Wood Essential Oil Substitutes You'll Love
Don't miss out on the woodsy aroma in your blends!
Experience the scent of the fresh outdoors with these wood oil substitutes.
Not only can your favorite wood essential oil make your home feel like an enchanted forest, but they offer a variety of mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. But if you find yourself missing the wood oil you need, don't worry! Just substitute it out for a similar oil!
When you find yourself in need of a particular wood oil but don't have it with you, try using one of these wood oil substitutes instead! Keep in mind that substitutions can be close in smell and/or benefits, but no two oils are exactly the same. Just try out a few substitutes until you find the one you like best! Also, remember that the oil substitutes listed below do not form a comprehensive list, and there may be other oils that you can use.
Sandalwood
Substitute For Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood is an extremely popular essential oil, and it offers a classic and enticing woodsy aroma. If you are looking for an oil with a similar aroma, try using Myrrh or Vetiver.
Sandalwood Substitutes For Mental Clarity:
Sandalwood is great for easing feelings of stress and enhancing mental clarity, especially during times of meditation and prayer. If you want to boost your mental clarity but don't have Sandalwood, try Frankincense as a substitute for sandalwood essential oil. Vetiver can also be a great substitute for Sandalwood as it helps you clear your head and relax before meditation or sleep.
Sandalwood Substitutes That Act As Aphrodisiacs:
This particular wood oil is well-known as a powerful aphrodisiac. It can particularly help you open your heart and get into a more passionate mood, as well as boost libido and help with impotence. Known as the Queen of the Night because of its seductive scent and aphrodisiac properties, Jasmine is a great substitute for sandalwood essential oil. Ylang Ylang and Ginger are also great Sandalwood substitutes.
Sandalwood Substitutes That Can Give An Immune Boost:
With anti-viral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, Sandalwood can help protect your body against harmful germs. If you want an extra immune boost but don't have Sandalwood, try using Eucalyptus, Frankincense, or Oregano instead.
Cedarwood
Substitute For Cedarwood Essential Oil:
Cedarwood is a popular wood oil with a warm and sweet aroma. If you don't happen to have Cedarwood on hand, you can try these substitutes.
Cedarwood Substitutes For Skin and Hair Health:
Cedarwood essential oil can help support better hair growth, and ease an itchy scalp. With anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it is also great at reducing acne breakouts. Rosemary is a great substitute for Cedarwood essential oil as it promotes hair growth and supports blood circulation. Other substitutes for Cedarwood essential oil include Rosemary, Peppermint, and Tea Tree.
Cedarwood Substitutes To Improve Sleep:
Do you struggle to fall asleep? Cedarwood has sedative properties that can help you relax and sleep better. Lavender acts as a versatile substitute for Cedarwood essential oil that helps with relaxation, tension, stress, mindfullness, and sleep. You can also try Roman Chamomile as another Cedarwood essential oil substitute.
Frankincense
Substitute For Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil is an ancient and revered oil, as it offers a wide variety of benefits. However, if you need Frankincense for its aroma but don't have a bottle, you can try Pine as a substitute for Frankincense essential oil. Fir oil also has a similar smell.
Frankincense Substitutes For Joint Inflammation:
One of Frankincense's main benefits is as an anti-inflammatory agent, specifically for those who experience inflammation in their joints. For those times when your joints are stiff and you don't have Frankincense, you can find relief with Turmeric or Ginger oil.
Frankincense Substitutes To Reduce Stress:
Frankincense oil is great at easing feelings of stress and anxiety. It can also help replace negative thoughts and emotions with positive ones. If you need help relaxing or staying positive, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, and Clary Sage make great substitutes for Frankincense.
Frankincense Substitutes For An Immune Boost:
Frankincense is also well-known for its ability to support your body's immune system and help fight off germs. Don't have Frankincense? Don't worry! You can support your body's health with other antiseptic or antimicrobial oils, such as Eucalyptus and Lemon.
Frankincense Substitutes For Skin Care:
Known to help improve elasticity, fight against bacteria, and reduce signs of aging, Frankincense (especially Sacred Frankincense) is a great oil to add to your skincare routine. If you don't have Frankincense in your collection but want to improve your complexion, try using Neroli, Helichrysum, or Geranium instead.
