Hinoki Wood by Salvatore Battaglia

ESSENTIAL OIL MONOGRAPH: Hinoki Wood By Salvatore Battaglia

CHARACTERISTICS The scent of hinoki wood is dry, fine, woody note with a light terpene-like nuance and a warm, sweet, somewhat spicy undertone.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION The chemical composition of hinoki wood oil was reported as follows:2 α-thujene (1.01%), α-pinene (2.57%), camphene (0.57%), sabinene (19.58%), β-pinene (0.42%), myrcene (6.28%), α-terpinene (1.56%), limonene (8.77%), p-cymene (0.89%), Ƴ-terpinene (5.03%), terpinolene (1.66%), terpinen-4-ol (3.39%), α-terpineol (0.41%), bornyl acetate (7.07%), α-terpinyl acetate (14.02%), cis-thujopsene (3.11%), trans- muurola-4(14),5-diene (2.36%), germacrene D (0.18%), δ-cadinene (0.83%), elemol BOTANICAL NAME (4.62%), beyerene (2.13%). Chamaecyparis obtusa An analysis of the phytoncides in the forest air was measured by Li et al. was reported as follows (measured as ng/m3):3 Tricyclene (299.7), α-pinene (2,886.7), camphene (375.6), β-pinene (137.5), myrcene (109.4), δ-3-carene (66.4), α-terpinene (43.8), p-cymene (109.4), limonene (111.1), BOTANY AND ORIGINS terpinolene (87.5), camphor (32.8), bornyl acetate (54.7). The weather at the time of Hinoki oil is commonly derived from measurement was reported to be excellent with the temperature of 16.31 ± 0.23˚C and the wood; however, an essential oil the humidity of 99.77 ± 0.44%.3 from the needles is also available. Many of the components of hinoki wood essential oil were detected in the forest air. Hinoki is listed as ‘near threatened’ This clearly suggests that it is possible to recreate a aroma component of a shinrin-yoku in the ICUN Red List of Threatened experience by diffusing hinoki wood oil. Species; however, this is in reference to old growth hinoki trees.1 Old growth hinoki trees are a protected species in Japan. Many Japanese people that HISTORY AND TRADITIONAL USES I have spoken to were surprised that Hinoki wood has traditionally been used for the construction of temples and traditional hinoki tree is a near threatened species buildings in Japan. It is used in traditional Japanese incense making. Hinoki wood is used as there are so many hinoki forests to make traditional Japanese bathtubs. Hinoki wood oil is commonly used in Japan as an throughout Japan; however, most of air purifier. these forests are plantation forests. Most hinoki oil is now distilled from sawdust and timber offcuts from the building industry and from trees cut PHARMACOLOGY AND CLINICAL STUDIES as part of the forest thinning and Shinrinyoku effects management of sustainably grown Shinrin-yoku which is defined as ‘taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing’ plantation trees. has been receiving increasing attention in japan, Korea and Taiwan for its capacity to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Many studies have examined the elements of shinrin-yoku that promote this relaxation response and the health benefits associated with forest bathing. It is known that the sensory stimulation of the five senses – the METHOD OF olfactory elements (the phytoncides), auditory elements (sound of a running stream or EXTRACTION rustle of the leaves), tactile sensations (feeling the surfaces of the tree and the leaves), Steam distillation. and the visual elements all support positive physiological responses.4 One of the components in many conifer oils, including hinoki wood oil is α-pinene. Studies have found at concentrations at 10µL/30 L and 100 µL/30 L, the subjects of a clinical trial found the scent comfortable and a decrease in systolic blood pressure was reported; however, at higher concentrations 500µl/30 L, the scent was reported as strong and did not cause a decrease in systolic blood pressure.4

© Salvatore Battaglia 2019 www.perfectpotion.com.au PAGE 1 There have been many reports and decreased concentrations of adrenaline sulphate (DHEA) levels after monotonous studies examining the effects of forest in the urine. The increased NK activity work. the control trial involved nine male bathing. These studies have identified lasted for more than 7 days after the trip. volunteers, all of whom were clerical enhancement of parasympathetic In contrast, the trip to the city did not officers with daily labour burdens that did nervous system activity, inhibition of increase NK activity, nor the selection of not change significantly during the day.13 sympathetic nervous activity, reduction of anticancer proteins and did not decrease DHEA sulphate is a sulphated metabolite blood pressure, reduction of pulse rate, the concentration of adrenaline in the of DHEA, an androgen precursor secreted and reduced levels of stress hormones urine. Phytoncides, such as α-pinene and by the adrenal cortex. It has been such as cortisol.5 β-pinene were detected in the forest air, demonstrated that acute psychosocial 3 Olfactory stimuli of air-dried wood but not the city air. stress induces an increase in DHEA and chips of hinoki cypress, has been shown Li et al. also examined the factors in the DHEA sulphate, which play a protective to reduce oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) forest