Greatness of Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood essential oil is a type of essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy. Sourced from the wood of trees in the genus Santalum, sandalwood essential oil contains aromatic compounds thought to offer a variety of health benefits. Sandalwood essential oil is also used as an ingredient in perfume. In addition, sandalwood essential oil is frequently incorporated into religious ceremonies or practices in certain spiritual traditions. Sandalwood essential oil is often touted as a natural remedy for: Anxiety, Coughs, Diarrhoea, Indigestion, Insomnia, Nausea, Sore throat, and said to enhance libido, improve mood and relieve stress.
Coarse powdered heartwood upon steam distillation yields the East Indian Sandalwood Oil which is estimated very upward for its sweet and continued aroma, its pungent, warm wood notes; It has non-varying arrangements and permanent properties. Sandalwood oil is to a great extent, preferred in traditional perfume ingredient is used in diverse perfume compositions and attars. Popular perfume compositions that are prepared by hydro-distilling the changeable essences of flowers(Jasmine, Kewda, Narcissus, Rose) on to sandalwood oil. Attars played a prominent role as ingredients in the incense sticks, cosmetics, fragrance, mouth fresheners and soap industries. Attar compositions are very extensively used in mouth fresheners and Pan masala, Chewing Tobacco products etc.
Beside its significance as a base in aromas, sandalwood is also widely used in medicine and aroma therapy. Countries like China, Egypt and Sri Lanka use sandalwood oil in embalming and medicine. India and China have a strong offer of scented fumes. During worship from time immemorial, sandalwood is used in small dose which acts as an aphrodisiac due to its sweet taste and coolant properties.
Paste made of sandalwood applied extremely gives relief from burning sensation, improves skin complexion, cleans wounds and arrests secretions. Its paste applied over the forehead relieves migraine and headache. In persons who are suffering from pain and burning and are suffering from herpes, sandalwood gives lot of relief. Its powder rubbed into hands, helps to relieve sweaty palms. It helps to check excessive sweating and bad odour. For this sweating obvious reason, sandalwood oil is extensively used in room fresheners, perfurmes incense sticks etc.
Indian sandalwood known for its precious oil is desired from the heartwood classified as Woody or Oriental is valued for its olfactive properties are often described as creamy, milky, sweet, warm, soft and rich. Commonly used as base note, is a natural fixative, having an inherent capacity to increase ingredients of other perfumes.
As told by Kilian Hennessy, Sacred wood is an ode to Indian Sandalwood scent because it has been exploited excessively and its existence is vulnerable. Kilian created the scent because he wanted to restore the essence of this fragrance (Santalum album) that has an important imprint in our heritage. Indian Sandalwood continues to be an important inspiration and ingredient story in perfumery.
Indian sandalwood is incomparable, there is nothing else like it, nothing replaces it. In perfumery, Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) is more coveted of the two species for fine fragrance formulation. Santalum album oil contains higher levels of Beta santalols, the active ingredient that gives it is signature scent, compared to santalum spicatum.
Traditionally, sandalwood has calming and relaxation effect, reduces stress, depression, fear, nervous exhaustion, anxiety and enhances meditation. The healing process can be hastened as the person loses their worries and discomfort. Santalols have been reported to have action on central nervous system and depressant effects.
It is useful for chest, throat and lung infections, bronchitis and dry cough. Boosts immune deficiency, characterized by persistent infections. Useful for anti ageing, dry skin relieves itching, inflammation and dry eczema, antiseptic for acne, boils, cuts and wounds.
An aid to meditation and spiritual development, associated with the third eye and development of intuition. Can be applicable for Bath, face oil/lotion, facial steaming, inhalation, massage, room fragrance.
Applicable benefits
Antiseptic – Considered as an extremely effective antiseptic, the essential oil of sandalwood is safe for both internal and external applications. It is prescribed to be consumed in order to heal and protect internal wounds and ulcers from infections.
Anti-Inflammatory – Addressed as a very effective anti-inflammatory agent, the oil provides a nice cooling effect and gives relief from all types of inflammations in brain, digestive system, nervous system, circulatory system, excretory system etc. Thus it treats various infections, fever, side effects of antibiotics, poisoning, insect bites, wounds etc.
Anti-phlogistic – Based on anti-phlogistic properties, this essential oil gives relief from inflammations resulting from fever and viral infections.
Anti-spasmodic – Blessed with a relaxing and sedative nature, this oil works great against spasm too. When applied, it relaxes nerves, muscles and blood vessels and hence ends spasm or contraction.
Astringent – The presence of mild astringent properties in oil induces contraction in gums, muscles and skin. This is beneficial for strengthening gums, muscles, tightening of skin etc
Cicatrisant – Soothing the skin when applied, the essential sandalwood oil helps fading away of scars, spots etc., Hence the oil is now extensively used in skin-care soaps, lotions and creams.
Carminative , Relaxing in nature, this essential oil, induces intestinal and abdominal relaxation, thereby facilitating removal of gases.
Diuretic – The relaxing and anti-inflammatory nature of this oil soothes inflammations in the urinary systems and induces relaxation in it, thereby promoting easy passage of urine. Further, increasing the frequency and the urinary system.
Disinfectant – Being an assured disinfectant, the sandalwood oil is extensively used in the religious ceremonies and cosmetics. Its fragrance keeps away microbes and small insects from the surrounding areas, For this reason it is widely used in fumigants, incense sticks, sprays and evaporators. Besides, the oil can also be safely consumed with milk to cure internal infections such as those in throat oesophagus, stomach, intestines and excretory tracts.
Emollient – Soothing skin to a great level, this essential oil relieves it from inflammations and irritations on it and keeps it fresh and cool.
Expectorant , Behaving as an expectorant, the oil is particularly effective in treating coughs and also fights viral infections which causes cough and cold, flu and mumps.
Hypotensive – This extremely beneficial property of essential oil enables it to be taken with milk or even with water. The consumption reduces blood pressure in patients suffering from high blood pressure.
Memory booster – Being an effective memory booster, it improves memory and induces concentration. The simple reason for that it keeps the brain cool and relaxed, saving it from undue stress and anxiety.
Sedative – The sedative property of this oil helps to deal with inflammation, anxiety, fear, stress etc. It induces relaxation, calmness, concentration of inner vision and positive thoughts.
Tonic – Regarded as an extremely effective tonic, particularly for children’s growth. Casting a soothing effect on stomach, digestive and nervous system, helps these systems function in harmony.