Rosewood Essential Oil
Latin name Aniba rosaeodora - Family species Lauraceae
Rosewood is also known as Aniba rosaeodora var amazonica, Bois de Rose, and Brazilian Rosewood. Many ecologists and more “earth” sensitive aromatherapists feel that Rosewood should be protected for environmental reasons as it is endangered and the course of obtaining the wood, and thereby the oil, leads to further destruction of the rain forests.
“It [Rosewood essential oil] was used extensively in perfumery (now largely replaced by cheaper synthetics), in skin care products for its healing and rejuvenating effects, and by aromatherapists for calm and spirituality.” -Crabtree & Evelyn Fragrant Herbal: Enhancing Your Life with Aromatic Herbs and Essential Oils by Lesley Bremness
Rosewood oil is sometimes adulterated with synthetic linalool.
Oil Selection Guide
Color - Colorless (clear) to pale yellow
Viscosity - Watery
Scent - Sweet, woody-rose, floral, slightly spicy
Perfume Aroma - Middle / top note
Oil Source Information
Plant Type - Tree
Parts Used - Wood
Countries of Origin - Peru, Brazil, Mexico
Extraction Method - Steam distillation
Known Chemical Constituents
linalool, cineol, terpineol, geraniol, citronellal, limonene, pinene
Uses of Rosewood Oil
Used in aromatherapy, and as fragrance in perfumes, soaps, toiletries, and cosmetics. Rosewood usage also includes as a flavoring in commercial food and drinks.
Rosewood blends well with
Rosewood blends especially well with citrus, wood, and floral essential oils.
Special Precautions*
See summary information above.
* See Safety and Usage.
