Many people worldwide find comfort in the calming and soothing aroma of sandalwood. It has widespread application in the fields of aromatherapy and meditation. The wood and roots of the East Indian sandalwood tree, Santalum album, are the source of sandalwood essential oil. One of the most expensive trees on the planet is this one. The use of its goods is widespread.
Alternative medicine practitioners respect sandalwood and its essential oil. What is sandalwood essential oil good for? Numerous illnesses have been treated with it historically. Most of the sandalwood’s traditional benefits haven’t been tested in science, although certain studies indicate it might help with specific medical conditions.
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A Look Back at the Origins of Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood’s signature sweet, mellow, woodsy aroma originates in the heartwood of trees in the Santalum genus. Sandalwood trees are tall, stately evergreens with delicate branches laden with tiny purple flowers and smooth, gray bark. It takes decades for sandalwood trees to mature enough to harvest their oil, making it one of the world’s most expensive.
Over the last four thousand years, people in India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome have used sandalwood as incense, a perfume ingredient, or in the construction of holy temples. Sandalwood has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat the common cold, aches and pains, infections, and inflammation. The oil extracted from this plant is now the most sought-after commodity in the world due to its luxurious texture, high price, and frequent comparison to gold.
What Traditional Uses Does Sandalwood Essential Oil Have?
Numerous conventional uses exist for sandalwood essential oil. Indian folk medicine, known as Ayurveda, has long used East Indian sandalwood oil as a common ingredient. Traditional Chinese medicine also makes use of it.
Sandalwood oil has been used in these practices along with other treatments to aid with the following:
- the typical cold
- infections of the urinary tract, liver, and gallbladder issues
- digestion issues
- muscular issues
- mental illnesses
- hemorrhoids/scabies
Sandalwood is a preferred ingredient in perfumes and aromatherapy because of its aroma. Aromatic oils are used in aromatherapy to improve both physical and emotional wellness. Some people still find it to be appealing now.
Only a few of sandalwood oil’s traditional uses have been tested by cutting-edge research. Studies examining the health advantages of sandalwood are scarce. Because of this, there has yet to be much scientific study on its health advantages.
Recommended Kinds Of Sandalwood Oil
Santalol is the name for the free alcohols present in sandalwood oil. They are in charge of its smell and results. A product must contain a minimum of 90% free alcohol to be considered natural sandalwood oil according to international standards.
Due to the tremendous demand for sandalwood oil, synthetic alternatives are available. Since the US is one of the top importers of sandalwood oil, it’s possible to come across oils of lower caliber on store shelves.
Check the label for indications that the sandalwood oil is made from the Santalum album to increase your chances of discovering natural sandalwood oil. Scented oil or perfumed oil could describe a manufactured substance.
What Uses Does Sandalwood Have In The Home?
You can use sandalwood oil in a variety of ways for in-home aromatherapy. You can:
- Warm your favorite lotion with a few drops of perfume in a small water kettle.
- Using an essential oil diffuser, vaporize it.
- Apply a few drops to your skin after combining them with an ounce of oil, such as sweet almond oil.
Sandalwood Oil Advantages for Skin
The benefits of sandalwood oil on the skin are numerous. Such as:
Treats Scar
Sandalwood oil supports skin hydration, increases skin cell flexibility, and enhances skin tone. These characteristics make it advantageous in lessening the visibility of scars. It moisturizes the skin, which helps to reduce scarring and fading. In addition, it improves the skin’s elasticity so that you can achieve a more youthful appearance.
Reduces Wrinkles
Sandalwood oil contains antioxidants that help keep skin cells’ structure and buoyancy. Additionally, by replacing moisture and reducing dryness, it enhances skin suppleness. This characteristic makes it an ideal ingredient in anti-aging products. Also, it helps the skin retain its elasticity and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
Improves Skin Stone
Sandalwood has use to lighten skin for centuries, and scientific research supports its effectiveness. Tyrosinase, a vital enzyme involved in the production of the skin pigment melanin, inhibited by the alpha-santalol component of sandalwood. It might prevent the aberrant pigmentation brought on by age and UV radiation exposure.
Fights Inflammation
Clinical studies have demonstrated the potential of sandalwood oil’s anti-inflammatory qualities—a reputable source for treating skin conditions like eczema, molluscum contagiosum, common warts, and psoriasis. It’s an effective antibacterial agent but has soothing properties that help reduce redness and calm the skin.
Prevents Acne
The anti-inflammatory properties of sandalwood make it a great acne treatment. Strong anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties aid in skin cleansing and help stop acne-causing bacteria from entering pores. Overproduction of sebum, which can lead to oily skin and acne, is a common dry skin reaction.
Due to its astringent properties and nourishing and moisturizing benefits, sandalwood can aid in regulating the skin’s production of excess sebum.
Sandalwood Essential Oil Warnings and Side Effects
A sweet aromatic essential oil like sandalwood gives any space a calming scent. Like any other essential oil, sandalwood oil has relatively few adverse effects.
You should use something other than pure sandalwood essential oil directly to your skin, as you shouldn’t with most essential oils. Dilute it with carrier oil, soap, lotion, or a buffering agent before applying it to the skin. Sandalwood oil should avoided by nursing mothers and children.
As sandalwood essential oil can trigger an allergic reaction in some people, it’s best to conduct a patch test before applying it all over. Those who have a medical condition, such as a liver disorder or cancer, should exercise caution when using the oil in aromatherapy.
Wrap Up
For centuries, sandalwood has been a staple in Indian grandmothers’ medicine chests and on family altars. You can now find it in various convenient formats, including oils, creams, soaps, and ointments.
Sandalwood’s anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cooling properties contribute to its many skin benefits. To create homemade products, you can use sandalwood oil or combine it with other essential oils and carrier oils.
When used properly, sandalwood can perfectly complement your skincare routine, helping you achieve a smooth, radiant complexion. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties aid in the recovery from acne and other skin blemishes.
