Many fragrances and air fresheners include sandalwood essential oil. It has a characteristic aroma that comes from a precious tree. The usefulness of sandalwood oil, however, may extend beyond its odour. It also has many health advantages.
Sandalwood essential oil is extracted from the wood and roots of the East Indian sandalwood tree, Santalum album. This is one of the world’s most precious trees. Its goods are in use all around the world. West Indian and African sandalwood essential oils were also produced in the past, but they are no longer accessible. Sandalwood and its essential oil are greatly regarded in holistic therapies.
It’s been used for centuries to cure a range of ailments. Although most of its traditional applications have not been scientifically validated, some study shows that sandalwood may be useful in the treatment of certain health issues.
The valuable oil is extracted from the tree’s heartwood (centre). It has a distinct, mild, warm, velvety, and milky valued wood aroma that serves as a long-lasting basis for a variety of perfumes. The value of wood increases as it ages for more than 50 to 60 years.
To make soaps, cosmetics, candles, incense, medicine, and fragrances, the wonder wood is crushed into a powder and steam-distilled into oil. It is often used in cosmetics to improve skin health. Aromatherapy items include the isomer sanatol of sandalwood essential oil. The stiff exterior wood is thrown off and carved to form beads and idols.
The following are some of the uses of sandalwood essential oil.
1. Gives a more even skin tone
- Sandalwood powder may be used to rejuvenate the attractiveness and radiance of any skin type.
- To make a fine paste, combine one teaspoon of sandalwood powder with one teaspoon of besan flour, turmeric powder, and rose water.
- Apply evenly over the skin and let on for 15-20 minutes before washing off.
- The usage of this face pack on a regular basis helps to improve the texture, glow, and complexion of the skin. There are many other essential oils for the skin.
2. Skin cancer prevention
- The active chemical alpha-santalol found in sandalwood essential oil has been found to help fight skin cancer, according to research published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
- Furthermore, multiple investigations have shown that this active chemical promotes cancer cell death while also preventing cancer cell development.
3. Used in many products of the beauty industry
- Sandalwood powder and oil play an important role in preserving the natural scent and character of soaps.
- The moisturising, anti-ageing, and moisturising properties of this essential oil are beneficial.
- It also has excellent cleansing and toning characteristics, making it an excellent addition to most beauty products, soaps, and creams.
4. Healthy hair
- Sandalwood oil is quite beneficial for treating dandruff and preventing hair loss.
- Sandalwood oil’s strong astringent properties help to control excess sebum production in the scalp, repair split ends, and improve hair lustre and development.
- When lavender, cypress, and sesame essential oils are combined with it and rubbed into the hair scalp, it helps to cure dandruff.
5. Relaxation
- Sandalwood oil is a sedative and relaxant that helps to relieve muscular spasms.
- It has been shown to help soothe nerves, muscles, and blood vessels by reducing spasms and contractions.
6. Astringent qualities
- Sandalwood oil has astringent properties and is a fairly mild essential oil.
- According to research published in Morphology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology, the oil’s astringent characteristics work as disinfectants in the genitourinary, bronchial, and urinary tracts, as well as a diuretic, expectorant, and stimulant.
- It also helps to strengthen the gums, which helps to avoid gum disease, as well as the muscles and skin.
7. Antiseptic that works
- This essential oil’s powerful antibacterial properties are beneficial in the treatment of bronchitis, cystitis, dysuria, and urinary tract infections.
- It is also beneficial in treating inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema due to its excellent astringent and antibacterial characteristics.
8. Bolsters the immune system
- Aromatherapy using essential sandalwood oil can help the body heal by triggering the immune system.
- The aromatic oil enhances immunity and keeps illnesses at bay by stimulating the formation of white blood cells, fighting microorganisms, and stimulating the production of white blood cells.
9. Promotes sleep
- Sandalwood’s active ingredient santalol helps to reduce waking time while also improving the entire non-rapid eye movement (NREM) period of sleep.
- This active ingredient is taken into the bloodstream via the respiratory mucosa, making it effective at promoting restful sleep.
- Sandalwood essential oil is a great sleep aid for persons who suffer from insomnia or have trouble falling asleep.
10. Boosts respiratory health
- Sandalwood oil has been demonstrated to have a strong expectorant impact and is beneficial in cough treatment.
- Fever and other viral infections produce inflammation, which is relieved by antiphlogistic characteristics.
- It can also assist with other viral diseases such as colds, flu, and mumps.
11. Great for massage
- Aromatherapy and traditional massage oils have long employed sandalwood oil.
- In those who receive aromatherapy massages, the essential oil helps to reduce anxiety and creates a soothing impact.
- Additionally, rubbing the essential oil improves the skin’s radiance and suppleness.
12. Perfume
- Sandalwood has a pleasant, powerful, and long-lasting fragrance.
- Its fixative characteristics are utilised to create high-end fragrances and essential scent oil that promote mental clarity.
- Add a few drops of this essential oil to a diffuser or massage oil for a relaxing effect.
13. Healthy digestive system
- Traditional medicine has long utilised essential oils to treat gastrointestinal discomfort and vomiting.
- Sandalwood oil’s antiviral and antibacterial capabilities fight helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes gastrointestinal problems and ulcers.
What is sandalwood essential oil good for?
- Sandalwood has been found in Indian grandmothers’ medicinal cabinets and on family shrines for millennia.
- Oils, lotions, soaps, and ointments are now readily accessible in numerous easy-to-use formulations.
- The anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cooling qualities of sandalwood provide several skin advantages.
- Because sandalwood is sometimes overharvested, it’s critical to do your homework and buy wisely.
- Sandalwood may be an excellent addition to your skincare routine for an even, radiant complexion with a little research and experimenting.
