Japanese Cedars: Hinoki, Sugi & Hiba Wood Essential Oils
Elizabeth Ashley, Adam Barralet, and special guest Angela Sidlo take you deep into the serene forests of Japan to explore three treasured tree oils — Hinoki, Sugi, and Hiba Wood. This episode marks the 100th and Final edition of Fellowship in Essential Oils, and it’s a perfect celebration of heritage, healing, and holistic wisdom.
🌿 Hinoki: The Oil of Temples
Known as the sacred temple wood of Japan, Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) has been revered for centuries. Temples and shrines are often built from its fragrant timber, and its aroma is associated with calm, purity, and spiritual clarity.
Key points from the episode:
Used traditionally in meditation and ritual cleansing
Angela demonstrates applying diluted Hinoki oil to Yin Tang (between the eyebrows) and Spleen 6 for grounding, balance, and immune support
Modern research shows inhaling Hinoki can lower heart rate and blood pressure, triggering the parasympathetic “rest and restore” response
🌳 Sugi: The Cedar from the Beard of a God
Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) is often called “Japanese Cedar” and holds a special place in folklore. According to legend, the first creator cast hairs from his beard onto the earth, and they grew into Sugi trees to build homes for people.
Episode insights:
Associated with purification and calming the nervous system
Walking among Sugi trees is said to purify thoughts before speaking with the kami (tree spirits)
Scientific trials suggest Sugi oil can lower DHEA levels, reducing the body’s stress response
Angela links Sugi to acupressure points such as the “Destiny Gate” to ignite life force energy
🌲 Hiba Wood: Stillness & Protection
Less known outside Japan, Hiba Wood (Thujopsis dolabrata) offers a distinctive, resinous aroma and a high terpene content that makes it naturally resistant to mold and decay.
Why it’s special:
Traditionally associated with turning misfortune into fortune
Larger oil yield makes it more accessible and affordable
Energetically linked to stillness, protection, and creating space away from life’s busyness
Angela suggests Kidney 3 and Kidney 6 points to strengthen and fortify life force energy
🌸 The Acupressure Connection
Our guest, Angela Sidlo, is the creator of the AucAroma Therapy Deck — a beautiful set of cards pairing essential oils with acupressure points. She demonstrates how oils like Hinoki and Sugi can be matched to specific points for emotional, energetic, and physical support.
🔗 Explore Angela’s work: linktr.ee/Angela_Sidlo
🎧 Listen to the Full Conversation
This blog post only scratches the surface. The full episode includes:
Rich Japanese folklore and Shinto traditions
Detailed chemistry and therapeutic profiles
Personal experiences with these oils in meditation, reflexology, and chakra work
A glimpse of what’s next after 100 episodes of Fellowship in Essential Oils
📺 Watch the episode here:
