Sandalwood has been used for over four thousand years across the world because of its therapeutic properties and pleasant fragrance. The ancient Egyptians used sandalwood during embalming bodies; In India sandalwood is used in various Hindu ceremonies.
Sandalwood Essential Oil is derived by distilling the heartwood of a mature evergreen tree. It can take a sandalwood tree up to sixty years to fully mature; the older the tree, the richer the aroma and greater the oil content. Given the timeframes involved, deforestation has led to an increase in price of quality sandalwood. Oils like Mysore sandalwood oil are said to be the best quality available and can be incredibly pricey.
Like many other essential oils Sandalwood oil has many therapeutic properties, these include: Anti-inflammatory Properties – Sandalwood massage oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It has a relaxing and cooling effect which provides instant relief to the affected region. Sandalwood oil is particularly effective in fighting off inflammations that are caused by viral infections.
Skin Care – Essential oils like sandalwood are very good for the skin. They have been used in beauty regiments for centuries. Sandalwood oil is an effective astringent; it helps tone the skin, keeping it young and healthy. Sandalwood essential oil also helps hydrate dry skin, treats oily skin, and eases skin rashes and allergies, making it a component in many cosmetic products. Since it is mild, sandalwood baby oil can be extremely useful for young children. Sandalwood essential oil is also effective in clearing skin blemishes arising from acne and scars. It helps fade these marks and leaves the skin clear and healthy.
Controls Spasms – Sandalwood is a natural relaxant, this makes it an effective antispasmodic. By relaxing the nerves and muscles in the body, it eases painful contractions and spasm, providing much needed relief and restoring normal muscular functions.
Builds Emotional Strength – Sandalwood oil has a strong cooling and refreshing effect. This makes it effective in curbing stress, anxiety and tension. It is very useful against depression, fatigue and insomnia. A sandalwood head and body massage helps the individual relax and distress. It helps to clear the mind of all tension and leaves the person refreshed and focused.
Anti-Septic – Sandalwood oils have antiseptic properties; they can fight off infection and protect open wounds, cuts and ulcers from germs and bacteria. The oil’s cooling effect also provides instant pain relief. Sandalwood oil can be applied directly on the skin. It can also be ingested.
Diuretic – Sandalwood essential oil is an effective diuretic. It helps the body pass an adequate amount of urine for healthy functioning. It also combats urinary tract inflammations which hamper normal urinary functions.
Health Tonic – Sandalwood essential oil works wonders for overall health. It is known to boost the body’s immune system; it has a positive effect on blood pressure; it enhances digestive functions by removing gases and relaxing stomach cramps and other disorders; it clears respiratory conditions like coughs, colds, chest infections, etc.; it soothes the nervous system and boosts circulation.
Disinfectant – Sandalwood fragrance is a rich, warm earthy scent that is very pleasant and relaxing. It is also effective in keeping germs and flies away. This makes it an effective disinfectant. This is one of the reasons it is used in many cleansing religious ceremonies across the world. When used in the form of incense sticks, it can keep a room sweet smelling and free of pests. When diluted in bathing water, it can help cure infections.
Sandalwood can be used as a massage oil, diluted in baths and soaks, it can be inhaled through incense sticks or used as gargles. It is also available in the form of creams and lotions. Sandalwood
fragrance oil too is widely used in perfumes and deodorants.
