OCOTEA
Distilled from the leaves of an Ecuadorian tree, Ocotea carries a warm, spicy aroma reminiscent of Cinnamon Bark — but softer, and distinctly its own.
Why does a tree called “false cinnamon” smell so familiar — yet completely its own?
An Ecuadorian Aromatic Story
Ocotea quixos belongs to Lauraceae — the laurel family — home to many highly aromatic plants. This large evergreen tree grows in the Amazon-Andes region of Ecuador, and its glossy leaves provide the plant material that becomes Ocotea essential oil.
- Botanical name: Ocotea quixos
- Family: Lauraceae
- Plant: Large evergreen tree
- Plant part used: Leaves
- Origin: Ecuador — Amazon-Andes region
Belonging to Lauraceae connects Ocotea to a wider aromatic family — but it remains its own distinctive plant.
A Botanical Portrait of Ocotea quixos
Observe the whole plant — tree habit, leaves, flowers, fruit, seed, and bark. Every detail tells part of the story of this remarkable Ecuadorian tree.
What to Notice
- Evergreen tree habit
- Glossy, aromatic leaves
- Upper and lower leaf surfaces
- Young shoots with emerging leaves
- Delicate flower clusters
- Small flowers and buds
- Fruit and seed
- Bark of young branches
Native to South America — Andes, Ecuador, cloud and montane forests.
Rooted in the Amazon-Andes
Ocotea quixos grows in the Amazon wilderness on the west side of the Andes Mountains in Ecuador. This lush, layered landscape shapes the tree — and the essential oil that comes from its leaves.
False Cinnamon — but Not Cinnamon
In Ecuador, Ocotea has long been associated with the name false canela, or “false cinnamon.” Its warm, spicy aroma feels familiar — reminiscent of Cinnamon Bark — yet more delicate, and distinctly its own.
and aromatic identity
The common name gives us a botanical and cultural clue — not a quality judgment.
A Tree Long Known in Ecuador
Young Living material describes more than 500 years of traditional use of Ocotea in Ecuador. Historically, the plant has been used to flavor cakes and sweets, and it also appears in traditional spiritual and purification rituals.
These represent historical and traditional uses. They provide beautiful cultural context — but they do not replace current essential-oil directions or become modern medical claims.
Keep historical culinary plant use clearly separate from current essential-oil directions.
The Aromatic Leaves Make the Oil
Current Young Living materials identify the ingredient as Ocotea (Ocotea quixos) leaf oil. The aromatic leaves — not the bark — provide the plant material used for the essential oil.
Naturally Occurring Constituents
Ingredient: Ocotea (Ocotea quixos) leaf oil. 100% pure essential oil.
Young Living materials identify naturally occurring aromatic constituents including:
These represent naturally occurring aromatic plant compounds — presented for botanical interest, not as treatments for any condition.
Warm • Spicy • Earthy • Delicate
Related Aromatic World — Distinct Plants
Ocotea
Ocotea quixos
- Plant part: Leaf
- Aroma: Warm + spicy
- Cinnamon-like but more delicate
Cinnamon Bark
Cinnamomum verum
- Plant part: Bark
- Aroma: Rich + intensely spicy
- Classic cinnamon character
Related aromatic world — different plants, different plant parts, different aromatic experiences.
A Companion for Reflection
Young Living suggests Ocotea aromatically during meditation, prayer, or quiet personal practices. Its warm, cinnamon-like aroma travels well into moments of stillness.
A Warm Note in Everyday Beauty Rituals
Young Living describes Ocotea as supporting skin and hair, and highlights its topical cleansing character. Always follow current dilution directions.
Facial Cleanser
Incorporate appropriately diluted Ocotea into a facial cleanser as part of your everyday skin-care routine.
Moisturizer
Add appropriately diluted Ocotea to a favorite moisturizer or lotion. Avoid the eye area.
Scalp & Hair
Use appropriately diluted Ocotea in a scalp massage for healthy-looking hair and a warm aromatic experience.
A Warm Aromatic Massage Ritual
Ocotea's warm, cinnamon-like aroma makes it a lovely companion for a simple aromatic massage. Follow the current dilution:
+ 4 drops V-6™ or olive oil
Massage gently as part of an aromatic self-care routine.
Twelve Simple Ways to Experience Ocotea
Diffuse Ocotea up to 10 minutes, 3 times daily.
Warm Comfort Diffuser
- 3 drops Ocotea
- 3 drops Orange OR Tangerine
Simple Ocotea Diffusion
Diffuse Ocotea alone and notice its warm, spicy, cinnamon-like aroma.
Quiet-Time Ocotea
Use aromatically during meditation, prayer, quiet reflection, or journaling.
Warm Aromatic Massage
- 1 drop Ocotea
- 4 drops V-6™ or olive oil
Ocotea + Orange
- 3 drops Ocotea
- 3 drops Orange
Ocotea + Tangerine
- 3 drops Ocotea
- 3 drops Tangerine
Moisturizer Ritual
Add appropriately diluted Ocotea to a favorite moisturizer. Avoid the eye area.
Facial Cleanser Ritual
Incorporate appropriately diluted Ocotea into a facial cleanser per topical directions.
Scalp Massage
Use appropriately diluted Ocotea in a scalp and hair-care massage ritual.
Ocotea Personal Aroma
Use appropriately diluted Ocotea on permitted pulse-point areas per label directions.
“False Cinnamon” Study
Smell Ocotea beside Cinnamon Bark. Notice what feels similar, different, warmer, sharper, more delicate.
Botanical Observation
Study the Ocotea quixos plate. Then smell the oil. How does the aroma connect back to the leaf?
Current Directions
Topical
Dilute 1 drop Ocotea with 4 drops V-6™ or olive oil. Test on a small area on the underside of the arm, then apply to the desired area as needed.
Aromatic
Diffuse up to 10 minutes 3 times daily.
Everything You've Wondered About Ocotea
1. What is Ocotea essential oil?
2. What is Ocotea's botanical name?
3. What botanical family does Ocotea belong to?
4. Where does Ocotea grow?
5. What part of the tree produces Young Living Ocotea essential oil?
6. How is Ocotea essential oil produced?
7. Why is Ocotea called “false cinnamon”?
8. What does Ocotea smell like?
9. Is Ocotea the same as Cinnamon Bark?
10. Does Ocotea have a history of traditional use?
11. What are some important naturally occurring constituents in Ocotea?
12. How can Ocotea be used aromatically?
13. What blends well with Ocotea in a diffuser?
14. What is the Warm Comfort Diffuser recipe?
15. How should Ocotea be diluted topically?
16. Can Ocotea be used in skin care?
17. Can Ocotea be used in hair care?
18. Can Ocotea be used for massage?
19. Is Ocotea used internally?
20. What makes Ocotea unique?
Simple Guidance for Confident Use
- Topical: Dilute 1 drop with 4 drops V-6™ or olive oil. Test on a small area on the underside of the arm.
- Aromatic: Diffuse up to 10 minutes, 3 times daily.
- For external use only.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes.
- If pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or living with a medical condition, consult a health professional before use.
- Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays on the application area for up to 12 hours after topical use.
- Always follow the current Young Living product label.
Continue Exploring
Discover companion oils and blends alongside Ocotea in the Connect the Dots™ Wellness Resource Library.
Ocotea also appears in Young Living blends such as Stress Away™, Transformation™, and One Heart™.
From an Ecuadorian Tree to Your Everyday Ritual
Observe. Discover. Thrive.™ — one plant, one leaf, one aromatic story at a time.