Myrrh
Substitute For Myrrh Essential Oil
Another ancient oil, Myrrh has been a favorite among the ages. For those times you don't have Myrrh oil, you can get a similar aroma from using Vetiver, Frankincense, or Sandalwood.
Myrrh Substitutes For Germ Killing:
Myrrh has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it effective in fighting off harmful bacteria or fungal infections. If you require such benefits but don't have Myrrh, try using Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, or Lemongrass instead.
Myrrh Substitutes For Skin Care:
Like Frankincense, Myrrh can help reduce the signs of aging. Myrrh is also well-known as a natural moisturizer, particularly when it comes to dry and chapped skin. If you need help keeping your skin hydrated and smooth, you can always use Lavender or Rose instead of Myrrh.
Myrrh Substitutes To Promote Relaxation:
Myrrh oil is great at easing feelings of stress. Not only that, but it can help replace overanxious feelings with greater and more focused energy and alertness. For similar benefits, try using Lavender, Vetiver, Frankincense, or Bergamot oil.
Pine
Substitute For Pine Essential Oil
Pine is a classic wood scent that many of us love. If you need Pine for its smell but don't have a bottle, try substituting it with Silver Fir or Black Spruce.
Pine Substitutes To Freshen Air:
Pine is a classic smell that we find available for room or car fresheners. As an essential oil, Pine has the same natural deodorizing properties that help kill toxins in the air and leave the room smelling fresh. If you need help freshening up your space but don't have Pine, you can still get rid of odors with Lemon or Tea Tree.
Pine Substitutes To Clean Household:
Pine is also a familiar scent in common household cleaners. Not only does Pine offer a clean smell, but it helps to disinfect and clean surfaces around the house. If you don't have Pine oil to add to your cleaners, try replacing it with Tea Tree, Lemon, Orange, or Lavender.
Pine Substitutes To Reduce Inflammation:
With natural anti-inflammatory properties, Pine oil can help fight free radicals that lead to swelling and discomfort. If you need help relieving inflammation, you can substitute Pine with Thyme, Turmeric, or Ginger.
Ravintsara
Substitute For Ravintsara Essential Oil
Ravintsara oil may not be as familiar to some people, but it offers a wide range of benefits. While most aromatic substitutes should be within the same aromatic category, Ravintsara's sharp, medicinal aroma is most similar to Eucalyptus.
Ravintsara Substitutes That Work As Sleep Aids:
Ravintsara's calming aroma is great for promoting relaxation and helping you to sleep better. For those nights when you need help falling or staying asleep but don't have Ravintsara, you can substitute it with Lavender, Cedarwood, or Roman Chamomile for similar effects.
Ravintsara Substitutes That Soothe Muscle Aches:
Not only is Ravintsara's aroma soothing, but its therapeutic properties work to soothe sore and tired muscles. If you experience muscle soreness, you can always use Peppermint, Lavender, or Rosemary in place of Ravintsara.
Ravintsara Substitutes That Relieve Stress:
As mentioned above, Ravintsara has calming properties. This can help ease feelings of stress or 'the blues'. Ravintsara can help detox the mind of negative emotions and uplift your soul. For similar benefits, you can always substitute Ravintsara with Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, or Lavender.
Rosewood
Substitute For Rosewood Essential Oil
Rosewood offers a smell similar to its name: woody, peppery, and slightly floral. Because of its sweeter aroma, Rosewood doesn't have too many aromatic substitutes; however, Ho Wood is very similar.
Rosewood Substitutes For Healthy Skin:
Rosewood oil is particularly great for your skin. It promotes cell regeneration, moisturizes dry skin, eases acne, and reduces the appearance of scars or stretch marks. All in all, Rosewood rejuvenates the skin as a whole and can promote a more youthful look. If you don't have Rosewood, you can get similar benefits from Clary Sage, Carrot Seed, and Sacred Frankincense.
