Sandalwood essential oil is probably one of the most fragrant of oils. It is broadly utilized in many health and beauty related issues. Sandalwood oil owns a mystic and divine kind of fragrance. This makes it the first choice for products used for holy rituals like incense sticks. However, there are many sandalwood essential oil benefits that make it much more than just nice smelling oil.
What are the uses of sandalwood essential oil in traditional medicine?
Sandalwood essential oil had been extensively used in both Indian and Chinese traditional medicines. Due to its divine fragrance, it was an important addition in aromatherapy which is often used to deal with mental health-related issues like insomnia. depression etc. Other uses include muscle problems, digestion issues, skin conditions, fever, haemorrhoids, liver & gallbladder problems and UTI. There is a lack of scientific research as of now to confirm these claims however studies surely confirm some other uses of sandalwood oil such as its effectiveness in increasing mental alertness, wound healing, treating anxiety and protecting against skin cancer.
How it’s prepared?
The sandalwood oil is extracted from powdered wood of sandalwood trees, using a process known as steam distillation.
Here are some of the ways in which sandalwood essential oil benefits our body and mind:
Fights Anxiety
In a study published by Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, researchers have concluded that patients under palliative care benefitted by receiving a massage with sandalwood oil. It helped by reducing their anxiety symptoms. Ancient medicine therapies suggested inhaling and massaging sandalwood oil on your neck and wrists to calm your nerves and soothe your emotions.
Protects Skin
It also has antiseptic and has antimicrobial properties which help keep pimples in control. Regular topical application of sandalwood oil can fight off boils, pimples and wounds. It protects them from becoming septic.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Sandalwood essential oil contains anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of alpha-santalol and beta-santalol in sandalwood oil helps it to mimic ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. However, in doing so this does not have any of the side effects associated with such drugs. When massaged externally it may also help reduce muscle spasms and cramps. It can also be applied topically to control skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Improves Sleep
It contains a compound called beta-santalol that may have mild sedative effects. This helps induce sleep and improve insomnia issues.
Beneficial For Complexion
Sandalwood essential oil benefits your skin by managing acne, soothing sunburn and improving hydration. It is suitable for almost all skin types and can be mixed with any of your favourite carrier oils and applied topically on your skin. Its regular massage acts as an anti-aging treatment and keeps the fine lines away from your delicate skin.
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Great For Haircare
Sandalwood oil also benefits your hair by stimulating your roots which in turn helps hair growth and also prevents hair loss. Mix some sandalwood oil in your regular oil and massage it slowly on your scalp. Keep it for few hours then shampoo as usual. It will calm your mind and also help control dandruff and itchiness in your scalp. Regular application of a good quality oil will get you shiny, thick and dandruff free hair in no time.
How To Use Sandalwood Essential Oil?
Sandalwood oil for hair
Take 4-5 drops of sandalwood oil and mix it with olive oil. Also, add a vitamin E oil capsule to it. Mix and apply it all over your scalp. Massage slowly and let it sit for 5-6 hours. Wash your hair as usual. Doing this especially during your stressful days will bring calmness to your mind and fight stress. It will add nourishment to dry damaged hair and also prevent hair fall. Do it regularly and within a few months, you will find your hair shiny, soft and dandruff-free.
Sandalwood oil for skin
1. Add a few drops of sandalwood oil to your body massage oil and slowly massage your entire body. Wait for 15 minutes. Then take a warm bath. This is one of the best ways to relieve an entire day’s stress from the body. It will also help you sleep better fight muscle spasms. Doing this massage regularly will add a glow to your entire body.
2. Sandalwood oil can also be used for skin whitening. Take 2 tbsps of milk cream, mix a pinch of turmeric, ½ tsp of licorice powder, 3 drops of sandalwood oil. Mix and apply on your face and neck. Let it sit for 20 minutes then wash with lukewarm water. Doing this regularly will promote skin cell regeneration and help fade away marks. It will definitely help lighten and even tone your complexion.
3. Add a few drops of this oil to your warm bath water and inhale its mystic fragrance during your bath. It will help relieve stress and reduce muscle pain.
You may also like to read: Home Remedies For Fair Skin: Natural & Easy Tips
Some ways include adding a few drops of sandalwood essential oil in your diffuser and let your bedroom smell like heaven. If you want, you can also directly add a few drops in a tissue paper or napkin and smell it. These are some excellent ways to improve your ambience and lift your mood immediately.
Before using this oil on your skin make sure to do a patch test. You may happen to be allergic to it. In order to avoid any negative side effect, it is best to use in minimal quantities and see the result.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5749697/
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-sandalwood#traditional-medicine
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-07/rb-ssf070814.php
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388105001246?via%3Dihub
https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/anticanres/35/6/3137.full.pdf
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.5080
