Top Ten Benefits of Essential Oil of Sandalwood

Throughout history, both sandalwood oil and sandalwood paste have been used in India for spiritual practises and ceremonies. When sandalwood trees were plentiful, the wood was used to build parts of temples. Today Sandalwood oil, with its warm, rich, earthy scent, continues to be highly valued worldwide for use with prayer and meditation because of its calming effects on the mind and emotions. It is also known for many other healing qualities. Essential oil of Sandalwood and other sandalwood products come from the wood of the sandalwood tree, which grows naturally in the east of India.It is also successfully cultivated in Australia and South-East Asia. It is an evergreen tree that can reach fifty feet in height.The roots are the most valuable part of the tree for extracting the oil,which is extracted through steam distillation of pieces of wood. The older the tree, the more abundant the oil and the stronger the aroma. Sandalwood oil is extracted from mature trees aged between forty and eighty years.

 Sandalwood trees are becoming more scarce and this makes the oil more expensive and difficult to obtain. We must keep the need to conserve these magnificent trees in mind when purchasing the oil. Indian sandalwood is considered the best quality but Australian sandalwood is being produced in a more environmentally-friendly way. The oil will be fine if diluted with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, to make it go further.

 Top Ten Benefits of Essential Oil of Sandalwood

1) Sandalwood oil is anti-inflammatory as its effects are cooling. It can relieve inflammation in the brain as well as inflammation coming from infections, fevers and wounds in the digestive, nervous, circulatory and excretory systems.                                     2) Sandalwood oil is highly beneficial for the skin. It is a cicatrisant and helps to repair damaged skin. It is high in anti-oxidants. It is popular for use in skin-care lotions, soaps and creams and is suitable for all skin types.It helps repair cracked skin and heal rashes and acne as well as refreshing and soothing the skin. It has anti-ageing properties.                                                                            3) Sandalwood oil is a wonderful antiseptic when applied to the skin. It protects wounds, sores and pimples, stopping them from developing infections.                                                                             4) Sandalwood oil is well-known for its calming effects. It works as a relaxant physically, emotionally and mentally. It relaxes the intestines and abdominal muscles, which helps reduce the formation of intestinal gas. It is antispasmodic and helps to relax nerves and relieve muscle spasms. It has a sedative effect and has been successfully used to treat cramps, aches and coughs. However, it doesn't induce the drowsiness that lavendar oil has a tendancy to do. It reduces anxiety, stress and fear, promoting clarity, concentration and memory.                                                                     5) The mild astringent qualities of sandalwood oil help tighten the gums and skin.                                                                                      6) It has disinfectant properties which also make it useful as an insect repellant.                                                                                  7) As a diuretic, it benefits the urinary system, flushing out dangerous toxins in the urine.                                                                  8) Sandalwood oil has proven effective in treating coughs, colds and flu as well as the viruses that cause them.                                          9) Sandalwood oil is helpful in cases of hypertension and can be taken with milk or water to reduce blood pressure. However, a health care professional must be consulted before doing this. Sandalwood paste applied to the body is also effective in this case. 10) Sandalwood oil is a favorite for use in aromatherapy oil blends as it brings the other oils together well without overpowering them.

How to Use Essential Oil of Sandalwood 

For use in prayer and meditation, a drop of sandalwood oil can be applied to the forehead and temples, or the oil can be diffused throughout the room. To relieve coughs and colds, add a few drops of sandalwood oil to a tissue and inhale. Add a drop to a skin toner or aftershave to soothe and cleanse the skin. It can also be added to unscented skin lotions along with a drop of rose oil. A drop can be added to a hair conditioner to eliminate dandruff. Gargle water with a drop of sandalwood oil in it to relieve a sore throat. 

Sandalwood oil is often added to oil blends used in aromatherapy massage. It blends well with bergamot, black pepper, geranium, lavendar, myrrh, rose, vetiver and ylang ylang.It harmonizes the other oils in the blend. It works well in a carrier oil such as jojoba, almond or grapeseed oil. It can be applied to the body to be used as a deodrant or body fragrance as well as a stress reliever, in which case a couple of drops can be applied to the wrists and ankles. It can also be diffused throughout the house to create an atmosphere of tranquility. A few drops of sandalwood oil can be added to a bath or to a foot bath, which is a wonderful way to relax at the end of a long day. Several drops of sandalwood oil can be put into the washing machine with a load of washing to disinfect the machine.

 What are the Risks of Essential Oil of Sandalwood? 

There are no risks associated with essential oil of sandalwood. As with all the essential oils, a skin patch test should be done before applying it to the skin or using it in massage as some people may experience minor skin irritation. People with severe allergies and pregnant women should consult a health care professional before using it. Sandalwood oil is generally not applied directly to the skin but is normally mixed with a carrier oil or lotion first to dilute it. Commonly used carrier oils are almond oil, grapeseed oil and jojoba oil. Essential oils are normally used externally. A health care practioner must be consulted if taking them internally.

How to Store Essential Oil of Sandalwood 

Essential oil of sandalwood must be stored in a cool, dark place in a dark-colored glass bottle. Keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme or changeable temperatures. It should be stored out of reach of children and away from stoves, candles and other kinds of heat as it is flammable.