A Japanese cypress, Hinoki, means “white cedar.” A different connotation is “ fire tree” as it is still utilised to make re through friction in traditional Shinto shrines. The term ‘cypress’ comes from Greek “sempervivens” meaning “live forever.”

A tall, slow-growing tree in central Japan, the Hinoki can grow as tall as 35 metres with a trunk up to 1 metre in diameter. the trunk has pointed tips right up to its bright green leaves, small cones and yields valuable timber. It is widely spread in most of the forests in the country, popularly referred to as the ‘Divine or the sun tree.’ Akin to the sun, the sun tree is a symbol of divine power and makes up the very foundation of ancient Japanese history. Hinoki wood is considered one of the Five Sacred Trees of kiso. Its wood is used in the construction of the nation’s most respected shrine in Ise, near Nara. In fact, Japanese ruling dynasties have always preferred Hinoki wood as the material of choice for the construction of their resplendent monuments and holy memorials.

Hinoki wood, highly resistant to decay, is held in high esteem in Japan. over centuries, wood from the Hinoki tree has been used for building palaces, temples, religious shrines, bathtubs, table tennis blades, and the masu, an indigenous square wooden box used to measure rice. The wood from the Hinoki tree also nds expression in a ordable home decor items, cooking utensils, bath accessories as well as precious craftwork, widely available across the country.

Hinoki wood is lemon-scented, light pinkish-brown, with a rich, straight grain, and is highly rot-resistant. Its smooth, woody aroma with spicy and citrusy overtones makes it a favourite ingredient in the perfume industry. the fragrance of Hinoki oil has a universal, unisex appeal. Hinoki wood essential oil in perfumery adds an interesting sweet, woody top/middle note in oriental and Woody accords. naturally, it has become a much-sought after and rather critical constituent for the niche perfume industry.

Also adding 4-5 drops of Hinoki oil to a hardwood oor cleaner can prevent termites. Hinoki wood oil is generally obtained from remnants and wood shavings collected from construction sites.

Hinoki’s palliative properties have earned it a permanent place in the Japanese forest bathing practice, in addition to widespread usage in aromatherapy as an e ective stress-reliever and mood-lifter.

the oil is highly priced in comparison to some other essential oils, but worth the use in di users or oil burners. A few drops of the magic essence soothes the senses, eases away stress and transports you into a dimension of serenity and is conducive to creating a tranquil atmosphere for meditation.