15 Creative Ways To Use Sandalwood Essential Oil
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Sandalwood essential oil is derived from the sandalwood, which is a heiparasitic evergreen that grows by joining the root system of other trees. The tree belongs to the Santalaceae family and is also known as East Indian sandalwood. Sandalwood oil has been used since over four thousand years ago, making it among the oldest-known materials used for its exotic scent. It has found its way in fragrances, cosmetics and personal care products, and meditative/spiritual practices.
This essential oil is extracted through steam distillation of pieces of wood from matured sandalwood trees that are ages 40 to 80.3 Eighty years old is preferred, because the older the tree, the more oil available and the stronger the aroma.
The oil has a woody, exotic smell that's subtle and lingering. Its color ranges from pale yellow to pale gold. Although expensive, it has many wonderful characteristics that make it useful and beneficial for health and wellness. Following are some of the most creative uses of sandalwood oil.
- Antiseptic
This oil is a good antiseptic agent and is safe for both internal and external application. It helps protect internal wounds and ulcers from infections; when applied to skin, it protects wounds, sores, boils, and pimples from getting infected.
- Anti-inflammatory
The essential oil and paste are effective as anti-inflammatory agents. They have a cooling effect and relieve all types of brain, digestive, nervous, circulatory, and excretory system inflammation, which result from infections, fevers, antibiotic side effects, insect bites, wounds, and poisoning.
- Antispasmodic
This oil works against spasms and contractions by relaxing nerves, muscles, and blood vessels.
- Astringent
Although very mild, sandalwood oil can induce contractions in your gums, muscles, and skin, offering benefits like better muscle strength and a tighter skin.
- Deodorant
There are individuals who use sandalwood oil to relieve body odor.
- Disinfectant
Its fragrance keeps microbes and small insects away, which is why it is widely used in incense sticks, sprays, fumigants, and evaporators for disinfecting large areas.
- Emollient
It soothes skin, relieves inflammation and irritation, cures infections, and promotes a fresh, cool feeling.
- Expectorant
It is specifically effective in treating coughs, but it also fights the infections that cause the cough, cold, flu, or mumps.
- Memory Booster
Sandalwood oil improves memory and stimulates concentration. It keeps your brain cool and relaxed, and saves you from unnecessary stress and anxiety.
- Tonic
It is soothing to your stomach and the digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems, helping them function harmoniously.
- Deep Hair Conditioner
Mix 15 drops of rosewood with 5 drops of sandalwood and lavender into unscented oil. Place mixture in a small plastic bag and dunk into warm water to heat up. Apply to hear and wrap for 20 minutes. Shampoo as usual.
- Massage Therapy
Use a few drops of sandalwood or lavender oil, mixed with an unscented lotion during a relaxation massage.
13.Immediate Relaxing Head Massage Oil
Apply 2-4 drops of chamomile, sandalwood, lavender and peppermint essential oil to the temples for a cooling effect and immediate relaxation.
- Detox Bath
Mix lavender oil, sandalwood oil, epsom salts and sea salt to a warm bath to cleanse and rejuvenate body.
- Sauna therapy
Add 2 drops of your favorite sandalwood essential oil into 2 cups of water in a sauna.
The benefits of sandalwood oil can be harnessed different ways. In vapor therapy, it can be used as an aphrodisiac, as well as to help address coughs, bronchitis, chest infections, asthma, insomnia, nervous tension, and stress. It can also be blended into a massage oil or added to your bath water. In this form it can assist with bladder infections, chest infections, and relaxation, to name a few.
Sandalwood oil can be diluted and used as a gargle if you have a sore or dry throat. You can also use it in a lotion or cream to improve chapped, dry, or inflamed skin. It can moisturize and hydrate skin, serving as a wonderful addition in your anti-aging skincare regimen.Essential oils generally blend well with one another, but sandalwood oil is best blended with bergamot, black pepper, geranium, myrrh, rose, lavender, ylang-ylang, and vetivert.