The health benefits of sandalwood
essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic,
anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, astringent, cicatrizant,
carminative, diuretic, disinfectant, emollient, expectorant, hypotensive,
memory booster, sedative, and a tonic substance.
The essential oil of sandalwood is
extracted through steam distillation of wood from matured sandalwood trees
which are 40-80 years old, although 80 years is preferred. The older the tree,
better the oil reserve and stronger the aroma.
As far as quality is concerned,
Indian Sandalwood (botanical name Santalum album) is considered best. There are
two more varieties, namely the Hawaiian Sandalwood (Santalum ellipticum), which
is quite expensive, and the Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) which is
not too beneficial but is commercially more in use. Since the two varieties are
rare and subsequently expensive; the Indian variety is on the verge of
extinction and is exorbitantly expensive. The main constituents of the
essential oil of sandalwood are beta santalol, santyl acetate, and santalenes.
For centuries, sandalwood has
reserved a place of dignity and respect in many civilizations and religions of
the world, especially in Hinduism, where it is considered holy and
indispensable in almost all of the social and religious rituals and ceremonies;
from the birth of an individual until their death. Sandalwood is required in
every step. It is offered to various Hindu gods and goddesses, mixed with
flowers and other ceremonial offerings, used to embalm bodies and apply on
foreheads in some communities in India, and it is also burnt with the pyre when
cremating the dead.
Health Benefits
of Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil and the paste of
sandalwood is used in medicines, skin and beauty treatments, and numerous
industrial products including mouth fresheners, edibles, incense sticks, room
fresheners, deodorants, perfumes, soaps, lotions, and creams. It has some
really remarkable medicinal properties, which we will explore in greater detail
below.
Antiseptic
The essential oil of sandalwood is
very good as an antiseptic agent. It is safe for both internal and external
applications. When ingested, it helps protect internal wounds and ulcers from
infections. Similarly, when applied to the skin, it protects wounds, sores,
boils, and pimples from developing infections or from becoming septic.
Anti-inflammatory
Both sandalwood paste and its
essential oil are very effective as anti-inflammatory agents. They have a nice
cooling effect and they provide relief from all types of inflammation in the
brain, digestive, nervous, circulatory, and excretory systems that result from
infections, fever, side effects of antibiotics, poisoning, insect bites, or
wounds. Sandalwood essential oil is particularly beneficial in cases of nervous
and circulatory inflammations.
Sandalwood Antispasmodic
Being a relaxant and sedative in
nature, this oil works great against spasms. It relaxes nerves, muscles and
blood vessels, thereby ending spasms and contractions. Thus, it is helpful in
treating problems associated with them such as cramps, aches, and coughs.
Astringent
Although it is very mild, this
essential oil has some astringent properties which induce contractions in the
gums, muscles, and skin. This proves beneficial in terms of strengthening the
hold of gums on the teeth, the strengthening of muscles, and tightening of the
skin.
Cicatrizing
The essential oil of sandalwood soothes
the skin and helps scars and spots to heal much faster. It is an old practice
to use the paste of sandalwood as a skin pack. The same effect can be obtained
by using this essential oil. This oil is now extensively used in skin care
soaps, lotions, and creams.
Carminative
The essential oil of sandalwood,
being relaxant in nature, induces relaxation in the intestines and abdominal
muscles, thereby facilitating the removal of gases. Also, it prevents excess
gases from forming.
Diuretic
Due to its relaxing and
anti-inflammatory properties, it soothes inflammation in the urinary system and
induces relaxation, thereby promoting the easy passage of urine. It also
increases the frequency of urination and the volume of urine. This helps in
treating infections and inflammation in the urinary system because it flushes
out dangerous toxins through the urine.
Disinfectant
It is the disinfectant property of
sandalwood essential oil that justifies its wide use in religious ceremonies
and cosmetics. Its fragrance keeps away microbes and small insects, which is
why it is extensively used in incense sticks, sprays, fumigants, and
evaporators to disinfect large areas. Moreover, this oil can be mixed with
bathing water or other lotions or oils to apply on the skin and wounds to
ensure their protection from infections. This oil can also be safely taken with
milk to cure internal infections, such as those of the throat, esophagus,
stomach, intestines, and excretory tracts.
Skin Care
Sandalwood oil soothes the skin,
relieves it from inflammation and irritation, cures infections and keeps you
feeling fresh and cool.
Treats Coughs
Sandalwood essential oil behaves as
an expectorant and is particularly effective in treating coughs. It also fights
the viral infections which initially caused the cold, cough, flu, mumps, or any
other illness.
Antiphlogistic
As mentioned above, sandalwood oil
has antiphlogistic properties and gives relief from inflammation resulting from
fever and viral infections.
Lowers Blood
Pressure
This is a very useful property of
sandalwood essential oil. It can be taken with milk or even water to reduce
blood pressure in patients suffering from hypertension. The paste of sandalwood
has the same effect when topically applied to various parts of the body.
Memory Booster
It improves memory and stimulates
your concentration power. It also keeps the brain cool and relaxed and saves
you from undue stress and anxiety.
Sedative Effect
This oil sedates inflammation,
anxiety, fear, stress, and restlessness. Furthermore, it induces relaxation,
calmness, concentration, inner vision, and positive thoughts.
Health Tonic
This oil can be a very good health
tonic for anyone, especially for growing children. Since it is soothing to the
stomach and the digestive, circulatory and nervous systems, it helps these
systems function in harmony and without any abnormalities.
Other Benefits
Some people use sandalwood essential
oil as a deodorant to relieve body odor.
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