Sandalwood essential oil (lat. Santalum album) is extracted through steam distillation of pieces of wood from matured Sandalwood trees between 40 and 80 years old. 

The older the tree, the more oil is available and the stronger the aroma.

Also known as Sandalwood, sandalwood essential oil has been used as a medicine and in cultural and spiritual ceremonies for centuries. It is one of the oldest incense materials used specifically for its exotic scent, in use for at least 4000 years.

The ancient Egyptians imported the wood and used it in medicine, embalming and ritual burning to venerate their gods. It was one of the most highly prized embalming agents.

In Ayurvedic medicine it has been effectively utilized for thousands of years for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities.

In India, it is highly valued for its soothing properties beneficial for spiritual meditation.

Health benefits of sandalwood essential oil

In the West, sandalwood oil is popularly used as an ingredient in cosmetics, perfumery and food industry.

Due to its abundant therapeutic properties, recognized by ancient ayurvedic healers, this essential oil has gained a prominent role in homeotherapy.

The ethereal oil of sandalwood acts as a soothing agent against all types of infections.

Both sandalwood paste and its essential oil are effective as anti-inflammatory agents, providing relief from all types of  inflammation in the brain, digestive system,  nervous, circulatory and excretory systems, caused by various infections.

When taken orally, this essential oil helps  to protect internal wounds and ulcers from infections.

Due to its diuretic and antimicrobial properties, it effectively treats infections in the urinary system.

Sandalwood essential oil relieves cramps and relaxes muscles

Several international studies have confirmed its efficiency in treating cramps and soothing the body.

As a natural relaxant and sedative agent, it relaxes nerves, muscles and blood vessels, thereby ending spasms and contractions. 

The essential oil extracted from sandalwood also possesses expectorant properties and is especially helpful in treating coughs, as it relaxes the muscles of the throat and relieves irritation caused by infections.

Its harmonizing and calming properties reduce pain and tension, promote restful sleep (relieve insomnia symptoms), relieve exhaustion. 

It is also especially beneficial for the body after hard and strenuous training sessions.

Sandalwood oil promotes digestion and elimination of toxins

The relaxant nature of sandalwood essential oil induces relaxation in the intestines and abdominal muscles, thereby facilitating the removal of gases formed in the stomach and intestines. 

It also prevents excess gas formation and provides relief from flatulance and bloating.

As a natural diuretic, it encourages urine outflow (increases the frequency and quantity of urination) and flushes out dangerous toxins in the urine.

It has also proved effective in relieving the symptoms of food poisoning and the side effects of long-term antibiotic use.

Works as an excellent skin balsam

The extremely mild action of sandalwood essential oil soothes the skin, relieves it from inflammation and irritation, cures skin  infections, keeps the skin clean and promotes a fresh, cool feeling. 

It also helps the scar tissue heal and fade.

When applied to the skin, it protects wounds, sores, boils and pimples from getting infected. It also works as an excellent natural moisturizer, toning and a relieving dehydrated skin.

Due to its astringent properties which encourage tightening of the skin, ancient civilizations have used it as a natural remedy in treating scars and wounds.

At present, it is used in the cosmetic industry as a pore- cleansing agent (pore clearing cleanser).

It relieves skin irritation caused by insect bites and aids in treating scars, inflammations, rashes, boils, eczema, psoriasis, pimples, acne and dandruff.

When consumed orally, this natural oil strengthens the hold of gums on the teeth.

Possesses potent disinfectant properties

Disinfectant properties of sandalwood essential oil justify its wide use in religious ceremonies and cosmetics. 

The aroma of sandalwood oil wards off microbes and small insects, which is why it is extensively used in incense sticks, sprays, fumigants and evaporators to disinfect large areas. 

Sandalwood oil disinfects the entire surrounding by evaporating gradually.

To treat skin conditions, you may add sandalwood essential oil to your bath water or blend it with other lotions and oils to apply on the skin and wounds to ensure their protection from infections.

Boosts memory and saves from stress

This aromatic oil improves memory and stimulates concentration. 

It keeps the brain cool and relaxed, calms the mind, enhances mental clarity, induces relaxation, calmness, inner vision and positive thoughts.

