Sandalwood oil in aromatherapy

Sandalwood oil (English Sandalwood Oil, Latin Oleum Santali) is an essential oil obtained from the tropical sandalwood tree. It looks like a viscous yellow liquid with a slight aroma. Its production has been carried out for a long time in the homeland of the tree - India, and now the oil is popular all over the world. Due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, the oil is most often used for diseases of the skin and respiratory tract. This was mentioned in ancient handwritten scrolls of Egypt, Greece, China, India and the Arab Caliphate.

Sandalwood oil: wood

Sandalwood oil gets its name from the tree from which it is obtained. The most valuable product is the oil extracted from Indian “white” sandalwood (Santalum album). It contains the largest amount of the active substance santanol (up to 95%), which directly affects the quality of the ester. The Indian tree grows mainly in the hilly south of the country.

As an alternative, wood from Australia (Santalum spicatum) is used. This sandalwood oil has less value but is more popular in the market due to its reduced cost. Sandalwood can also be found in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and some Pacific islands. But sandalwood should not be confused with sandalwood: the second type of tree is not aromatic.

Important! To produce sandalwood oil, only mature wood aged 30-35 years is used.

The tree itself is medium in size with a thin trunk. All the “power” lies in the rhizome. Sandalwood is a semi-parasitic plant: in the first years of growth, it attaches to the roots of surrounding plants and sucks out nutrients from them.

Sandalwood oil: scent

sandalwood oil is especially appreciated . It is woody, unsharp and persistent with milky notes. Ether is added to perfume compositions not only to impart a special aroma. Sandalwood oil also acts as a fixative for other aromas, mainly floral and citrus. This means that the duration of the so-called “sounding” of the aroma increases significantly.

Interesting! In some religious rituals, sandalwood is a mandatory component of incense compositions. First of all, this concerns Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism. Buddhists believe that the aroma of a tropical tree helps in meditation, guides thoughts and helps fulfill desires. This feature of sandalwood is also taken into account in the manufacture of soap and beauty products.

Incense sticks Sandal

Sandalwood - the scent of spirituality, depth and sensuality

sacred aroma of meditation, brings you closer to the divine, reveals from within, restores the aura, relieves stress and depression, gives a feeling of well-being, aphrodisiac, increases sensuality, excites passion, cools after meditation, cleanses the room

Sandalwood is famous for its wood, which produces a woody, resinous, rich aroma with a hazy musky undertone. The aroma of sandalwood is not strong, not flashy, without harsh notes, but very persistent. It has practically no analogue in nature. This is a classic, erotic, expensive scent. In India, everything that is most beautiful, expensive, and best is called “chanda,” i.e. "sandalwood".

In Hinduism, sandalwood is an integral part of religious services and rituals; it is used in meditation, “transfers” the believer from the material world to the subtle world, brings him closer to the divine, purifies the mind, helps overcome obstacles on the path to enlightenment, helps open the “third eye.” , directs consciousness inward.

The scent of sandalwood is considered sacred, and in Indian culture there has always been a clear connection between sandalwood scent and religious life.

According to Indian mythology, Paradise is filled with the scent of sandalwood, the gods love it, so it was “offered” to the gods during puja (worship) - they used incense sticks with the scent of sandalwood, and added sandalwood oil to smoking lamps. They cleaned holy places with it, and smoked it in houses to ward off evil spirits. Interestingly, the scent of sandalwood attracts snakes. In Indian illustrations you can find an image of sandalwood entwined with snakes.

It is believed that the scent of sandalwood allows the soul of the deceased to reach God, as well as calm the mourners and reconcile them to the inevitable.

