Hinoki Wood

Hinoki is listed as ‘near threatened’ in the ICUN Red List of Threatened 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 I have spoken to were surprised that hinoki tree is a near threatened species as there are so many hinoki forests throughout Japan; however, most of these forests are plantation forests.
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Botanical name

Chamaecyparis obtusa

Botany and origins

Hinoki oil is commonly derived from the wood; however, an essential oil from the needles is also available.

Hinoki is listed as ‘near threatened’ in the ICUN Red List of Threatened 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 I have spoken to were surprised that hinoki tree is a near threatened species as there are so many hinoki forests throughout Japan; however, most of these forests are plantation forests.

Most hinoki oil is now distilled from sawdust and timber off cuts from the building industry and from trees cut as part of the forest thinning and management of sustainably grown plantation trees.

Method of extraction

Steam distillation.

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 (4.62%), beyerene (2.13%).

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), terpinolene (87.5), camphor (32.8), bornyl acetate (54.7). The weather at the time of measurement was reported to be excellent with the temperature of 16.31 ± 0.23˚C and the humidity of 99.77 ± 0.44%.3

Many of the components of hinoki wood essential oil were detected in the forest air. This clearly suggests that it is possible to recreate a aroma component of a shinrin-yoku experience by diffusing hinoki wood oil.

History and Traditional Uses

History

Hinoki wood has traditionally been used for the construction of temples and traditional buildings in Japan. It is used in traditional Japanese incense making. Hinoki wood is used to make traditional Japanese bathtubs. Hinoki wood oil is commonly used in Japan as an air purifier.

Pharmacology and clinical studies

Shinrinyoku effects

Shinrin-yoku which is defined as ‘taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing’ 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 olfactory elements (the phytoncides), auditory elements (sound of a running stream or rustle of the leaves), tactile sensations (feeling the surfaces of the tree and the leaves), 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

There have been many reports and studies examining the effects of forest bathing. These studies have identified enhancement of parasympathetic nervous system activity, inhibition of sympathetic nervous activity, reduction of blood pressure, reduction of pulse rate, and reduced levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.5

Olfactory stimuli of air-dried wood chips of hinoki cypress, has been shown to reduce oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentrations in the prefrontal cortex. Inhalations of α-pinene and limonene, which are components of hinoki wood oil, decreased systolic blood pressure and enhanced parasympathetic nervous system activity and decreased heart rate.6

One interesting study did not involve the scent of the essential oil, but our tactile sense – touch. Twenty-two female university students participated in a study that involved measuring the physiological response of touching uncoated hinoki cypress wood. Marble was used as the control material. The study involved participants sitting with their eyes closed and touching the materials for 90 seconds. The researchers then measured oxy-Hb concentrations in the left/right prefrontal cortex using nearinfrared time-resolved spectroscopy and heart rate variability was used as an indicator of autonomic nervous activity. The results showed the tactile stimulation of hinoki wood significantly calmed the prefrontal cortex activity and increased parasympathetic nervous system activity compared with marble, thereby inducing physiological relaxation.7

Immune system

An in vitro study confirmed that scent of hinoki stem oil, hiba wood oil, 1,8-cineole and α-pinene significantly increased natural killer (NK) cell activity in a dose dependent way and had a regulatory effect on immune function in humans.8

In another study Li et al. investigated how long the increased NK activity lasts and compared the effects of a forest bathing trip on NK activity with a trip to a city without forests. Twelve healthy male subjects, age 35 -56 years were selected for the study. The subjects experienced a three-day/two-night trip to the forest and to a city, in which activity levels during both trips were monitored and compared.

The trip to the forest significantly increased NK activity and significantly decreased concentrations of adrenaline in the urine. The increased NK activity lasted for more than 7 days after the trip. In contrast, the trip to the city did not increase NK activity, nor the selection of anticancer proteins and did not decrease the concentration of adrenaline in the urine. Phytoncides, such as α-pinene and β-pinene were detected in the forest air, but not the city air.3

Li et al. also examined the factors in the forest environment that activate human natural killer (NK) cells. The participants were twelve healthy males aged between 37 and 60 years, who stayed for three nights in a room at an urban hotel where hinoki wood oil was vaporised. Blood samples were taken on the last day and urine samples analysed every day for the duration of the trial. The concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the participants’ urine was reduced and natural killer cell activity was induced.
It concluded that olfactory stimulation by hinoki wood oil brought about improvement in immune functions.9

Insecticidal

Exposure to hinoki wood essential oil decreased the lifespan, fecundity, locomotor activity, and developmental success rate of D. melanogaster fruit fly and Musca domestica. The oil also displayed strong repellent activity up to 5 hours at 70ug/ml. It was suggested that C. obtusa could be used as a humanfriendly alternative insect repellent.10

Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of hinoki wood oil to supress the activity of house dust mites. One study found that tatami mats made with hinoki wood wool provided a suppressive effect on mites for a period of 52 weeks.11

Stress

One study examined the effects of inhalation of hinoki wood oil to reduce anxiety and induced relaxation. The study confirmed that inhalation of hinoki wood oil induced the same physiological response associated with the practice of shinrin-yoku. After inhaling hinoki wood oil, blood pressure and heart rate decreased, whereas sympathetic activity increased and parasympathetic activity decreased. It was suggested that the scent of hinoki wood oil may enhance mood.12

Another study found that diffusing hinoki wood essential oil increased the secretion of salivary dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA) levels after monotonous work. the control trial involved nine male volunteers, all of whom were clerical officers with daily labour burdens that did not change significantly during the day.13

DHEA sulphate is a sulphated metabolite of DHEA, an androgen precursor secreted by the adrenal cortex. It has been demonstrated that acute psychosocial stress induces an increase in DHEA and DHEA sulphate, which play a protective role against the potential damaging effects of excessive cortisol activity.  DHEA has been identified as having neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiglucocorticoid and antidiabetic activity. While the sample group was small and did not include women, the researchers concluded that suggested that the increase in DHEA was significant enough to reduce stress levels.13

A study involving 8 male and 8 female college students within the age group of 20-21 years found that inhalation of hinoki wood oil improved ANS responses such reduction in systolic blood pressure, heart rate and parasympathetic nervous system activity. It was suggested that inhalation of hinoki wood oil may regulate the autonomic nervous system and stimulate positive mood states.14

Properties

Anxiolytic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, immunostimulant, insecticidal, sedative.

Aromatherapy Uses

Psychological

Hinoki wood oil may be used for reducing stress, anxiety and nervous tension.

Insect repellent

Studies have confirmed that the oil may be effective as a natural insect repellent.

Respiratory system

Hinoki wood oil has been traditionally used to alleviate respiratory congestion associated with blocked sinuses and chest congestion.15

Energetics, psyche and subtle uses

Energetics

According to the principles of TCM, hinoki wood oil strengthens the Lungs and balances the Metal Element. It is ideal in a blend for the relief of colds and influenza, chronic cough, excessive phlegm and sinus congestion.

Subtle

The fresh light woody scent of hinoki wood oil suggests that it is beneficial to promote a calming and relaxing ambiance that nurtures spiritual awareness. The scent hinoki wood very soothing, dispelling negativity and promoting a sense of spiritual calmness and tranquillity.

Like many wood oils the scent of hinoki wood imparts a subtle grounding effect which has a stabilising effect on our energy, which is beneficial whenever we feel a disconnection from our surroundings or our spirit.

Blending tips

Aromatherapy

  • To alleviate stress, nervous tension and anxiety consider blending hinoki wood oil with bergamot, geranium, hiba wood, lavender, sweet orange, sweet marjoram, Santalum album, Santalum spicatum or vetiver.
  • To alleviate the symptoms of colds and influenza consider blending hinoki wood with cajeput, blue mallee eucalyptus, fragonia, niaouli, myrtle, peppermint, pine, black spruce or tea tree.
  • To promote inner calm and harmony consider blending hinoki wood oil with essential oils such as bergamot, atlas cedarwood, clary sage, fragonia, lavender or Santalum spicatum.
  • To promote confidence and self-esteem consider blending hinoki wood oil with essential oils such as black pepper, atlas cedarwood, ginger, hiba wood, pine, rosemary or black spruce.
  • To recreate the effects of shinrin-yoku consider blending hinoki wood oil with essential oils such as Atlas cedarwood, blue mallee eucalyptus, Siberian fir, fragonia, hiba wood, hinoki leaf, pine, black spruce or vetiver.
  • To create a meditation blend that strengthens our spiritual awareness consider blending hinoki wood oil with essential oils such as frankincense, lemon, hiba wood, myrrh, patchouli, Santalum album, Santalum spicatum or vetiver.

Forest bathing blends

Bring the benefits of shinrin-yoku into your home with these blends utilising these four beautiful Japanese essential oils.

Clear the airways

This blend helps to clear the sinuses.

2 drops hinoki leaf
2 drops peppermint
2 drops blue mallee eucalyptus

Confidence

This blend restores self-confidence and strengthens the will-power.

2 drops sugi wood
2 drops lemon
2 drops black pepper

Creativity

This blend helps promotes creativity.

2 drops of sweet orange
2 drops sugi leaf
2 drops coriander seed

Concentration

The blend promotes focus and invigorates the mind.