Rosewood Substitutes That Help Boost Mood:
Rosewood has naturally calming properties that can help induce relaxation while putting emotions at ease. As a result, Rosewood can also help improve mental clarity and uplift the mood, improving your overall mental state. If you need help lifting your mood but don't have Rosewood, try using Lavender, Ylang Ylang, or Bergamot instead.
Vetiver
Substitute For Vetiver Essential Oil
Vetiver is an excellent essential oil that offers a deep wood aroma that is slightly sweet. If you need an oil that smells similar to Vetiver, try using Myrrh, Palo Santo, or Sandalwood.
Vetiver Substitutes That Act As Antioxidants:
Vetiver is naturally high in antioxidants, helping your body fight off free radicals. This can support your body's detoxification process and slow signs of aging. If you're looking for other oils that are high in antioxidants, Basil and Oregano are excellent choices.
Vetiver Substitutes That Reduce Scars:
In addition to fighting the signs of aging in the skin, Vetiver can help reduce the appearance of scars, dark spots, stretch marks, and other skin blemishes. Other essential oils that can provide similar skin benefits include Helichrysum, Frankincense, and Geranium.
Vetiver Substitutes That Ease Nerves:
Feeling anxious or nervous? Vetiver can help promote relaxation and alleviate feelings of emotional distress, anxiousness, or sadness. If you need help calming your emotions but don't have Vetiver, you can always use Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, or Lavender instead.
Balsam of Peru
Substitute For Balsam of Peru Essential Oil
Balsam of Peru has a rich, sweet aroma that closely resembles Vanilla. This resemblance makes Vanilla a great aromatic substitute for Balsam of Peru. However, with a Vanilla shortage, you can get a similar smell from Benzoin or Tolu Balsam oils.
Balsam of Peru Substitutes For Skin Care:
Balsam of Peru is great for relieving dry, itchy, chapped, or irritated skin. It also has powerful antioxidant properties to help fight wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. If you're looking for an oil to add to your skincare routine but don't have Balsam of Peru, good substitutes include Rose, Myrrh, and Helichrysum.
Balsam of Peru Substitutes For Respiratory Health:
As a natural expectorant, Balsam of Peru can help relieve congestion and clear up your airways. If you don't have Balsam of Peru in your collection, Eucalyptus and Rosemary are excellent substitutes.
Balsam of Peru Substitutes To Reduce Stress:
Balsam of Peru's warm, Vanilla-like aroma is great for relieving feelings of stress, nervousness, or anxiety. It can help you calm down when your emotions feel overwhelming, and give your body a break from stress. If you don't have Balsam of Peru, you can use Bergamot, Chamomile, or Vetiver for similar relaxing effects.
Copaiba
Substitute For Copaiba Essential Oil
Copaiba offers a familiar woody aroma with slight balsamic and sweet overtones. If you're looking for an oil that smells similar, try using Cedarwood or Myrrh in its place.
Copaiba Substitutes To Ease Inflammation:
Copaiba has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help your body reduce swelling and associated discomfort, particularly in the joints. If you suffer from stiff joints, you can use Turmeric, Frankincense, or Ginger if you don't have Copaiba.
Copaiba Substitutes For Acne:
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its antiseptic benefits, Copaiba can help ease the severity of acne and promote clearer skin. If you don't have Copaiba to add to your skincare routine, Tea Tree, Oregano, or Lavender are great substitutes.
Copaiba Substitutes To Promote Relaxation:
Copaiba is great for promoting relaxation. Its woody yet sweet aroma can help ease tensions and worries. If you're looking for another oil to help you relax, try using Lavender, Rose, or Ylang Ylang instead.
Cypress
Substitute For Cypress Essential Oil
Cypress has a woody, evergreen aroma that comes from its coniferous plant. For a similar aroma, you can try Spruce as a cypress essential oil substitute. You can also try other conifer oils like Fir or Pine.
Cypress Substitutes For Muscle Aches:
Do you have sore, achy, or tired muscles? Cypress can help alleviate muscle tension and spasms, as well as the restlessness and throbbing that may be associated with muscle aches. If you don't have this specific wood oil on hand and are looking to relieve your muscle tension, try using Peppermint as a great substitute For Cypress essential oil. You can also try other oils like Sweet Marjoram or Chamomile if you are looking for a muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving effect.