In addition, sandalwood aroma has excellent antiseptic properties, cleaning the room and killing bacteria and germs. Sandalwood aroma is one of the classic aromatherapy scents. This is a complex philosophical scent. It has the following effects:

- on the psycho-emotional level - relieves anxiety, stress, depression, fear, relaxes and warms, gives the opportunity to open up from within, removes barriers, releases the imagination, opens the springs of creativity, helps adapt to change, protects against impulsive actions not related to nature Goodness and Light, removes obsessive thoughts, gives a feeling of well-being, eliminates tearfulness, helps to face unpleasant life surprises with dignity, in stressful situations and conflicts

- at a therapeutic level - normalizes the heart rate, nervous system, relieves irritability, gives sound sleep, treats sexual disorders arising from psychological problems, relieves sexual tension, helps to realize any love desires and fantasies, makes sexual intercourse exquisite, increases sensuality, helps with neurotic loss of voice, difficulty swallowing, menopausal problems, hiccups due to nervousness, skin inflammation, irritations of the throat and nasopharynx, relieves tension after intense mental activity

- on a magical level - excites passion, a “spiritual smell” used for meditation and harmony, personifying the balance of day and night, cold and heat, masculine and feminine, spiritual depth, develops intuition, restores the aura, gives pure dreams, helps to concentrate when meditation and “cools down” after meditation

Sandalwood oil: medicinal properties and benefits

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The healing properties of sandalwood oil are determined by its composition. 90-95% of the substance is the sesquiterpene alcohol Santalon. Also present are components such as teresantalol, santhenone, bergamotol, cuparen and others. They make sandalwood oil one of the unique natural products.

Sandalwood oil: application

Sandalwood oil used for the following diseases and problematic situations:

poor hair condition;
dermatological problems (acne, pimples, dry skin, wounds and developing inflammatory processes in them);
respiratory diseases (bronchitis, disorders of the respiratory tract, characterized by a dry cough);
diseases of the genitourinary system (cystitis, urethritis);
insomnia;
depression;
infections.

As noted, in addition to medicine, sandalwood oil is used in perfumery and cosmetology as a source of valuable aroma. It serves as the basis for soothing compositions and is the “calling card” of oriental body and facial skin care products.

Beneficial features

The medical use of sandalwood essential oil is based on its antiseptic, calming effect, while the main areas of application, as in ancient times, remain diseases of the respiratory system and the genitourinary system. Sandalwood oil lowers blood pressure and is an exquisite, but quite strong aphrodisiac.

The calming effect of aroma oil is highly valued in both perfumery and cosmetology. At the same time, sandalwood acts not only as an aromatic component, but also as a biologically active substance. Possessing a relaxing and at the same time very energetic aroma with a clear exotic touch, sandalwood goes well with other aromatic oils - in particular with the main complementary aromas of neroli and limette, and at the same time is the safest base for aromatic compositions.

The gentle effect and soothing nature of sandalwood oil are ideal for dry and sensitive skin prone to irritation. Effectively coping with inflammation, sagging and fine wrinkles, as well as strengthening hair and nails, sandalwood is one of the most effective and often used to enrich, improve the qualities and characteristics of cosmetic aromatic oils.

Sandalwood oil: action

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The effect of sandalwood oil manifests itself in different ways. First of all, it improves the condition of the skin and relieves inflammation. What is this connected with? German scientists from the Ruhr University in Bochum have found that skin cells contain olfactory receptors. After contact with sandalwood oil, these receptors are activated (in particular, the OR2AT4 receptor), and skin cells begin to regenerate and change structure2.

Sandalwood oil: for hair

Why is sandalwood oil so often used for hair restoration? The substance is often included in cosmetic products because it significantly improves the condition of the scalp, strengthens hair follicles and prevents hair loss. It can be used either independently in small quantities or in combination with base oils, for example, sea buckthorn, jojoba, etc.

There are many options for using sandalwood oil for hair:

Apply 2-3 drops of oil to a comb and gently comb your hair. Carry out the procedure daily or as often as possible. A noticeable result will appear after 2-3 weeks of constant use of the oil: the hair will become softer, its structure will be evened out, inflammation and pain in the scalp will disappear.
Sandalwood oil can be safely added to store-bought shampoos and hair washes. 4 drops are enough for one-time hair washing. The mixture must be washed thoroughly immediately so that the oil does not create the effect of dirty hair. The result: strong, healthy hair with natural shine.
Regular conditioner can also be replaced with sandalwood oil . You need to dilute a few drops in warm water (3-4 drops per 1 liter). After washing, rinse your hair with natural conditioner. They will be soft, easy to comb, without causing discomfort.

