
- Ho Leaf, Shiu Wood
- Family
- Woody
- Perfumery Note
- Middle
- Intensity
- Medium
- Extraction
- Steam Distillation
- Plant Parts
- Wood and twigs
- Origins
- China, Taiwan, Japan
- Effect
- Sleep & Relaxation
- Aroma
- Floral, Woody, Sweet
- Applications
- Aromatherapy, Perfumery, Skincare, Massage
- Price
- $$$$Sourced from fast-growing, high-yielding trees; it serves as a sustainable and inexpensive alternative to Rosewood.
Ho wood essential oil is steam-distilled from the wood of Cinnamomum camphora ct. linalool, a camphor tree chemotype that accumulates linalool (>95%) rather than camphor. This makes it a sustainable and less phytotoxic source of linalool compared to rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora). Linalool has extensive documented sedative, anxiolytic, and antimicrobial activity.[3][4]
White Camphor
Cinnamomum camphora
- Also Known As
- Camphor, Camphor Tree
- Family
- Woody
- Perfumery Note
- Top
- Intensity
- Very Strong
- Extraction
- Steam Distillation
- Plant Parts
- Wood, Roots
- Origins
- China, Taiwan, Japan
- Effect
- Focus & Mental Clarity, Respiratory Support
- Aroma
- Camphorous, Fresh, Penetrating
- Applications
- Aromatherapy, Medicinal, Inhalation, Cleaning
- Price
- $$$$A byproduct of the timber industry in Asia; high yield and very common
Camphor essential oil from Cinnamomum camphora is characterised by the ketone camphor as its principal constituent, alongside 1,8-cineole, safrole, and limonene. Camphor activates the TRPV1 receptor at low concentrations to produce warmth, then rapidly desensitises it, accounting for its counter-irritant and analgesic action in topical preparations.[1] In vivo studies have confirmed analgesic efficacy and anti-inflammatory activity for the oil across multiple experimental pain and inflammation models.[2]
Ravintsara
Cinnamomum camphora ct. cineole
- Also Known As
- Ho Leaf
- Family
- Herbal
- Perfumery Note
- Top
- Intensity
- Medium
- Extraction
- Steam Distillation
- Plant Parts
- Leaves
- Origins
- Madagascar
- Effect
- Respiratory Support, Energy & Uplifting
- Aroma
- Fresh, Eucalyptus-like, Camphorous
- Applications
- Aromatherapy, Inhalation, Medicinal, Massage
- Price
- $$$$A hardy tree in Madagascar that produces a massive amount of leaf oil
Ravintsara is the 1,8-cineole chemotype of Cinnamomum camphora native to Madagascar, containing 50-60% 1,8-cineole alongside alpha-terpineol and sabinene. The 1,8-cineole constituent has documented antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus and influenza A, and acts as a mucolytic by enhancing mucociliary clearance.[5] Ravintsara should not be confused with Ravensara aromatica, a distinct species with a methyl chavicol-dominant profile.[6]
References
- [1]Phytochemistry and Applications of Cinnamomum camphora Essential Oils — Chen Y et al. Molecules, 2022
- [2]Evaluation of the analgesic potential and safety of Cinnamomum camphora chvar. Borneol essential oil — Zhang C et al. Front Pharmacol, 2021
- [3]Linalool induces anxiolytic activity via GABA(A) receptor — Linck VM et al. Phytomedicine, 2009
- [4]Antimicrobial activity of linalool and its mechanisms — Neto MM et al. Industrial Crops and Products, 2015
- [5]An updated comprehensive review of the antiviral potential of essential oils with focus on mechanism of action against influenza and coronaviruses — Asif M et al. Microbial Pathogenesis, 2021
- [6]Current Insights on Bioactive Molecules, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Pharmacological Activities of Cinnamomum camphora — Akhtar MF et al. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2022