Guaiacwood Essential Oil
Guaiacwood oil, also known as guaiac oil or guaiacum oil, is an essential oil derived from the wood of the guaiacum tree, particularly the Guaiacum officinale and Guaiacum sanctum species.
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Plant Description
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Guaiacum Tree: The guaiacum tree is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern parts of South America. There are several species of guaiacum, but Guaiacum officinale and Guaiacum sanctum are the most well-known for producing guaiacwood oil.
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Appearance: Guaiacum trees are typically small to medium-sized evergreen trees with dense, dark green foliage. They have attractive, fragrant flowers and hard, dense wood.
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Wood: The wood of the guaiacum tree is extremely dense and heavy. It has been historically used in the production of high-quality wooden objects, such as fine furniture and scientific instruments. Due to its durability, it is sometimes referred to as "ironwood."
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Leaves and Flowers: The leaves are pinnate, with small, green leaflets. Guaiacum trees produce striking blue or violet flowers with a sweet, pleasant fragrance. These flowers are used in traditional medicine and perfumery.
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History
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Medicinal Use: Guaiacwood has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly among indigenous peoples of the Americas. The resin, wood, and bark of the guaiacum tree were used to treat various ailments.
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Europe: Guaiacwood was introduced to Europe in the 16th century and became highly valued for its medicinal properties. It was considered a panacea for many illnesses. In fact, it was one of the first New World remedies to gain popularity in Europe.
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Perfumery: Guaiacwood oil is used in perfumery for its unique fragrance. It has a woody, smoky, and slightly sweet aroma. It is often used as a base note in perfumes and colognes, adding depth and complexity to fragrances.
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Modern Use: Today, guaiacwood oil is still used in perfumery, but it is also used in aromatherapy and cosmetic products due to its appealing scent. It is obtained through steam distillation of the wood, and the oil extracted is thick and viscous with a dark color.
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Conservation: The guaiacum tree has faced threats from overharvesting for its valuable wood and resin. Efforts have been made to protect and conserve these trees to ensure their survival.
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doTERRA CPTG® Guaiacwood essential oil is sustainably and ethically sourced from Paraguay. Working with our sourcing partner, we’re changing the future of the at-risk Gran Chaco Forest—one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world.
Palo Santo and Guaiacwood
Locally, the trees or harvested wood of Guaiacwood is known as “palo santo.” However, Palo Santo Bursera graveolens is separate and distinct from Guaiacwood Bulnesia sarmientoi. Although the oils have some similarities, they are distinct in their different chemistries and aroma but most importantly in their ability to be harvested sustainably and ethically.
Palo Santo or Bursera graveolens has had a long and troubled history in terms of sustainability and illegal harvesting. However, Guaiacwood (Bulnesia sarmientoi) harvesting, and production can be sustainably sourced which is why doTERRA deliberately worked with their partners to provide this essential oil.
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Take a Closer Look
INGREDIENTS
Fractionated Coconut Oil, Guaiacwood
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AROMATIC DESCRIPTION
Earthy, woody, sweet
BOTANICAL Name
Bulnesia sarmientoi
PLANT PART
Heartwood
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MAIN CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
Guaiol, bulnesol
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
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Aromatic use: Add three to four drops to the diffuser of your choice.
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Topical use: Apply one to two drops to the desired area. See additional cautions below.
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RECOMMENDED USES
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Apply one to two drops to the desired area to soothe minor skin irritations and support the skin’s natural hydration.
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Diffuse throughout the day or as a supportive aroma during yoga or meditation.
BENEFITS OF GUAIACWOOD OIL
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Healthy Inflammatory Response: Guaiacwood oil has demonstrated characteristics, potentially useful for mitigating inflammatory processes.
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tension Relief: Guaiacwood oil may contribute to natural tension relief, addressing various forms of discomfort, including muscle soreness and tension.
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Antioxidant Qualities: Guaiacwood oil contains antioxidants that have the potential to protect the skin against oxidative stress and free radical damage, thereby promoting skin health and potentially delaying signs of aging.
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Respiratory Benefits: Inhalation of the scent of guaiacwood oil through aromatherapy may assist in maintaining clear respiratory passages and possibly alleviating stuffiness.
