Sandalwood essential oil comes from the bark of the Sandalwood tree, which is found in India, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hawaii, parts of South America, and Australia. Unfortunately, not all species of this tree yield essential oil, and for the best oils, one must wait for the tree to age 80 years. Because of the scarcity of this oil, people now settle for trees that are 30 to 40 years old. The tree itself is very scarce now, and India, where many of these trees are found, has banned trade in the trees till they regenerate.
Sandalwood oil has been used since ancient times, and is a part of religious ceremonies in Indian, Japanese, Buddhist, and Zoroastrian cultures. One whiff of this exotic oil and it’s easy to see why. The scent of this oil is warm, with a striking wood base note. The aroma can be described as balsamic, woody, and earthy. It bring a feeling of euphoria, and yet, a sense of grounding that bring a sense of well being.
Benefits of sandalwood oil - This oil has many wonderful benefits. It is an antiseptic and has antidepressant properties. It is used as a diuretic, tonic, decongestant, and calming oil. It brings a sense of peacefulness, and helps to relieve stress, tension and brings peaceful sleep. It is also considered an aphrodisiac and a sandalwood aromatherapy candle can make for a romantic evening.
Sandalwood also has many medical uses. In many traditional medicine systems, it is used to ease cough, laryngitis, bronchitis, and throat ailments. It can also relax muscle problems and alignment problems like sciatica. It regulates the heart and increases circulation. It strengthens the immune system, and aids digestion.
Uses of Sandalwood oil - Sandalwood oil blends well with frankincense, patchouli, jasmine, orange, rose, black pepper, mandarin, and lemon. It has different effects on different people, so experiment with the oil to see how it works best for you. Here are some possible uses for sandalwood essential oil.
- Add six drops of sandalwood to a bowl of water. Dip a towel in this and apply to the throat to relieve bronchitis, laryngitis, and other throat problems.
- Can be blended with bergamot and used with a candle to create a relaxing effect.
- A few drops can be added to a hot bath, along with rose or lavender to create a relaxing bath. Sandalwood regulates breathing and thus calms and balances you.
- Can be mixed with a carrier oil (it blends well with citrus oils) to create a massage oil that relaxes the mind and rejuvenates the skin and body.
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