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 an incense. This is most apparent on the Indian subcontinent, where it is written about in religious scriptures dating back to before the time of Christ. This article will cover the therapeutic properties of sandalwood essential oil and some of the other uses for it. It will discuss how the where the oil comes from and how it is extracted.

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

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

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

In terms of skin care, it is useful for Acne, dry or cracked skin. It can be blended 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 aftershaves that can help prevent shaving rash when applied after shaving.

In Ayurvedic medicine it is used for many respiratory problems. These include coughs and flu. It also can be used for a sore throat, laryngitis and bronchitis. It is commonly used as an expectorant for these types of ailments. This means breathing in the sandal wood scent that is added to hot water or by rubbing the chest with a solution of sandalwood essential oil.

Traditional Chinese medicine uses sandalwood essential oil for stomach complaints like vomiting, diarrhoea or aches and pains. It is also used to treat gonorrhoea and cystitis. It is even thought to be used as an aphrodisiac by some practitioners.

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 using an oil burner or air diffuser to scent the air with the soft woody smell. This will help to calm the nerves of people that may be stressed or anxious. It can also lift the spirits of people that may be depressed and change their moods to a more positive outlook. It can help to calm people down before they go to sleep thus ensuring that the get a complete nights sleep.

Sandalwood has been known to change the mental state of people for many years as it is a principle ingredient in many incense products that are used in religious ceremonies.