Therapeutic Properties of Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood essential oil has been used by many traditional healers for many thousands of years. It has also been used in religious ceremonies as incense. This is most evident in the Indian subcontinent, where it is written about in religious scriptures dating from before the time of Christ. This article will cover the therapeutic properties of sandalwood essential oil and some of its other uses. Where the oil comes from and how it is extracted will be discussed.

Sandalwood essential oil is created from the sandalwood tree. This tree is common in Asia, particularly India, where most of the essential oil is produced. The tree must be at least 30 years old before it can be used to create the oil. The oil is extracted from the heartwood or roots of the tree by steam or water distillation. The resulting oil is a thick substance that has a slightly sweet woody odor and a light yellow/brown color.

The essential oil has multiple uses in both the cosmetic and food industries. It is used as a fragrance in many perfume blends. It is also used to perfume soaps, shower gels and shampoos. In the food industry it is used as a flavor additive for many beverages and processed foods.

However, as part of aromatherapy, it has a number of healing qualities. These qualities have been discovered through the use of the oil for different ailments or have been passed down from medical traditions such as Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese practices.

As for skin care, it is useful for acne, dry or cracked skin. It can be mixed with other oils and massaged into the affected areas or it can be added to soap and used to wash the affected area.

Sandalwood essential oil is also used as an aftershave and can help prevent rashes when applied after shaving.

In Ayurvedic medicine it is used for many respiratory problems. These include cough and flu. It can also be used for sore throats, laryngitis, and bronchitis. It is commonly used as an expectorant for this type of ailments. This means inhaling the aroma of sandalwood added to hot water or rubbing the chest with a solution of sandalwood essential oil.

Traditional Chinese medicine uses sandalwood essential oil for stomach problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or aches and pains. It is also used to treat gonorrhea and cystitis. It is even believed that some practitioners use it as an aphrodisiac.

Sandalwood is also useful in treating nervous conditions that result from stressful situations or stress-inducing activities. Some of these conditions include insomnia, depression, or anxiety. Sandalwood essential oil can be burned with an oil burner or air diffuser to scent the air with the soft scent of wood. This will help calm the nerves of people who may be stressed or anxious. It can also lift the spirits of people who may be depressed and shift their mood to a more positive outlook. It can help calm people down before going to sleep, thus ensuring they sleep through the night.

Sandalwood has been known to change people’s state of mind for many years, as it is a main ingredient in many incense products used in religious ceremonies.