2 drops hinoki leaf
2 drops basil
2 drops lemon

Forest wisdom

This blend connects us with the wisdom of the forest.

2 drops sugi wood
1 drops hinoki wood
1 drop sugi leaf
1 drop hinoki leaf
1 drop vetiver

Grounding

This blend grounds us and reconnects us with earth’s energy.

2 drops sugi wood
2 drops vetiver
2 drops hinoki wood

Peaceful

A beautiful blend to promote harmony and balances our emotions.

2 drops sugi wood
2 drops geranium
2 drops hinoki wood

Intuition

This blend allows us to trust our intuition.

2 drops hinoki wood
2 drops fragonia
2 drops sugi leaf

Japanese bath

This blend recreates the luscious aromas of a traditional Japanese bath.

3 drops hinoki wood
2 drops hinoki leaf
1 drop lavender

Meditation

This blend promotes meditation and strengthens our spiritual awareness.

2 drops sugi wood
2 drops hinoki wood
2 drops frankincense

Joyfulness

This blend nourishes the soul with joy.

2 drops sweet orange
2 drops hinoki leaf
2 drops sugi leaf

Purify

This blend clears and cleanses negative energy.

2 drops hinoki leaf
2 drops juniper berry
2 drops sugi leaf

Tranquility

This blend promotes feelings calm.

2 drops hinoki leaf
2 drops sugi wood
2 drops lavender

Vitality

Feel revitalized and energized with this blend.

2 drops sugi leaf
2 drops hinoki leaf
2 drops lemon

 

Perfumery

Hinoki wood oil is typically not used in perfumery. While it would impart a delicate pine-like woody note to a blend, it lacks the tenacity of many other wood oils. It would be better suited to a room freshener style perfume to impart a pleasant shinrin-yoku (bathing in the forest) effect.

How to Use

Bath

Full body bath, foot bath

Topical

Compress, massage, ointment

Inhalation

Direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporiser

Safety

No known hazards or contraindications for hinoki wood essential oil.16

References

  1. Farjon A. Chamaecyparis obtusa. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013: eT42212A2962056.
  2. Southern Cross University. Perfect Potion hinoki wood oil – certificate of analysis. 2019.
  3. Li Q et al. Visiting a forest, but not a city, increases human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins. International journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology. 2008;21(1):117-127. Doi: 10.1177/039463200802100113.
  4. Tsunetsugu Y et al. Trends in research related to ‘shinrin-yoku’ (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing) in Japan. Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine. 2010;15:27- 37.doi: 10.1007/s12199-009-0091-z.
  5. Ikei H et al. Physiological effects of wood on humans: a review. Journal of Wood Science. 2017;63:1-23. doi:10.1007/s10086-016-197-9.
  6. Ikei H et al. Physiological effect of olfactory stimulation by hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) leaf oil Journal of Physiological Anthropology. 2015;34:44. Doi: 10.1186/s40101- 015-0082-2.
  7. Ikei H et al. Physiological effects of touching hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa). Journal of Wood Science. 2018;64:226-236. doi:10.1007/s10086-017-1691-7.
  8. Li Q et al. Phytoncides (wood essential oils) induce human natural killer cell activity. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology. 2006;28:319-333. doi:10.1080/08923970600809439.
  9. Li Q et al. Effect of phytoncide from trees on human natural killer cell function. Environmental Health and Preventative medicine. 2010;15(1):1- 8. doi: 10.1007/s12199-008-0069-2.
  10. Lee S-H et al. Effects of essential oil from hinoki cypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa, on physiology and behaviour of flies. PLoS ONE, 2015; 10(12): e0143450. doi:10.1371/journal.pone. 014350.
  11. Hiramatsu Y et al. Effect of hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) wood -wool in tatami mat on the activity of house dust mite dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Journal of Wood
    Science. 2006. doi:10.1007/s10086- 005-0765-0.
  12. Chen CJ et al. Effect of hinoki and meniki essential oils on human autonomic nervous system activity and mood states. Natural Product Communications, 2015; 10(7): 1305-1308.
  13. Matsubara E et al. Essential oil of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) wood increases salivary dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels after monotonous work. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017;14:97. doi:10.3390/ijerph14010097.
  14. Chen C-J et al. Effect of hinoki and meniki essential oils on human autonomic nervous system activity and mood states. Natural product Communications. 2015;10(7):1305-1308.
  15. Lee S-H et al. Effects of essential oil from hinoki cypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa, on physiology and behaviour of flies. PLoS One, 2015; 10(12): e0143450. doi:10.1371/journal. pone.0143450.
  16. Tisserand R, Young R. Essential oil safety. 2nd edn. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 2014.