Nootka tree essential oil… ever heard of it? This essential oil is steam distilled from one of the world’s strongest cedar varieties called the Nootka cedar tree that is native to Canada. In this post I will spotlight Nootka essential oil benefits and uses, as well as some DIY recipe you can try.
This may not be a common oil in aromatherapy but definitely one that piqued my interest (like every tree essential oil I have ever met). It is said to smell like fresh pencil shavings and I must say that when I first inhaled the aroma, that is the exact scent I smelled.
It may not be for everyone, my husband wasn’t a fan, but I do think it is worth trying if you are essential oil connoisseur. There’s something very calming about it. I find it grounding, soothing, relaxing and inspiring!
Nootka Tree Wood Essential Oil Facts
If you’re looking to improve your wellness, the Nootka tree oil is a great option. Blending well with other trees, it can help you achieve your goals. The tree is also referred to as Alaskan Cypress, Nootka Cypress, and Yellow Cypress. It is in the same family as Cypress Essential Oil (Cupressus sempervirens). Cypress can be used as a substitute for nootka essential oil if needed.
| Botanical Name | Cupressus nootkatensis |
| Botanical Family | Cupressaceae |
| Aka | Alaskan Cypress, Nootka Cypress, Yellow Cypress |
| Aroma | Warm, woody, sharp, earthy |
| Note | Middle – Base |
| Extraction Method | Steam distilled |
| Plant Part Used | Bark, wood |
| Shelf Life | 2 years |
| Kid Safe? | Yes |
| Safety Concerns | Non-toxic, non-irritant |
Nootka Tree Blends Well With
The Nootka tree is known for its beneficial properties and blending well with other trees. If you’re looking for an easy way to improve your wellness, this is a great option.
Here are some essential oils that nootka tree essential oil blends well with:
- Bergamot
- Black Pepper
- Cardamom
- Cedarwood
- Cape Chamomile
- Cistus
- Clary Sage
- German Chamomile
- Ginger
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Mandarin
- Patchouli
- Roman Chamomile
- Scotch Pine
- Silver Fir
- Ylang Ylang
Therapeutic Properties: Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Calmative, Insect Deterrent, Sedative
Nootka Tree Essential Oil Benefits
The Nootka tree can help boost your immune system, increase your energy levels, and more. So, if you’re ready to start feeling better, the Nootka tree is a great place to start.
Here’s a look at how the Nootka tree can help you on your journey to better health.
- Its scent is reminiscent of the forest
- Brings mental clarity and uplifts mood
- An effective natural insect repellent to flies, ticks, mosquitoes, mites, gnats, and other pests
- Eases fatigue, stress, and negativity
- Refreshes and energizes the mind and the emotions
- Opens congested and constricted airways
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Calms mood swings
Nootka Tree Essential Oil Uses
Here are some wonderful uses for nootka tree oil:
Meditation
Diffuse during meditation to combat negativity and calming the mind.
Bedtime
Use in a nighttime diffuser blend with lavender or vetiver for the ultimate relaxation and tension diffusion.
Bathing
Add to a warm bath for a restorative experience, plus it has anti-inflammatory property that can calm your aches and pains.
Emotional Balance
Whether your dealing with mood swings or just having a frustrating day, give this emotionally balancing oil a chance to soothe you. Add 1 drop to the palm of your hand and deeply inhale the scent.
Insect Repellent
Make your own bug blend with other oils that repel bugs like geranium, citronella, or catnip.
Perfume
Use its unique aroma in a natural perfume blend. Add in complementary floral scented oils like lavender, rose, or jasmine.
Skin Healing
Use on scrapes and cut to help skin heal (dilute first). Nootka can also be used in skincare blends with coconut oil or shea butter. Or, use in a massage blend with sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil.
Where to Buy Nootka Oil?
This oil is not widely available but can be found. Here are two great essential oil sources.
Nootka Tree Essential Oil Recipes
This oil has a unique aroma that is strong, making it perfect to add to your favorite DIY essential oil recipe and homemade products.
1. Nootka Tree Inhaler Blend – Morning Meditation |
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Let this lovely wood oil with a hint of citrus enhance your morning meditation or just inhale this blend as you go about your am routine for mental strength and support.
Directions: Add wick to a small bowl, drop essential oils onto the wick, use tweezers to pick up the wick, then get any oil residual left in the bowl onto the wick. Place the wick in the blank inhaler and put on end cap (base). To use, place under nose and inhaler the aroma throughout the day as needed. |
2. Bugs Away Nootka Roller Blend |
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Nootka essential oil can repel bugs, add in some citronella or catnip oil for a very powerful insert repellent. Using this oil blend in a roller bottle can make grabbing and applying on the go really simple.
Directions: Add essential oils into the roller bottle. Top bottle off with jojoba oil. To use, apply to pulse points and any exposed skin that is vulnerable to insect bites. |
3. Nootka Oil Diffuser Blend – Tranquil Moment |
Here is a nice woodsy blend that is very calming and grounding.
Directions: Add essential oil drops to your aromatherapy diffuser with recommended water for the tank. Turn diffuser machine on and enjoy. Read more about diffusing essential oils. |
4. Easy Breathing Chest Rub Recipe |
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Ease congestion and breath a little easier with this chest rub blend.
Directions: Add essential oils to dropper bottle, fill the rest of the bottle with jojoba oil. To use, place a few drops in the palm of your hand and rub onto chest and neck as needed to open airways. |
5. Rocky Mountain Diffuser Blend |
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Improve your mood and outlook on life with this supportive diffuser recipe. When diffused this oil blend imparts a relaxing atmosphere.
Directions: Add essential oil drops to your aromatherapy diffuser with recommended water for the tank. Turn diffuser machine on and enjoy. |
General Essential Oil Precautions
Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. Plant Therapy clearly labels their oils “KidSafe” on the bottle if the oil can be used for children ages 2–10).
If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 1-2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil, read more here.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Alternatives to Nootka Tree Essential Oil
Many of the wood essential oils work as good substitutes for Nootka oil. Here are some to try.
1. Cypress Essential Oil
Cypress essential oil is a great alternative to Nootka wood essential oil, as it has many of the same benefits. It is known for its calming and sedative effects, as well as its ability to help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.
It is also a natural antiseptic and disinfectant, making it an ideal choice for skin care, and it can even help improve mood and reduce stress.
Additionally, cypress oil is more affordable and easier to find than Nootka tree essential oil, making it a great option for those looking for a more budget-friendly option.
2. Cedarwood Essential Oil
This essential oil is a great alternative to Nootka Tree oil, as it has a warm, woody scent and provides relief from stress, tension, and anxiety. It is also known for its antiseptic, antifungal, and insecticidal properties, making it an excellent choice for a variety of aromatherapy applications.
3. Spruce Essential Oil
Spruce essential oil has a refreshing and calming aroma, making it another substitute for Nootka Tree oil. It is known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties, and is thought to help reduce tension, stress, and anxiety.
4. Pine Essential Oil
Pine essential oil is an additional option for those looking for an alternative to Nootka Tree oil. It has a woody, forest scent and is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. It is also thought to help with respiratory problems, headaches, and fatigue.
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