The oil may not suit your hair or cause allergies. In this case, you need to consider alternative options. To combat dry, lifeless hair that is prone to hair loss, try licorice root, beta-carotene, or polygonum multiflorum (Fo-Ti).

Properties of sandalwood oil for colds and viral diseases

Sandalwood oil can be used as an adjuvant treatment method, but does not completely replace it.

Cold inhalation

This type of inhalation is the inhalation of essential oil vapor during a room procedure. The advantage of this treatment method is the ability to carry out the procedure anywhere, for example, at home, on the street.

The aroma of the oil can be inhaled from the bottle or after applying it to clothing. At the same time, you need to ensure that your breathing is even. The procedure time ranges from three to ten minutes.

It must be remembered that cold inhalations cannot be done if the body temperature is high. In this case, it is better to use nebulizers.

Hot inhalation

This type of inhalation is based on inhaling steam, which is filled with the aroma of essential oils. Relief will come after the first procedure. To carry it out, you can use a pan with a towel.

Contraindications include bronchial asthma, allergic reaction, exacerbation of pneumonia.

For rinsing

Gargling can be used for sore throat, toothache, stomatitis, putrid breath, gingivitis, caries.

As a base you need to take any vegetable oil. It can be olive, flaxseed, sunflower product, etc. The main thing is to choose edible oil for the procedure, not cosmetic. In 1 tbsp. l. base add 2 drops of sandalwood.

The procedure should be repeated several times a day.

Warm compresses

A warm compress helps improve blood flow and also relieve swelling. It will also help cope with diseases and various injuries. It must be done if a person suffers from:

Eye infection;

Upper respiratory tract infection;
Skin diseases;
Ingrown nail;
Injury to joints or muscles.

You need to take a soft cloth and soak it in 30 ml of base and 15 drops of sandalwood oil. Apply to the affected area and insulate it. Secure with an elastic bandage.

Sandalwood oil: for face, against wrinkles

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All components of sandalwood oil , one way or another, affect the condition of facial skin. The ether improves blood circulation, tightens pores, relieves inflammatory processes and restores skin elasticity, which is immediately noticeable due to a reduction in the number of wrinkles. The main active ingredient santanol, for example, removes toxins and evens out pigmentation. Another substance, bergamotol, restores skin elasticity by activating collagen synthesis. As a result, the face acquires a healthy appearance and looks younger.

How sandalwood oil can be used:

Anti-wrinkle mask No. 1. Mix 1 tsp. avocado oil with 1 drop of sandalwood oil . Gently apply to face. After 15 minutes, rinse thoroughly with water. The procedure should be carried out once every 1-1.5 weeks.
Anti-wrinkle mask No. 2. Take jojoba oil as a base and add 1 drop each of sandalwood, rose and neroli oils . Before use, clean your face of makeup, apply and rinse after 15 minutes.
Lifting cream. Take a cosmetic cream and add 5-7 drops of oil to it. To stir thoroughly. Use as regular cream. The skin is tightened and smoothed.

Women 30+ can try other remedies for early skin aging. For example, hyaluronic acid or patchouli oil. These products penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, restoring its youth and beauty.

Beautiful skin

In the unequal struggle with age, for youth and beauty, sandalwood oil will be a good helper. Its properties and application will help maintain a radiant appearance for a long time. The precious gift of nature is added to all facial and body skin care products. In gels for washing, in day, night and moisturizing creams, as well as in masks. It is suitable for both dry and oily and even sensitive skin. Saves the situation with severe rashes and acne. Result of the product on the skin:

Enlarged pores become narrower;
The elasticity of the epidermis and its elasticity increases;
Has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Destroys fungal spores;
Dry areas of skin are moisturized;
Elimination of peeling;
Has a whitening effect;
Expression wrinkles are reduced;
Swelling disappears from the face;
Treatment of eczema;
Tightens sagging skin.

With proper and regular use, facial contours will become clearer, and the skin will look healthier and younger.