It also promotes spiritual practices. The sedative properties of this oil guard the nervous system and alleviate the effects  of stress and other negative feelings.

Its enriching fragrance keeps away anxiety, fear and restlessness. 

For this invigorating reaction, it has been celebrated in religious practices as a perfect natural meditation tool for centuries.

To treat infections, you may use it orally

You can also consume it to stimulate digestion and relieve the symptoms of food poisoning or long-term infections.

Another important and highly useful quality of sandalwood essential oil is its ability to regulate blood pressure, which is extremely beneficial for people suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension. 

Sandalwood essential oil can be mixed with water or milk and consumed orally to reduce high blood pressure.

It also promotes the excretion of toxins and provides relief from inflammation.

Pour 1-3 drops of fine sandalwood essential oil into a capsule and drink it three times a day, one capsule after each meal.

Choose natural sandalwood essential oil rather than synthetic one, since the latter is not recommended for oral use.

Steam-inhale sandalwood oil for easy breathing and peaceful dreams

To treat coughs, sinusitis, sore throats and other respiratory concerns, you may try a nice and soothing steam-inhalation. 

Fill a large bowl or wash basin with steaming water, add 4 drops of sandalwood essential oil, cover your face and head with a towel and breathe in slowly. 

Add 4 drops of oil every 5-10 minutes. Steam-inhale for 20 minutes.

This can be a good remedy for respiratory concerns and skin conditions that emerge on the face.

Sandalwood essential oil has a very pronounced effect on the mucous membranes of both the pulmonary as well as genitourinary tract. 

It makes it very effective in addressing chronic chest infections, sore throats, dry coughs, bronchitis, asthma, cystitis and bladder infections.

Its calming and soothing properties encourage relaxation and promote restful sleep, therefore it is considered an aid in relaxation before sleep.

External application of sandalwood essential oil

Before applying to the skin, sandalwood essential oil should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, soap, lotion or a buffering agent. 

For aromatherapy uses it blends well with bergamot, black pepper, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, myrrh, rose and ylang-ylang, providing or enhancing the base note.

It may be used for a relaxing massage, compresses, in skin care, or as a natural remedy for pain and muscle strains and cramps.

For natural compresses, mix a few drops of sandalwood essential oil with a few drops of water, put it onto a clean cotton cloth and apply to the affected area.

This method may also be useful in treating skin disorders, acne and pimples, but in that case dillute sandalwood oil in water rather than olive oil.

For massage therapy, blend one drop of sandalwood oil with three drops of carrier oil.

For a relaxing massage, add 3 drops of sandalwood oil per teaspoon of skin care oil. For a more sensual massage include a drop of jasmine or rose.

Mix sandalwood powder and water to make sandalwood paste and use it as a cooling compress to relieve fever, colds or flu.

Recipes

Fragrant sandalwood oil conditioner

Add 3-5 drops of sandalwood  for each ounce of rinse to enhance its effect. 

It is especially beneficial for dry or damaged hair, since it helps restore moisture to your hair, nourishes it and gives it a soft shine and wonderful fragrance.

You can also place a few drops of sandalwood oil in the palm of your hands, add a few drops of olive oil and apply a thin layer to your damaged hair.

Nourishing face cream

For a nourishing, elegant face cream, add 3 drops of rose and 3 drops of sandalwood  to each ounce of unscented, natural cream.

For face oil for dry skin, add 8 drops of sandalwood and 4 drops of geranium into an ounce (30 ml) of a light skin care oil (such as sweet almond).

Sensual bath

For a fragrant, relaxing and sensual bath, use 4 drops of sandalwood and 1 drop of ylang ylang oil and add to your bath water.

 

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Where to buy sandalwood essential oil?

You can purchase high-quality sandalwood essential oil at Alternativa Webshop.

 

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Sources used in this article inclue:
[url=http://www.organicfacts.net]http://www.organicfacts.net[/url]
[url=http://www.edenbotanicals.com]http://www.edenbotanicals.com[/url]
[url=http://www.auracacia.com]http://www.auracacia.com[/url]
[url=http://www.scents-of-earth.com]http://www.scents-of-earth.com[/url]

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