Sandalwood essential oil is a beautiful, luxurious, but costly oil. Yet, it is a worthwhile investment due to its wonderful therapeutic properties.
Many essential oils have been used in several cultures for thousands of years for medicinal and wellness purposes. Sandalwood has a long history in Ayurveda, a traditional Indian healing science.
Today, many households across the country use essential daily.
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As you learn more about essential oils, you’ll see that there are lots of ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your life. Using essential oils can be a wonderful way to relax and unwind for you and your family.
In this article, I’ll show you the uses and benefits of Sandalwood essential oil. I hope you’ll want to incorporate Sandalwood into your essential oils routine.
Contents
What Is Sandalwood Essential Oil?
Sandalwood essential oil is distilled from Santalum trees. Sandalwood trees need to be a minimum of 15 years old in order to achieve an extraction with high levels of oils.
The entire trees, including stump and roots, are used in order to maximize the yields of oil, rather than leaving some parts in the ground unused. The wood from the stump and roots also contain high levels of the natural oils.
The texture of Sandalwood oil is very thick and comes out of the bottle slowly. Sandalwood essential oil has a deeply fibrous, wooden scent that’s sweet and light at the same time. It does not smell harsh, rather it’s warm and comforting. Some describe it as grounding and soothing. Many individuals adore the mellow scent of Sandalwood. It is light and inspiring.
Sandalwood Indian vs. Australian Sandalwood
There are two species of Sandalwood trees, each belonging to a different geographic region:
- Santalum album, the East Indian Sandalwood tree
- Santalum spicatum, the Australian Sandalwood tree
The spiking popularity of Sandalwood essential oil has caused over-harvesting of Indian Sandalwood. Australian Sandalwood is an ecologically responsible alternative to traditional Indian Sandalwood. It is very similar both aromatically and therapeutically.
Why Sandalwood Essential Oil Is Expensive
Sandalwood oil is quite pricey and becoming rare. If you see Sandalwood essential oil being sold at a bargain price, please take a second look. Some essential oil brands will sell Sandalwood at 10% dilution. This means the bottle of Sandalwood oil contains only 10% Sandalwood, and 90% carrier oil. In this case, the oil bottle label should state a 10% dilution.
You don’t want to be using essential oil blends stretched with carrier oils in your diffuser. Your diffuser uses a finely vibrating ultrasonic disc to move the water mist through the air. An oily carrie oil could clog the diffuser mechanism and possibly damage the the unit.
If your Sandalwood is 100% pure, it’ll likely be quite expensive. It may also come in smaller bottle sizes such as 5 ml. For example, this 5 mL bottle of Australian Sandalwood from Plant Therapy costs $34.95. But it is lovely quality!
Depending on the quality of your Sandalwood oil, there will be differences in scent. Any oils’ exact profile will depend on multiple natural factors such as season of harvesting, soil conditions, weather conditions of that exact growing season, etc. If you shop at a trusted essential oil brand, preferred sourcing and production techniques should be in place and you can shop with confidence.
7 Uses of Sandalwood Essential Oil
Now that you’ve added a bottle of Sandalwood to your apothecary, let’s look at how to use it:
1. For Acne
Using Sandalwood oil for acne is quite popular. One of Sandalwood’s natural benefits is its ability to help with smooth, healthy-looking skin. It aids in reducing the appearance of skin imperfections, and to brighten up the skin tone. Treating acne with Sandalwood is no exception.
To try Sandalwood for your acne problems or skin blemishes, start with a steam inhalation bath:
- Fill a bowl with steaming hot water
- Add 2-5 drops of Sandalwood essential oil
- Hold your face as close to the bowl as you comfortably can
- Cover yourself with a towel to keep the steam in.
And then breathe, relax and enjoy!
NOTE: Sandalwood oil is generally considered to be hypoallergenic to most people. But in rare cases, people with super sensitive skin may experience side effects. Make sure you do a patch test just in case!
2. For Hair and Scalp
Sandalwood oil can help strengthen your hair and provide added shine. And it’s easy to work right into your normal hair care routine! Simply add a couple of drops to your day-to-day hair shampoo or conditioner.
You may also choose to massage a couple of drops of the oil on damp hair after showering.
3. For A Smooth Shave
Sandalwood essential oil can contribute to a smooth, comfortable shave. Combine a few drops of Sandalwood with some Shea butter and Fractionated Coconut Oil. Blend it all up right in the palm of your hands. This pre-shave treatment will leave your skin smooth and hydrated after shaving. The lotion will also support a close shave every time.
With its mild scent, it’s perfect for men or women. And this soothing concoction is quite easy to put together at home!
4. For Meditation and Prayer
Sandalwood is often used for meditation, prayer, or other spiritual rituals. The Indian Sandalwood is among the most sacred herbs of Ayurveda. Use it to create a sacred space for yourself. Use your diffuser to disperse it throughout the air in your room. Start the diffuser 15 minutes before your practice.
Another option would be to wear Sandalwood on personal diffuser jewelry.
5. In Perfumery
Sandalwood is a beautiful, luxurious essential oil.
Sandalwood has a distinct sweet and woodsy aroma that is pleasing to many noses! It has long been used in perfumery and the beauty industry.
A small amount of Sandalwood will go a long way, so don’t use too much or you’ll create an overpowering scent.
6. As an Aphrodisiac
Some oils are known to boost libido and enhance performance for both men and women. Sandalwood is one of those oils. It is a well-known aphrodisiac. Utilizing an aromatherapy diffuser is a remarkable approach to profit from the aroma of essential oils. Turn it on in your bedroom at night and see what happens! The oil should be pure in order to be effective.
Some of these romantic diffuser blend recipes also contain Sandalwood essential oil.
7. For Grounding and Relaxation
Sandalwood has grounding properties, making it one of the best solutions to treat stress and anxiety. Its relaxing and calming effect helps to restore the central nervous system. Used purposefully, it can improve mental wellness.
It is a favorite staple of massage therapists everywhere. To enjoy the benefits at home, massage a mixture of Sandalwood and carrier oil onto the temples of your head. Sandalwood can also be used to create a relaxing environment for bedtime.
NOTE: There are various methods on how to use essential oils, based on the purpose behind using them. When using essential oils, it’s very important to dilute them.
In Summary
Aromatherapy treatments use essential oils to alter an individual’s mood and wellness.
Essential oils don’t cure major illnesses. But aromatherapy can ease many of the discomforts associated with being and feeling ill.
Here are a few lovely essential oil combos for aromatherapy:
- Rose + Sandalwood for a romantic vibe.
- Frankincense + Sandalwood for harmony.
- Ylang Ylang + Sandalwood for stress relief.
If you’re going to try out aromatherapy, Sandalwood should definitely be among the oils in your medicine cabinet.
As you’ll come to learn, there are lots of approaches to incorporate essential oils and aromatherapy in your life. For best results, buy the best quality oils you can find.
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