environment that activate human role against the potential damaging concentrations in the prefrontal cortex. natural killer (NK) cells. The participants effects of excessive cortisol activity. Inhalations of α-pinene and limonene, were twelve healthy males aged between DHEA has been identified as having which are components of hinoki wood 37 and 60 years, who stayed for three neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti- oil, decreased systolic blood pressure nights in a room at an urban hotel where glucocorticoid and antidiabetic activity. and enhanced parasympathetic nervous hinoki wood oil was vaporised. Blood While the sample group was small and system activity and decreased heart rate.6 samples were taken on the last day and did not include women, the researchers concluded that suggested that the One interesting study did not involve urine samples analysed every day for the duration of the trial. The concentrations increase in DHEA was significant enough the scent of the essential oil, but our of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the to reduce stress levels.13 tactile sense - touch. Twenty-two female participants’ urine was reduced and university students participated in a study A study involving 8 male and 8 female natural killer cell activity was induced. that involved measuring the physiological college students within the age group It concluded that olfactory stimulation response of touching uncoated hinoki of 20-21 years found that inhalation of by hinoki wood oil brought about cypress wood. Marble was used as the hinoki wood oil improved ANS responses improvement in immune functions.9 control material. The study involved such reduction in systolic blood pressure, participants sitting with their eyes Insecticidal heart rate and parasympathetic nervous system activity. It was suggested that closed and touching the materials for Exposure to hinoki wood essential inhalation of hinoki wood oil may regulate 90 seconds. The researchers then oil decreased the lifespan, fecundity, the autonomic nervous system and measured oxy-Hb concentrations in the locomotor activity, and developmental stimulate positive mood states.14 left/right prefrontal cortex using near- success rate of D. melanogaster fruit infrared time-resolved spectroscopy fly and Musca domestica. The oil also and heart rate variability was used as an displayed strong repellent activity up to indicator of autonomic nervous activity. 5 hours at 70ug/ml. It was suggested PROPERTIES The results showed the tactile stimulation that C. obtusa could be used as a human- Anxiolytic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, of hinoki wood significantly calmed the friendly alternative insect repellent.10 immunostimulant, insecticidal, sedative. prefrontal cortex activity and increased Studies have confirmed the effectiveness parasympathetic nervous system activity of hinoki wood oil to supress the activity compared with marble, thereby inducing of house dust mites. One study found that physiological relaxation.7 tatami mats made with hinoki wood wool AROMATHERAPY USES Immune system provided a suppressive effect on mites for Psychological a period of 52 weeks.11 An in vitro study confirmed that scent of Hinoki wood oil may be used for reducing hinoki stem oil, hiba wood oil, 1,8-cineole Stress stress, anxiety and nervous tension. and α-pinene significantly increased One study examined the effects of Insect repellent natural killer (NK) cell activity in a dose inhalation of hinoki wood oil to reduce dependent way and had a regulatory anxiety and induced relaxation. The Studies have confirmed that the oil may effect on immune function in humans.8 study confirmed that inhalation of hinoki be effective as a natural insect repellent. In another study Li et al. investigated how wood oil induced the same physiological Respiratory system long the increased NK activity lasts and response associated with the practice Hinoki wood oil has been traditionally compared the effects of a forest bathing of shinrin-yoku. After inhaling hinoki used to alleviate respiratory congestion trip on NK activity with a trip to a city wood oil, blood pressure and heart rate associated with blocked sinuses and chest without forests. Twelve healthy male decreased, whereas sympathetic activity congestion.15 subjects, age 35 -56 years were selected increased and parasympathetic activity for the study. The subjects experienced a decreased. It was suggested that the three-day/two-night trip to the forest and scent of hinoki wood oil may enhance to a city, in which activity levels during mood.12 ENERGETICS both trips were monitored and compared. Another study found that diffusing hinoki According to the principles of TCM, The trip to the forest significantly wood essential oil increased the secretion hinoki wood oil strengthens the Lungs increased NK activity and significantly of salivary dehydroepiandrosterone and balances the Metal Element. It is

