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Hemlock essential oil (Tsuga canadensis) is also called eastern hemlock, hemlock spruce, Canadian hemlock, or tsuga. This essential oil is completely unrelated to the plant (Conium maculatum) that produces the poison know as hemlock.
Note: A different essential oil is produced from the western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) tree. This oil’s constituents differ greatly from eastern hemlock. Know what you are buying!
Basic Eastern Hemlock Facts
Plant family: Pinaceae
Production: Steam distilled from the needles and twigs of the tree.
Aroma: Pungent, spicy, warming, woody, earthy.
Perfume/Aromatic note: Top.
System affinities: Respiratory, musculoskeletal.
Is this essential oil safe to use during pregnancy? Consult a professional.
Is the essential oil safe for children? Yes, ages 2+, according to Plant Therapy.
Caution: Avoid old or oxidized oils, as they may cause skin sensitization.
Main components: isobornyl acetate, beta-pinene, gamma-3-carene, (+)-limonene, and alpha-pinene. Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition.
Hemlock Aromatherapy Benefits
Respiratory support: Hemlock spruce supports open airways; deep, expansive breathing; and respiratory system health.1,4 The essential oil helps clear mucus and congestion, ease sore throat and coughs, and clear respiratory infections.2 The oil is especially helpful during cold and flu season, either alone or as part a blend for congestion, stress, and tension.4
Musculoskeletal support: Hemlock helps relieve muscle and joint stiffness, aches, and pain.1 The oil calms inflammation, soothes sore muscles, and reduces muscle spasms and cramps2 and also helps improve poor circulation and reduce rheumatism pain.3
Nervous system: The aroma of hemlock essential oil calms the nervous system, gently clarifies the mind, and encourages rest and a sense of quiet calm.4 Benefits include helping relieve fatigue, mental and emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and stress-related conditions.1
Cleaning: Hemlock fights airborne microbes and surface germs,4 making the oil useful in natural cleaning blends.2
Energetic: Hemlock spruce supports strength, resilience, clarity, focus, and will. Diffuse the oil to evoke clarity of thought.5 The grounded, elevated nature of this essential oil supports traits such as cooperation, fortitude, joy, peace, purification, protection, tranquility, self-reliance, and a deep sense of the spiritual.6
Sources:
1 The Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy
2 The Heart of Aromatherapy
3 The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition)
4 Thriving Aromatherapist Newsletter
5 Aromatherapeutic Blending
6 Essential Oils In Spiritual Practice
Hemlock Essential Oil Uses and Blends
Aromatherapeutic Blending suggests blending the following essential oils with hemlock:
- To reduce musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, tension, and fatigue: bornyl acetate-rich fir or spruce, Douglas fir, Scots pine, spike lavender, goldenrod, galbanum, bergamot, lemon, or rosemary ct. bornyl acetate or ct. myrcene.
- To help relieve coughs and congestion: bornyl acetate-rich fir or spruce, cistus, cypress, goldenrod, inula, labdanum, thyme, valerian, or rosemary ct. bornyl acetate or ct. 1,8-cineole.
- To lessen fatigue and tension and improve focus and concentration: rosemary ct. 1,8-cineole, grapefruit, lemon, lime, Douglas fir, balsam fir, or pink pepper.
- For relaxation: lavender or valerian.
Inhaler for Sore Throats and Coughs (Adults)
- 6 drops black spruce essential oil
- 4 drops hemlock essential oil
- 3 drops myrtle essential oil
- 2 drops thyme ct. linalool essential oil
Diffuser Blend to Relieve Allergies (Adults)
- 4 drops hemlock
- 3 drops orange essential oil
- 2 drops black spruce essential oil
- 1 drop pinon pine essential oil
Source: The Heart of Aromatherapy (The book offers alternative blends for children.)
Chest Balm
When you have congestion and fatigue, use this chest rub at bedtime or when quietly resting to help open the lungs, calm the nervous system, soften tight breathing, and ease coughs.
- 0.75 ounces (about 22 ml or 4-2/3 teaspoons) jojoba oil
- 0.25 ounces (7 grams) beeswax
- 6 drops hemlock
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 4 drops sweet marjoram essential oil
- 3 drops black spruce essential oil
- 1-ounce (30-ml) glass jar
- Melt the beeswax and jojoba oil in a double boiler over low heat.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the essential oils.
- Pour into the clean jar and let set.
Source: Aromatics
Clarity Lotion
This lotion supports emotional balance and open breathing.
- 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) unscented lotion
- 9 drops hemlock essential oil
- 8 drops yuzu essential oil
- 3 drops sandalwood essential oil
- 2-ounce (60-ml) glass jar
Add lotion to the jar. Gently stir in essential oils until fully blended.
To use: Apply to chest, neck, or upper back in the morning and/or evening.
Source: Aromatics
Body Oil (Adults)
This body oil encourages circulation, reduces inflammation, and feels cool on warm areas.
- 2 ounces trauma oil
- 15 drops hemlock
- 8 drops roman chamomile essential oil
- 8 drops german chamomile essential oil
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
Blend oils in a glass bottle. Massage onto painful, swollen areas.
Source: The Heart of Aromatherapy
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
- 8 ounces (240 ml or 1 cup) distilled water
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) castile soap
- 14 drops hemlock
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- 8 drops peppermint essential oil
- 8-ounce (240-ml) glass spray bottle
- Pour the water and castile soap into the bottle.
- Add the essential oils.
- Cap tightly and shake well.
To use: Shake well. Spray onto surface. Wipe it dry.
Source: Aromahead
Hemlock Trees Photo Credit: Laval University, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons