“Zen Relaxation” Sustainable and Pure Essential Oil for Meditation and Yoga Practice

We are excited to launch the “Zen Relaxation” 100% pure natural essential oil as meticulously curated by Bodhi Forest Global and made in UK from the finest, ethically and sustainably sources from Japan, USA, India, China, Australia and Italy, to enhance a relaxing atmosphere and promotes a sense of calm, wellness and create a serene environment for indoor meditation and yoga practice.

While we are engaging people to spend time outdoor in the forest for its beauty and peacefulness, safety should be considered and sometimes inevitably we should avoid the outdoor area with any approaching risks, e.g. hurricane, extreme heat, thunderstorms and so forth.  Hong Kong has a monsoon-influenced subtropical climate and severe weather are expected from late May to September. In ancient time and during the monsoon season, the Buddha had established a tradition known as the Rains Retreat or Vassa, where monks and nuns stayed in one place for few months as many living beings appear at the surface of the ground and also seeds spring up due to the rains. This retreat prevented harm to farmers' crops, allowed for deep meditation and study of the Dhamma and Vinaya, and strengthened community bonds among the Sangha. For lay Buddhists, it became a time for increased devotion and merit-making activities. 

So how could we continue to enjoy nature indoor during rains retreat and what about people who simply couldn’t get out, such as people with health vulnerabilities?  As published in International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology in 2009, Dr. Qing LI, the clinical professor at Tokyo Nippon Medical School and father of forest bathing or Shinrin-yoku who is also a pioneer in the science of forest medicine, had conducted a study to compare the levels of immune cell activity in two groups of people: one staying in hotel rooms filled with aromatic volatile substances (phytoncides, e.g. α-pinene, β-pinene, β-cadinene, and limonene) produced by vaporizing Chamaecyparis obtusa (hinoki cypress) stem oil with a humidifier and another staying in rooms without the aroma. The results showed that phytoncide exposure in a non-forest environment alone had some effect and estimates that the aromatic substances account for about 30% of the therapeutic benefits of forest bathing with the remaining boons coming from the other sensory experiences.

With the rising popularity of essential oils in recent years, increasing biodiversity losses worldwide, and the impacts of climate change, the sustainability of essential oils is crucial because their production relies on vast quantities of plant material, which can lead to deforestation, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity if harvested unsustainably. Sustainable practices, including organic farming, ethical sourcing, crop rotation, and responsible harvesting, are vital to protect ecosystems, ensure fair livelihoods for workers, support local communities, and preserve plant species from extinction.

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China, and India. These cultures recognized the powerful therapeutic and aromatic properties of plant extracts. As techniques evolved, Steam Distillation is the most popular method used to extract and isolate essential oils from plants for use in natural products. This happens when the steam vaporizes the plant material’s volatile compounds, which eventually go through a condensation and collection process.

Ingredients in ‘Zen Relaxation’ pure natural essential oil

1. Chamaecyparis Obtusa (HINOKI CYPRESS) WOOD OIL 

The organically crafted Hinoki Wood Essential Oil is steam distilled from the sustainably harvested wood of the highly revered Chamaecyparis obtusa, native to central Japan. Hinoki Oil's soft, lightly terpenic and woody aroma is highly valued for its shinrin-yoku effects.  Hinoki is one of Japan's most significant trees - revered for centuries for its beautiful, durable wood and the fragrant essential oil. It is considered sacred in the Japan where it is used as a material for building temples, shrines and fragrant ritual baths. However its ubiquitous usefulness has led to its loss in the wild, where it is considered an endangered species. Our supplier uses the leftover wood remnants and shavings (byproducts from the timber industry and culled trees) unsuitable for lumber to distill Hinoki Wood Essential Oil.  The relaxing and spiritually uplifting aromatic qualities of Hinoki Wood Oil have mood-enhancing abilities that can promote feelings of harmony as well as potentially reducing negativity, anxiety, and stress.

2. PINYON PINE OIL

The organically crafted Pinyon Pine Essential Oil is steam distilled from the deeply aromatic needles and twigs of the high-altitude Pinus edulis conifer ethically harvested from the remote, high-altitude deserts of Utah. The aroma of Pinyon Essential Oil is distinctly different from other conifer oils; the fragrance has a soft, floral-fruity top notes, a range of terpenic-buttery heart notes, and a deep resinous base.  Pinyon Pine trees grow at elevations between 3,000 - 10,000 feet and are native to, and occur abundantly in, the Four Corners area of the US - Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico with a range that has expanded into the surrounding states and Northern Mexico. Along with a long, rich history of Native American culture and folklore as “the tree of life”, the seeds from this tree are deliciously and its wood, when burned, is often helpful as a natural mosquito and insect repellent.  Pinon Pine Essential Oil strengthens and rejuvenates with its uplifting and purifying qualities.

3. AGARWOOD (OUD) ESSENTIAL OIL (Aquilaria malaccensis)

The organically crafted Agarwood Essential Oil is steam distilled from the ethically harvested dark, aromatic heartwood of Aquilaria malaccensis evergreen trees that grow in a wild, private tropical forest plantation in India. With its sensual, radiant, bitter-sweet, leathery, animalic notes, Agarwood Essential Oil is highly esteemed for its unrivaled aroma and forms the basis of the legendary Arabian perfume called Oud - one of the oldest and most famous incense materials of the Far East.  Agarwood is a dark resinous heartwood that forms in Aquilaria evergreens trees native to southeast Asia when they become infected by a parasitic fungus. Prior to infection, the heartwood is odourless, relatively light and pale coloured; as the infection progresses, the infected tree produces dark, aromatic oleoresin to rid itself of the fungus which saturates the wood. This resin rich wood is then distilled to obtain the rare, highly coveted Agarwood Essential Oil.  Revered and esteemed by many cultures, Agarwood is an exquisite addition to the natural perfumer's palette and is often used in sacred oil blends and for ceremonial anointing. It is often used as a base note in perfume blends as it provides depth and balance to the overall aromatic profile.  This essential oil can help remove harmful energy, encourage mental clarity, and support greater personal awareness.

4. HO WOOD ESSENTIAL OIL (Cinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum Wood Oil)

The organically crafted Ho Wood Oil is steam distilled from the branches and wood of the Cinnamomum camphoratree, growing in China. With its woody, floral, and camphoraceous scent, Ho Wood Essential Oil is a beautifully fragrant wood oil that possesses some chemical similarity to that of Rosewood Oil.  Ho Wood Oil is known for its calming effects. Considered the “Oil of Peace”, its beautiful, fruity scent is grounding and deeply relaxing. Ho Wood Oil is extremely high in calming Linalool and is excellent for promoting a peaceful and relaxing environment.

5. EUCALYPTUS RADIATA OIL

The organically crafted Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil, also called Narrow Leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus Essential Oil is steam distilled from the long, green leaves of the Eucalyptus radiata tree nurtured in the Southwestern Australian landscape. Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil is often considered a milder Eucalyptus because it is slightly “smoother” and its aroma is generally more pleasing and more complex than that of Blue Gum Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus).  The pleasing smell and valuable chemical constituents of the wild grown Narrow Leaf Eucalyptus makes it the most therapeutically versatile of all eucalyptus oils - its aroma is refreshing, very diffusive, gently penetrating, cineolic, with subtle citrus and peppery-floral overtones.  Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil often soothes when one is exhausted and can foster a sense of emotional fortitude. It is also uplifting and mentally clearing, helping to reduce negative thoughts and feelings.

6. PETITGRAIN MANDARIN OIL

The organically crafted Mandarin Petitgrain Essential Oil is steam distilled from the shiny green leaves of the Citrus reticulata trees, cultivated in sunny orchards of Italy. With its sweet, rich, deep-fruity, grape-like, floral odor, Mandarin Petitgrain Oil offer a bounty of benefits, including a mood-boosting scent and skin-soothing properties. Though steam distilled from the same botanical species as Mandarin Essential Oil, Petitgrain Mandarin Essential Oil possesses its own characteristically unique aroma. The Mandarin Essential Oil is extracted from the peels of the fruit by cold compression, while the Mandarin Petitgrain Essential Oil is extracted from the fresh leaves through steam distillation. There is a Petitgrain from almost every citrus species; however the petitgrains are not distilled as frequently as the peel so they tend to be rare.  The sedative scent of Mandarin Petitgrain Oil stimulates the release of pleasure hormones, namely serotonin, and dopamine, thereby improving negative moods and enhancing the feeling of relaxation. This profoundly calming and relaxing effect has the added benefit of enhancing sensual moods and promoting restful sleep.

7. MANDARIN OIL

The organically crafted Mandarin Essential Oil is cold pressed from the bright, fresh peel of fully ripened, mature Citrus reticulata fruits growing in orchards that dot parts of the sunny, warm southern Italian countryside. Our Mandarin Oil has an unusual zesty and refreshing citrus aroma with lemony, tangy-sweet top notes that will add brightness and charm to any natural perfumery compositions. Like other citrus peel oils, chemical analysis of the Mandarin Oil reveals the main constituent as Limonene plus nearly a dozen tart, citrusy aldehydes at low concentrations that nonetheless contribute significantly to the overall aroma.  Mandarin Essential Oil can help calm emotional distress. Mandarin Orange Oil is so mild and effective it can be used safely in aromatherapy for every member of the family. It can help to reduce the negative effects of daily stress, promote deep, restful sleep, and support feelings of contentment and well-being.

8. PEPPERMINT OIL

The organically crafted Peppermint Essential Oil is steam distilled from crisp, deliciously green leaves of the fragrant Mentha x piperita plant cultivated in rich green fields in the countryside of USA. Peppermint Essential Oil has the aroma of the live plant - wonderfully fresh, cool, green-herbaceous, strongly minty with a powerful menthol and sweet balsamic undertone - that can be used for both aromatherapy and natural perfumery.  Peppermint Essential Oil is a refreshing and stimulating oil that is both soothing and enlightening. Peppermint's cool and clearing nature makes it ideal for stimulating mental agility and improving concentration for the tasks at hand. Peppermint Essential Oil awakens and refreshes the senses, often helping to promote self-confidence and stimulate new ideas and creativity.

Application

Bathing: Add 4-6 drops of ‘Zen Relaxation’ Essential Oil into a bath of warm water, blended well and soak for 20 minutes.

Massage: Add 3-5 drops ‘Zen Relaxation’ Essential Oil into 10ml of Sweet Almond Oil, blended well and massage onto skin.

*Do not apply essential oil to skin undiluted.

Steam Inhalation: Add 2-3 drops ‘Zen Relaxation’ Essential Oil into a bowl of warm water or essential oil diffuser, blended well and breathe in the vapour.

*If you are pregnant, always take advice from a GP before using essential oils.