Sandalwood oil (lat. Santalum album) is obtained by steam distillation of the cut pieces of sandalwood trees aged between 40 and 80 years.

It has been used for centuries as a medicine and for cultural and spiritual ceremonies. Sandalwood is one of the oldest known scents. Inside the ancient Egyptian civilization, sandalwood was valued for its role in the complex process of embalming.

In Ayurvedic medicine, it is uses for thousands of years because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory characteristics.

In India, this scent is particularly used because of its calming effect that is beneficial to the spiritual meditation.

The health benefits of sandalwood oil

• In the west, this oil is commonly used as an ingredient in the cosmetic, food and perfume industry.
• But it is also full of medicinal properties, which are recognized by Ayurvedic doctors and because of which it deserves a special place in natural medicine.
• The essential oil of sandal has a soothing effect on all types of infections.
• Compositions of oils and pastes of sandalwoods can help with inflammation of the brain, digestive organs, nervous organs, circulatory system and organs of excretion, caused by various infections.
• Orally consumed, this oil protects the damaged internal tissue from the action of microorganisms.
• Due to its diuretic and anti-microbial properties, it successfully treats urinary tract infections.
• Relieves spasms and relaxes muscles

-- At several international studies, the effect of this oil was showed to act as a natural agent that relieves spasms and soothes the body.

-- Because of its mild action, it relaxes the nerves, muscles and blood vessels.

-- It has also been shown effective to relieve cough, since it relaxes the muscles of the throat and calms irritation caused by infections.

-- Consequently, helps with pain and fatigue, and is effective after strenuous and painful training.

-- It stimulates digestion and the elimination of toxins from the body

-- Reduces the feeling of flatulence and helps to reduce the occurrence of gas in the intestines.

-- As a natural diuretic, it promotes urination, and also helps in the excretion of toxins from the body through urine.

-- The sandalwood oil was proved to be effective in mitigating the consequences of food poisoning, as well as prolonged use of antibiotics.

-- Balm for the skin

-- The exceptionally mild action of this beneficial oil calms the irritated skin and helps in the faster healing of damaged tissue.

-- Soothes and heals inflammatory conditions and provides a feeling of freshness and comfort.

-- Naturally hydrates the skin without making it oily.

-- It stimulates skin tightness, so the ancient civilizations used it as a natural remedy for the treatment of scars and injuries.

-- Nowadays, it is used in the cosmetic industry as a pore cleanser.

-- It soothes skin irritation caused by insect bites. It helps in healing wounds, inflammations, boils and pimples.

-When used orally, it strengthens and tightens the gums.

Disinfectant properties

Disinfectant properties of this essential oil justify its widespread use within the religious rituals and in the production of cosmetics.

The oil effectively repels insects and destroys microbes, and is therefore often used in products for perfuming and disinfection of premises.

If you have a wound on the skin -- you can add it to your bath water or apply it together with your lotion or oil -- and so protect yourself from infection.

Improves memory and protects against stress

• This essential oil enhances the ability of concentration and memory.
• It also acts on the brain so that it encourages a sense of comfort and tranquility.
• It is a beneficial and natural protector of stress, anxiety and fear.
• In religious rituals, it has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for spiritual development.

It can be used orally

If you want to cure the infection, this essential oil is suitable for oral use.

Use it orally when you want to improve digestion and recover the organism after, for example, food poisoning or persistent infections.

It has been proved that it lowers high blood pressure, stimulates the release of toxins from the body and heals inflammation.

Pour 1-3 drops of quality essential sandalwood oil into a capsule and drink it three times a day, per one capsule after each meal.

Be sure to select 100% natural sandalwood, because synthetic oils are not suitable for oral administration.

Inhalation for easier breathing and restful sleep

For problems with cough, sinusitis, sore throat and other respiratory ailments, use this essential oil to prepare a pleasant and healing inhalation.

In a pot with hot water, add 4 drops of essential oil of sandalwood, cover with a towel and inhale slowly. Every 5-10 minutes, add a new 4 drops. The inhalation should last up to 20 minutes.

You can use it not only to open and naturally disinfect the respiratory tract, but also to relax, especially before bedtime, since the essential oil of sandalwood relaxes and soothes.

How to use sandalwood oil for outdoor use

The essential oil in outdoor applications should be used in diluted form, and you can dilute it with some base oil, such as olive. You can use it for a massage or coatings, in skin care or as a natural therapy for pain, tension and muscle cramps.

For natural linings, drizzle some sandalwood oil with a few drops of water on a clean cloth and place it at the sore or painful area.

This method can be also used to disinfect the skin, for treating acne and pimples, but the water in this case, is replaced with olive oil.

When used for massaging, use the sandalwood oil and the base oil in the ratio of 1: 3.

For relaxing massage, add 3 drops of oil to each teaspoon of sandalwood oil. For more sensual effect, mix them with additional drop of essential oil of jasmine or rose.

Make a paste of sandalwood powder and water and use it for coatings in cases of fever, colds and flu, or to mitigate the temperature and cooling the body.

Recipes

Fragrant Conditioner

Add oil sandal (3-5 drops) in 30 ml of the hair conditioner, to reinforce its action. It is particularly suitable for dry or damaged hair, since it nurtures and nourishes.

You can also dip the essential oil into the palm in a thin layer, with a few drops of olive oil, and apply to the damaged ends of dry hair.

In addition to the natural care, your hair will also smell wonderful.

Nourishing Face Cream

If you want a nutritious and rich face cream, add 3 drops of rose oil and 3 drops of sandalwood oil for every 30 ml of naturally based cream, unperfumed.

For the care of dry skin, add 8 drops of essential oil of sandalwood and 4 drops of essential oil of geranium in 30 ml of mild oil for skin care (such as almond oil).

Sensual bath

Make your own fragrant, relaxing and sensual bath by adding 4 drops of sandalwood essential oil and one drop of ylang ylang oil in your bath.