Sandalwood oil, is oil that is obtained by a process called steam distillation of the chips and billets cut from the heartwood of the sandalwood (Santalum album) tree. Its use dates back to thousands of years ago, making it one of the oldest known materials used specifically for its exotic scent and as such is popularly used in perfume, soaps, and cosmetics.
Sandalwood oil contains antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, sedative and tonic therapeutic properties known for its woody, exotic smell and the color is pale yellow to pale gold.
The exact origin of sandalwood is not known but many people believe that it is native to southern Asia. Sandalwood oil has numerous health benefits for skin, hair, and overall health.
Sandalwood oil is used widely and effectively in skin care, being useful for dry, cracked, and chapped skin, rashes, acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
It is suitable for all skin types and is known to be non-toxic when consumed, it’s tonic property helps to soothe upset stomach, relieve gas, heartburn, or diarrhea, and help calm the entire digestive system.
Sandalwood oil is an excellent choice for acne or pimples; mix 3-7 drops of sandalwood essential oil with one teaspoon of turmeric powder and one teaspoon of rosewater or spring water.
Apply a thin layer of the paste and leave it on for at least thirty minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water and dry gently. You can do this once or twice a day and you will see an improvement in less than three days.
To improve the quality of your hair, add sandalwood oil (3 to 5 drops for each ounce of rinse) to enhance hair rinse, especially for dry or damaged hair.
Sandalwood oil can aid in the relief of chronic chest infections, sore throats and dry coughs as well as bronchitis, when used in vapour therapy, it aids in the treatment of cystitis and bladder infections, also helpful with sexual problems such as frigidity and impotence.
It also increases the frequency and quantity of urination.
This helps in treating infections and inflammation in the urinary system, because it flushes out dangerous toxins in the urine due to its diuretic property.
This wonderful oil improves memory and stimulates your powers of concentration.
It also keeps the brain cool and relaxed and saves you from undue stress and anxiety.
No serious side effects have been associated with the use of sandalwood oil, but must be diluted when used externally, it can also be used as a deodorant to combat body odour.