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 Sandalwood trees
are native of the highlands of Southern India, and the Eastern and Pacific
regions of the Indian Ocean. As tree grows, essential oil of sandalwood
develops in the root and heartwood, which is then extracted through the process
of steam distillation. Sandalwood essential oil is clear in color with a slight
yellowish hue and is generally medium to thick in consistency. It is considered
to be a «base note» oil, meaning it is among the longest lasting of all the
essential oils (it can linger for as long as an entire week). Sandalwood oil
fragrance is described as floral, but also woody with a musk tone.
Sandalwood
oil has been used since ancient times for a variety of purposes. For instance,
it was used for embalming bodies in ancient Egypt. The use of the oil can be
traced back to nearly 4000 years; it was mainly used by Romans and Greeks along
with Egyptians. In India, sandalwood tree is actually regarded as sacred and
has long been used for crafting religious artifacts such as figurines and
statues. Powdered wood from sandalwood trees are also used to make incense in
countries such as China and India as it is among one of the most aromatic of
all the natural fragrances.
The
benefits and applications of sandalwood oil are manifold:
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The oil has
both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties; it is used for the treatment
of ulcers, wounds, boils, infections and also internal inflammations.
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The oil is used
for the treatment of different kinds of urinary tract infections, including
cystitis and gonorrhea.
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It stimulates
the immune system of the human body.
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The oil has
antifungal effect.
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Sandalwood
oil is used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases.
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If you're depressed
or simply stressed out, aromatherapy with sandalwood oil will soothe away the
blues of a hectic lifestyle, so it is recommended for insomnia, to relieve
stress and depression.
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Sandalwood
oil is known as an aphrodisiac. It increases sensuality, enhances sexual desire
and sexual activity.
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Sandalwood
oil reduces the discomforts of all types of skin conditions - skin itches,
inflammations or blemishes.
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The oil is
also helpful in the treatment of rhinitis, cough and common cold.
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The oil is
used in many perfumes for its aroma.
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Sandalwood
oil is used for hair and body care, especially for the softening of roughened
skin on the feet and on the elbows.
Traditionally,
sandalwood oil is used in cosmetology for skin care. Owing to its unique
properties, sandalwood oil is suitable for both oily and dry skin. Sandalwood
essential oil has a harmonizing and antiseptic effect which is beneficial for
oily skin prone to acne. It is also used in the treatment of furunculosis. Sandalwood
oil is also a suitable ingredient for aftershave or facial oils as it helps to
soothe inflamed skin but is also an excellent cleanser as well. Most any skin
type will benefit from products containing sandalwood essential oil, but it is
best for dry, chapped skin in particular. To nourish dry skin, mix three drops
of sandalwood oil with an equal amount of rose oil to one ounce of natural
cream containing no scent or man-made chemicals. For aromatic facials, use
eight drops of sandalwood essential oil with four drops of geranium, along with
light carrier oil, such as sweet almond, and apply gently to the face. For
immediate results, this is one of the most effective essential oil uses.
One of the
best known uses of sandalwood oil is in perfumery. It is used as a base note to
give retention and body to perfume. Its subtle but linear odor helps fragrance
performance in the end product. Today, the use of sandalwood has been
considerably reduced due to less availability and cost increases. Instead,
chemicals with similar odor profile are used in perfumery and cosmetic
applications. Sandalwood is used in creams, lotions, talcum, moisturizers, bath
salts, body butter, hair care products, personal fragrances, deodorants, etc.
It also
affects the moods and emotion. Sandalwood is relaxing and helps restore a sense
of calm, making it helpful in nervous conditions and sleep disorders. It can
also soothe aggression and reduce phobias. Sandalwood is calming and comforting
to the soul. It balances the base and crown charkas, thus helping relax the
conscious mind for meditation.
Try using
sandalwood essential oil for aromatherapy and massage by adding three drops of
the oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil and gently massaging into the skin.
To stimulate the senses even further, add a drop of jasmine oil into the
mixture before blending.
Although
there are no special health precautions to be aware of when using sandalwood
essential oil for aromatherapy, no type of oil should ever be taken internally
or applied to the skin before being diluted unless specifically directed by a
well versed aromatherapy practitioner. Also, pregnant women or those with
certain medical conditions such as heart or liver disease, epilepsy, and cancer
should exercise extreme caution when using aromatherapy and essential oils.
People who are prone to allergies are recommended to test sandalwood oil for
allergic reactions. To do this, apply a small amount of oil on the skin behind
your ear or on the inner side of the elbow and wait for one hour. If after this
time the skin is not red or inflamed, the oil can be used. Sandalwood oil can
only be used externally; it can not be taken orally.
To longer preserve
the beneficial properties of sandalwood oil, it should be kept in glass bottles
in a cool dry place, shielded from direct sunlight.
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