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Potential Aphrodisiac Properties: Some anecdotal reports suggest that guaiacwood oil could have aphrodisiac properties, potentially influencing libido and sexual desire. However, scientific validation in this regard remains limited.
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Stress Reduction and Relaxation: The soothing aroma of guaiacwood oil may contribute to stress reduction and relaxation when utilized in aromatherapy.
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Skin Health Support: Guaiacwood oil provides soothing support to irritated skin.
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Immune Support: Guaiacwood oil may provide immune system support due to its cleansing and antioxidant properties.
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Soothing Muscular and Joint Discomfort: Topical application of guaiacwood oil has the potential to provide relief from discomfort associated with sore muscles and joints, making it a valuable option for individuals experiencing physical discomfort.
CAUTIONS
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.
10 ways to use guaiacwood oil
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Natural Deodorant: Create your own natural deodorant by mixing guaiacwood essential oil with coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot powder. Apply a small amount to your underarms for a pleasant, woodsy scent and odor control.
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Car Air Freshener: Add a few drops of guaiacwood oil to a wooden clothespin or a piece of felt and clip it to your car's air vent. Enjoy the refreshing aroma during your commute.
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Beard Balm: Make a custom beard balm by blending guaiacwood oil with shea butter and beeswax. It can help condition and style your beard while imparting a unique fragrance.
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Aromatic Jewelry: Apply a drop or two of guaiacwood oil to a piece of porous lava stone or wood bead jewelry. Wear it to carry the scent with you throughout the day.
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Linen and Pillow Spray: Create a calming and sleep-inducing spray by mixing guaiacwood oil with water and a pinch of salt. Mist your pillows and sheets before bedtime for a soothing atmosphere.
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Foot Soak: Add a few drops of guaiacwood oil to a basin of warm water for a relaxing foot soak. It can help relieve tired feet and improve circulation.
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Homemade Shampoo: Enhance your regular shampoo by adding guaiacwood oil to it. This can provide a unique fragrance and possibly help promote scalp health.
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Drawer and Closet Sachets: Make aromatic sachets by placing a few drops of guaiacwood essential oil on small pieces of cloth or cotton balls. Then, tuck these sachets into your drawers and closets to keep your clothes smelling fresh and fragrant.
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Leather Care: Mix guaiacwood oil with a small amount of olive oil or leather conditioner. Apply it to your leather goods, such as bags or shoes, to nourish and maintain their quality.
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Diffused in Yoga or Meditation: Incorporate guaiacwood oil into your yoga or meditation practice by diffusing it in the room. The grounding scent can enhance your focus and spiritual connection.
diy recipes with guaiacwood oil
1. Guaiacwood and Cedarwood Beard Oil
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Ingredients:
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1 oz (30 ml) jojoba oil
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5 drops guaiacwood essential oil
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5 drops cedarwood essential oil
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Instructions:
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Mix the jojoba oil with the guaiacwood and cedarwood essential oils in a small glass bottle.
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Apply a few drops of this beard oil to your beard and skin daily to promote a healthy, fragrant beard.
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2. Guaiacwood and Lavender Relaxing Bath Salts
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Ingredients:
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1 cup Epsom salt
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10 drops guaiacwood essential oil
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10 drops lavender essential oil
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Instructions:
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In a bowl, combine the Epsom salt with the guaiacwood and lavender essential oils.
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Add the mixture to your warm bathwater and soak for a relaxing and calming experience.
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3. Guaiacwood and Citrus Room Spray
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Ingredients:
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2 oz (60 ml) distilled water
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15 drops guaiacwood essential oil
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5 drops citrus essential oil (e.g., orange or lemon)
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Instructions:
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Combine the distilled water with guaiacwood and citrus essential oils in a spray bottle.
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Shake well before each use and spritz around your home for a fresh and uplifting aroma.
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4. Guaiacwood and Frankincense Facial Serum
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Ingredients:
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1 oz (30 ml) argan oil
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5 drops guaiacwood essential oil
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5 drops frankincense essential oil
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Instructions:
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Mix the argan oil with the guaiacwood and frankincense essential oils in a dark glass dropper bottle.
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Apply a few drops to your face and neck daily to nourish and rejuvenate your skin.