Don't neglect your nails. They also need care. To eliminate fungus or splitting, sandalwood oil diluted with any of the cosmetic oils should simply be rubbed into the nail and cuticle. Nails will become strong and grow quickly.

Almost every day is a battle with stressful situations, which has a detrimental effect on your emotional state. This is where sandalwood product comes to the rescue.

Sandalwood oil: for body skin

Sandalwood oil for the skin of the body in the same way as for the face. Over time, the skin on any part of the body ages and becomes rougher. The substance can be applied as a serum, cream, and even as a relaxing therapeutic massage. You need to mix 1 tbsp. cream, jojoba and olive oils as a base and add 3 drops of sandalwood oil . The movements are soft. Start the massage from the neck, smoothly moving to the lumbar region. Weekly treatments relax muscles and nourish the skin.

Important! Scientists have found that sandalwood oil, due to its α-santalol content, can become a chemopreventive agent in the fight against skin cancer. It turned out that the oil triggers the process of autophagy, a natural cell renewal in which unnecessary or dysfunctional components are eliminated. Ether also causes cell death in proliferating keratinocytes, i.e. in the growing cells of the epidermis of the skin3. This suggests that sandalwood oil protects against tumors and has every chance of becoming an anti-cancer agent.

Use in aromatherapy

Lovers of aromatherapy and a healthy lifestyle are sure to have fragrant sticks with the scent of sandalwood in their therapeutic arsenal.

Can be used as an additive for aroma lamps. When added to a bath, the water treatment will have a calming effect, create a pleasant atmosphere and relieve stress, fear, depression and other negative symptoms of psychological stress. As a bonus: the scent of sandalwood acts as an aphrodisiac.

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From time to time, massage with sandalwood oil will relieve the unpleasant symptoms of stress and cramps, and get rid of insomnia. Already the old Indians used its relaxing and disinfecting effects; modern traditional medicine also widely uses these properties.

Therefore, the use of sandalwood sticks is known in various medical centers and yoga halls. They cause strong spiritual vibrations and heal the soul.

But, if you suffer from more mundane and common health problems (such as a sore throat), using a natural remedy to massage the lymph node area may help. Chronic bronchitis is treated by inhalation with essential oil.

Aromatherapy effects:

toning the nervous system;
eliminating depression, creating a good mood;
general calm;
relaxation and toning of smooth muscles;
cough relief;
eliminating sore throat;
antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects;
treatment of genital and urinary tract infections;
aphrodisiac properties.

Sandalwood oil: for men

Sandalwood oil beneficial not only for women, but also for men. Even representatives of the stronger sex can take care of their skin or buy ether for respiratory diseases. In addition, sandalwood oil is considered a natural aphrodisiac that activates male power and increases libido. This is due to the fact that the substance normalizes blood circulation, but there is no scientific evidence for these properties.

Aromatherapy treatments are suitable for creating a favorable intimate environment. It is most convenient to use an aroma lamp. of sandalwood oil and 1 tbsp to it. water. The procedure lasts no more than 30 minutes.

Use of sandalwood oil in cosmetology

Sandalwood oil is a popular product in cosmetology. As a component, it is used for masks for the face and body, as a component of creams and lotions, balms and shampoos.

Let's be honest that during industrial technological production containing certain chemical elements, some beneficial properties of sandalwood may be lost.

Sandalwood essential oil is widely used in cosmetology.

For cosmetic purposes, it is better to take pure sandalwood oil and add it yourself to creams, balms, shampoos and lotions (approximate proportion - oil: 4 drops, base - 20 g). Then the effect of sandalwood oil will be much more significant.

Sandalwood oil: money plot

In some cultures, sandalwood and the oil obtained from it are considered sacred, so some people believe that it can be used to carry out a conspiracy for money. To do this, oil is applied to wallets, safes, piggy banks, bank cards and other attributes related to finance. The TOP 10 “money” fragrances also include oils of patchouli, ginger, cedar, etc. Whether to believe in such rituals or not is everyone’s business.

What does sandalwood essential oil combine with?

Sandalwood ester can be used in combination with other volatile oils. When used, it combines especially well with the following esters:

pink;
lavender;
cedar;
geraniums;
bergamot.

