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The essential oil of sandalwood is extracted through steam distillation of pieces of wood from matured Sandalwood trees which are 40-80 years old, although 80 years is preferred. The older the tree, the more oil is available, and the aroma is stronger. As far as quality is concerned, Indian Sandalwood (botanical name Santalum Album) is considered best. There are two more varieties, namely the Hawaiian Sandalwood (Santalum Ellipticum), which is quite expensive, and the Australian Sandalwood (Santalum Spicatum) which is not overly beneficial, but is commercially more in use, since the first two varieties are rare and subsequently expensive. For centuries, sandalwood or chandan has been used and treated with respect and dignity in many civilizations. Sandalwood has been considered holy especially in the Hindu religion and is an important part of all social and religious rituals. It has also been used for its medicinal and healing properties. The oil obtained from sandalwood tree is also useful in any ways and forms an essential part of aromatherapy.

The health benefits of Sandalwood essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, astringent, cicatrisant, carminative, diuretic, disinfectant, emollient, expectorant, hypotensive, memory booster, sedative and tonic substance.Sandalwood essential oil has a cooling and soothing effect. The sandalwood essential oil also has a pleasant smell and so can be used effectively in massage therapy.

1.Sandalwood essential oil can be used as an antiseptic. It can be used externally to heal wounds, sores, boils and pimples and prevent skin infections from them and also prevents these from becoming septic. Sandalwood when ingested in very little quantity can also help to prevent internal infections and ulcers.

2. Sandalwood essential oil can also be used for boosting memory. The use of sandalwood essential oil stimulates the memory and improves the power of concentration. It also keeps the brain cool and relaxed and prevents it from stress and anxiety.
3. Sandalwood essential oil also has anti-inflammatory properties. Sandalwood essential oil has cooling and soothing effects and thus provides relief from all types of inflammation. Sandalwood essential oil is particularly helpful in preventing inflammation related to the nervous and circulatory systems.
4. Sandalwood essential oil has anti-spasmodic properties. Sandalwood essential oil has both relaxing and sedative effects when used and thus provides relief from spasms. When applied, sandalwood essential oil relaxes, the nerves, muscles and the blood vessels, thereby ending contractions that arise because of the spasms. Sandalwood essential oil can be effectively used to cure any type of pain.
5. Sandalwood essential oil can be used as an astringent as well. As a mild astringent, sandalwood essential oil can be used for strengthening the gums, skin tightening and also for strengthening of the muscles.
6. Sandalwood essential oil can be used effectively to fight aging. Sandalwood essential oil soothes the skin and helps in the removal of dark spots and scars from the skin. It also helps to tighten the skin and give it a healthy glow.
7. Sandalwood essential oil can be used to lower blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension. When taken in a very small quantity with warm water or milk, sandalwood essential oil helps to control and reduce blood pressure
8. Sandalwood essential oil prevents gas formation. Sandalwood essential oil is relaxant in nature and so relaxes the intestines and abdominal muscles, thereby removing gas and also prevents excessive gas formation.
9. Apart from these various health benefits, Sandalwood oil is also a rich lifestyle product with amazing benefits.

Sandalwood oil can be used for an at-home spa experience, fill a large bowl with steaming water, then apply 1–2 drops of Sandalwood to your face and cover head with a towel. Place your face above the steaming water. Your skin will feel nourished and rejuvenated. You can also apply 1–2 drops to wet hair to help restore moisture and give hair a silky shine.Inhale Sandalwood directly from the palms or diffuse to lessen tension and balance emotions.Massage 1-2 drops over the area of concern, either undiluted or with a moisturizer or carrier of your choice in order to reduce wrinkles. Add several drops to coconut oil and apply to the hair to help with dryness.

Though a bit expensive, sandalwood essential oil’s benefits definitely outdo its cost.