Cypress Substitutes For Respiratory Health:
Cypress has strong antibacterial properties that can help kill bacteria in the air and on surfaces. This can leave your home smelling fresh and odor-free while keeping surfaces germ-free. If you're looking for a crisp and fresh cypress essential oil substitute, you can try Eucalyptus. Pine and Lemon essential oils are also effective Cypress substitutes for respiratory health.
Niaouli
Substitute For Niaouli Essential Oil
Niaouli has a familiar sharp, clean, aroma similar to Tea Tree. Although Tea Tree is considered more of herbal oil, it does come from a tree, and it makes a great aromatic substitute for Niaouli, which comes from the same melaleuca tree family. Another similar-smelling oil is Eucalyptus.
Niaouli Substitute For Pain Relief
Niaouli is great for stimulating circulation in the body, which can help ease discomfort associated with headaches, joint stiffness, and muscle tension. If you need help easing stiffness or tension throughout the body but don't have Niaouli, try using Peppermint, Rosehip, or Lavender instead.
Niaouli Substitute To Boost Immunity
Niaouli can support your body's natural ability to fight off harmful bacteria and microorganisms, helping you to stay healthy. Looking to give your immune system a boost but don't have Niaouli? Substitute it with Frankincense, Rosemary, or Lemon.
Niaouli Substitute To Relieve Congestion
Like many other wood oils, Niaouli is great at dispelling congestion and opening up the airways. If you feel stuffy and are looking for relief but don't have Niaouli, try using Eucalyptus or Rosemary for similar benefits.
Spruce
Substitute For Spruce Essential Oil
As a coniferous tree, Spruce essential oil has a similar aroma to other oils that come from conifer trees. For a close aromatic substitute to Spruce, try using Cypress, Fir, or Pine oil.
Spruce Substitute For Skin Care
With natural anti-inflammatory properties, Spruce is great at reducing the appearance of red, irritated skin while promoting your natural glow. If you don't have Spruce to add to your skincare routine, try using Rose, Tea Tree, or Geranium in its place.
Spruce Substitute For Emotional Grounding
Do you find yourself feeling emotionally out of control? Perhaps your thoughts are all over the place, or you feel extremely anxious or nervous. Spruce can help calm both the mind and body to help you face situations in a calm manner. Don't have Spruce? Myrrh, Bergamot, and Sandalwood make great substitutes.
Spruce Substitute For Respiratory Health
If you feel stuffed up or have difficulty getting a full breath of air, Spruce can help keep your airways open and clear so that you can breathe better. If you don't have Spruce on hand, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, and Pine are great alternatives.
Picking Your Own Wood Oil Substitutes
If you are looking for additional essential oil substitutes, you can always pick your own oil. When choosing an essential oil to replace another, it is important to note that no two oils are exactly the same. While we can't expect to experience the exact same effects when replacing an oil, we sure can get close!
Types of Wood Oil Substitutes
When choosing your own essential oil substitute, remember that there are two main types of essential oil substitutions: aromatic and therapeutic. An aromatic substitution is simply when you wish to switch one oil for another that has a similar aroma. This can be the case for diffuser blends, perfume, body or room sprays, or scented lotion. If you are looking for a substitute oil for aromatic purposes, you will want to replace it with one that has a smell in the same aromatic category. For example, substitute a floral oil with another floral, or a spicy oil with another spicy one, and so on.
A therapeutic essential oil substitution focuses on replacing one oil for another that has similar benefits. No two oils are alike, and while many offer the same benefits, there will be some tradeoffs. Some substituted oils may be closer to the one you are replacing than others, but oftentimes many offer the same benefit, in addition to others. When choosing a substitute oil for therapeutic purposes, we recommend replacing it with an oil whose dominating benefits are similar to the one you're replacing. For example, substitute an oil known to help with skin with another that has dominating skin benefits.
You don't have to have a bottle of every single essential oil in order to experience the many benefits that they offer. Whether your collection is large or small, you can still follow essential oil recipes by substituting oils and experimenting with what you have. And be sure to share with us your favorite wood oil substitutes!
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