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5. Guaiacwood and Patchouli Solid Perfume
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Ingredients:
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1 tbsp beeswax pellets
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1 tbsp jojoba oil
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10 drops guaiacwood essential oil
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5 drops patchouli essential oil
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Instructions:
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Melt the beeswax and jojoba oil together in a double boiler or microwave.
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Remove from heat and stir in the guaiacwood and patchouli essential oils.
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Pour the mixture into a small container or locket to create a solid perfume that you can apply to your pulse points.
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essential emotions & spirituality
GUIACWOOD ✧ THE OIL OF SELF DISCOVERY
Spiritual Benefits
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Grounding: Guaiacwood oil is sometimes used in spiritual practices to promote a sense of grounding and connection to the Earth. It is believed to help individuals feel more rooted and centered, making it easier to connect with their inner selves and the world around them.
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Cleansing and Purification: In certain spiritual traditions, guaiacwood oil is used for its cleansing and purifying properties. It is thought to help clear negative energy and promote a sense of spiritual purity and clarity.
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Meditation and Focus: The calming and woody aroma of guaiacwood oil can be conducive to meditation and deep introspection. Some individuals use it to enhance their meditation practice and improve their ability to concentrate during mindfulness exercises.
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Emotional Benefits
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Stress Reduction: Guaiacwood oil's soothing scent is often associated with stress reduction and relaxation. Inhaling the aroma can help calm the mind and alleviate feelings of stress.
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Emotional Balance: Some people find that guaiacwood oil promotes emotional balance and stability. It may help individuals cope with mood swings and emotional fluctuations, promoting a sense of equilibrium.
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Confidence and Self-Esteem: The grounding and calming effects of guaiacwood oil may boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Using the oil in aromatherapy or personal care products can help individuals feel more self-assured and positive about themselves.
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Negative Emotions: Spiritually stagnant, emotionally blocked, out of alignment, inauthentic, distracted, denial, unworthy, closed, confused, lost, resistant, afraid.
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Postive Properties: Spiritually progressing, emotionally connected, flowing, healing, aligned, responsive, growing, energetically balanced, inspired, present, authentic, brave, capable, resilient, understood, self-discovery
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Don't have this oil?
Substitutes may include:
Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Myrrh
guaiacwood oil affirmations
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"I am grounded and centered like the sturdy guaiacwood tree, finding strength in my roots and balance in my life."
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"The soothing aroma of guaiacwood oil envelops me, calming my mind and relieving stress, allowing me to embrace inner peace."
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"With the fragrance of guaiacwood as my companion, I am filled with confidence and self-assuredness, ready to face any challenge."
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"I release negativity and impurities, embracing the cleansing and purifying energy of guaiacwood, allowing my spirit to shine brightly."
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"As I breathe in the scent of guaiacwood, I connect with my inner wisdom and find clarity and focus in my thoughts and actions."
Benefits of Using Essential Oils with Affirmations
Combining essential oils like guaiacwood with affirmations can enhance the holistic well-being of individuals in several ways. Essential oils have unique fragrances and therapeutic properties that can evoke specific emotions and states of mind. When used in conjunction with affirmations, these benefits can be amplified:
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Emotional Balance: Essential oils can influence emotions and mood. Pairing them with affirmations helps individuals shift their mindset and emotional state positively. For example, guaiacwood's calming scent can enhance the effectiveness of affirmations related to stress reduction and relaxation.
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Mindfulness and Focus: The practice of using essential oils and affirmations together encourages mindfulness. The act of inhaling the aroma and reciting affirmations promotes present-moment awareness, aiding in concentration and mental clarity.
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Stress Reduction: Many essential oils, including guaiacwood, have stress-relieving properties. Combining these oils with affirmations that focus on stress reduction can provide a more profound sense of relaxation and tranquility.
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Confidence and Self-Esteem: Certain essential oils, when associated with affirmations centered on self-confidence and self-esteem, can boost an individual's self-assuredness and belief in their abilities.
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Spiritual Connection: For those who have a spiritual practice or seek to connect with their inner selves, essential oils like guaiacwood can enhance the sense of grounding and spiritual awareness when paired with affirmations related to inner strength and connection.
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Incorporating essential oils and affirmations into daily routines can be a powerful way to promote emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, helping individuals achieve a more balanced and positive outlook on life.