For the month of September, we take you to the lush evergreen mountains of Kyoto, Japan with Sugi Essential Oil. The name Sugi comes from the Japanese word for cedar and is the national tree of Japan. These massive evergreen conifers can reach heights in excess of 225 feet but are also commonly grown as ornamental specimens to adorn temples, civic buildings, and personal gardens throughout Japan. Adding to Sugi’s significance is how its fragrant wood is widely used for the construction of Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, houses, ships, and furniture.
There’s no doubt about it – Sugi is a prized and valuable conifer throughout Japan. And now you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home thanks to the beautiful essential oil it provides us.
Packed with Therapeutic Benefits
For centuries, this peppery, yet woody essential oil has been used for its calming and relaxing benefits. There is also evidence suggesting that inhaling Sugi can help reduce feelings of stress and mental fatigue , making it a great go-to when you’re wanting some support.
Sugi may also enhance circulation and boost a healthy immune system, as well as help soothe joints and sore muscles due to overexertion. Because it is also rich in Pinene, Sugi may support a healthy respiratory system. And just in time for all the creepy-crawlers that come out to play as the weather turns colder, Sugi has been shown to act as a repellent .
Some Thing to Know
- Botanical Name: Cryptomeria japonica
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Extraction: Steam Distilled
- Plant Part: Needles/Branches
- Directions: Diffuse using 3-4 drops per 100 ml of water or use in a personal inhaler. Topical – Dilute to 2-3% in a carrier
- KidSafe: Yes
- Pregnancy Safe: Yes
- Nursing Safe: Yes
- Pup & Pony Approved: No
- Shelf Life: 3-4 years
- Blends Well With: Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Davana, Fir Needle, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rhododendron, Rose, Ylang Ylang
- Cautions: Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. External use only.
KidSafe Breathe Easy Balm DIY
What you’ll need:
- 3 Tbsp Jojoba Carrier Oil
- 0.5 oz Beeswax Pearls
- 17 drops Sugi
- 13 drops Lavender
- 10 drops Eucalyptus Dives
What you’ll do:
Melt beeswax over a double boiler. Add carrier oil and heat until completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in essential oils. Pour into a 2-oz tin and allow it to cool and harden. Rub onto the chest or under the nose to help clear up congestion and sniffles.
*Don’t have Sugi Essential Oil? Make sure to become an Oil of the Month member to get unique, monthly surprises to your door every month!
References:
Matsubara, E., Tsunetsugu, Y., Ohira, T., & Sugiyama, M. (2017). Essential Oil of Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) Wood Increases Salivary Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Levels after Monotonous Work. International journal of environmental research and public health, 14(1), 97. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14010097
Wang, SY., Lai, WC., Chu, FH. et al. Essential oil from the leaves of Cryptomeria japonica acts as a silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) repellent and insecticide. J Wood Sci 52, 522–526 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10086-006-0806-3