PAGE 2 www.perfectpotion.com.au © Salvatore Battaglia 2019 ideal in a blend for the relief of colds To recreate the effects of shinrin-yoku 7. Ikei H et al. Physiological effects and influenza, chronic cough, excessive consider blending hinoki wood oil with of touching hinoki cypress phlegm and sinus congestion. essential oils such as Atlas cedarwood, (Chamaecyparis obtusa). Journal of blue mallee eucalyptus, Siberian fir, Wood Science. 2018;64:226-236. fragonia, hiba wood, hinoki leaf, pine, doi:10.1007/s10086-017-1691-7 black spruce or vetiver. 8. Li Q et al. Phytoncides (wood essential SUBTLE To create a meditation blend that oils) induce human natural killer cell The fresh light woody scent of hinoki strengthens our spiritual awareness activity. Immunopharmacology and wood oil suggests that it is beneficial to consider blending hinoki wood oil with Immunotoxicology. 2006;28:319-333. promote a calming and relaxing ambiance essential oils such as frankincense, lemon, doi:10.1080/08923970600809439 that nurtures spiritual awareness. hiba wood, myrrh, patchouli, Santalum 9. Li Q et al. Effect of phytoncide from The scent hinoki wood very soothing, album, Santalum spicatum or vetiver. trees on human natural killer cell dispelling negativity and promoting Perfumery function. Environmental Health and a sense of spiritual calmness and Preventative medicine. 2010;15(1):1- tranquillity. Hinoki wood oil is typically not used in perfumery. While it would impart a delicate 8. doi: 10.1007/s12199-008-0069-2. Like many wood oils the scent of hinoki pine-like woody note to a blend, it lacks the 10. Lee S-H et al. Effects of essential oil wood imparts a subtle grounding effect tenacity of many other wood oils. It would from hinoki cypress, Chamaecyparis which has a stabilising effect on our be better suited to a room freshener style obtusa, on physiology and behaviour energy, which is beneficial whenever perfume to impart a pleasant shinrin-yoku of flies. PLoS ONE, 2015; 10(12): we feel a disconnection from our (bathing in the forest) effect. e0143450. doi:10.1371/journal.pone. surroundings or our spirit. 014350 11. Hiramatsu Y et al. Effect of hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) wood -wool SAFETY HOW TO USE in tatami mat on the activity of No known hazards or contraindications house dust mite dermatophagoides Bath 16 for hinoki wood essential oil. pteronyssinus. Journal of Wood Full body bath, foot bath Science. 2006. doi:10.1007/s10086- Topical 005-0765-0 Compress, massage, ointment REFERENCES 12. Chen CJ et al. Effect of hinoki and meniki essential oils on human Inhalation 1. Farjon A. Chamaecyparis obtusa. The autonomic nervous system activity IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporiser and mood states. Natural Product 2013: eT42212A2962056. Communications, 2015; 10(7): 1305- 2. Southern Cross University. Perfect 1308. Potion hinoki wood oil – certificate of 13. Matsubara E et al. Essential oil BLENDING TIPS analysis. 2019. of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria 3. Li Q et al. Visiting a forest, but not Aromatherapy japonica) wood increases salivary a city, increases human natural To alleviate stress, nervous tension and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels killer activity and expression of anxiety consider blending hinoki wood after monotonous work. International anti-cancer proteins. International oil with bergamot, geranium, hiba wood, Journal of Environmental Research journal of Immunopathology and lavender, sweet orange, sweet marjoram, and Public Health. 2017;14:97. Pharmacology. 2008;21(1):117-127. Santalum album, Santalum spicatum or doi:10.3390/ijerph14010097 Doi: 10.1177/039463200802100113 vetiver. 4. Tsunetsugu Y et al. Trends in research 14. Chen C-J et al. Effect of hinoki and To alleviate the symptoms of colds and related to ‘shinrin-yoku’ (taking in the meniki essential oils on human influenza consider blending hinoki wood forest atmosphere or forest bathing) autonomic nervous system activity with cajeput, blue mallee eucalyptus, in Japan. Environmental Health and and mood states. Natural product fragonia, niaouli, myrtle, peppermint, Preventative Medicine. 2010;15:27- Communications. 2015;10(7):1305- pine, black spruce or tea tree. 37.doi: 10.1007/s12199-009-0091-z 1308. To promote inner calm and harmony 5. Ikei H et al. Physiological effects of 15. Lee S-H et al. Effects of essential oil consider blending hinoki wood oil with wood on humans: a review. Journal from hinoki cypress, Chamaecyparis essential oils such as bergamot, atlas of Wood Science. 2017;63:1-23. obtusa, on physiology and behaviour cedarwood, clary sage, fragonia, lavender doi:10.1007/s10086-016-197-9 of flies. PLoS One, 2015; 10(12): or Santalum spicatum. 6. Ikei H et al. Physiological effect of e0143450. doi: 10.1371/journal. To promote confidence and self-esteem olfactory stimulation by hinoki cypress pone.0143450 consider blending hinoki wood oil with (Chamaecyparis obtusa) leaf oil 16. Tisserand R, Young R. Essential oil essential oils such as black pepper, atlas Journal of Physiological Anthropology. safety. 2nd edn. Churchill Livingstone, cedarwood, ginger, hiba wood, pine, 2015;34:44. Doi: 10.1186/s40101- Edinburgh, 2014. rosemary or black spruce. 015-0082-2