You can also mix sandalwood ester with patchouli, mimosa, jasmine and ylang-ylang.

When choosing a product, you need to look at the manufacturer - real ether is supplied from hot countries

Sandalwood essential oil: Now Foods 30 ml

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Many reputable supplement manufacturers offer sandalwood essential oil . Now Foods Essential Oils, Sandalwood (30 ml or 1 fl oz) is 100% pure and natural. The dietary supplement also contains grape seed oil - it also has an anti-aging effect on the skin.

Directions for use: This mixture is already pre-diluted and ready for use. It is most often used during meditation, added to a diffuser. You need to mix 1 drop of sandalwood oil, 2 drops of clove oil and 3 drops of patchouli. Other combinations can be found in the essential oils guide.

Application

Due to its rich and rich aroma, sandalwood oil is widely used in perfumery. It is added to various compositions to give them a special aroma. Due to the high demand for this product, prices for it increase every year with a parallel decrease in the amount of raw materials. The uncontrolled cutting down of young sandalwood trees has resulted in frequent episodes of adulteration of sandalwood essential oil.

In aromatherapy, the product is actively used to stabilize a person’s emotional state. The oil relieves nervous tension. Promotes overall relaxation of the body.

In folk and traditional medicine, the product is used to improve human health in the following pathologies:

Purulent and inflammatory lesions of the skin. The oil has a powerful antibacterial effect, destroying pathogenic microorganisms.
Sanitation of the upper respiratory tract. In the form of inhalations, the product can be used to prevent acute respiratory infections and treat chronic bronchitis.
Some sexually transmitted diseases. Sandalwood oil can be included in a therapeutic complex in the fight against gonorrhea. It helps destroy the pathogen.
Digestive disorders. The product normalizes gastrointestinal motility, synthesis of gastric and pancreatic juice.

External use of sandalwood oil helps reduce inflammation in various forms of arthritis. Its application to the skin leads to local dilation of blood vessels and reduction of swelling.

The product increases the skin's resistance to the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. It is often used for warming and therapeutic massage. The oil helps cleanse the skin of impurities, toxins and pathogenic microorganisms.

Sandalwood oil: Love Beauty and Planet “Shea Butter & Sandalwood” shampoo 400 ml

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Sandalwood oil is good for hair and scalp, so you can buy medicated shampoo containing it. Such a product is offered by Love Beauty and Planet - “Purposeful Hydration Shampoo, Shea Butter & Sandalwood” (400 ml). The product does not contain sulfates, dyes and parabens, which means it is gentle on the hair without disturbing its structure. After several uses, the hair becomes significantly softer, easier to comb and does not look lifeless. Suitable even for colored hair. The composition also includes other active ingredients: shea butter and coconut oil.

Recommendations for use: Love Beauty and Planet shampoo should be used like any other scalp wash.

Sandalwood oil: Love Beauty and Planet “Shea Butter & Sandalwood” body lotion 400 ml

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Love Beauty and Planet has released several products containing sandalwood oil . In addition to shampoo, the buyer can purchase body lotion - “Shea Velvet Body Lotion, Shea Butter & Sandalwood” (400 ml). It also has a natural composition: sandalwood and shea butter. The difference between this product and others is that thanks to the components, the risk of allergies or rashes is reduced to almost zero.

You need to use the lotion as standard: spread it over the skin with massage movements. Suitable for daily use.

Sandalwood oil: Freeman Beauty mask “Polishing Gel Mask + Scrub, Charcoal + Black Sugar” 175 ml

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To soften and cleanse the skin, a mask with sandalwood oil from Freeman Beauty - “Feeling Beautiful, Polishing Gel Mask + Scrub, Charcoal + Black Sugar” (175 ml). It is suitable for any skin type, penetrates deep into the pores and cleanses them of impurities. Also, along with the mask, the stratum corneum is washed off the face, due to which inflammation can develop.

Directions for use: Remove makeup from skin and apply mask to face and neck. Wait 5-7 minutes. During this time, the mask will dry. Then lightly moisten your face with warm water and massage. Rinse off. Carry out the procedure twice a week.

Sandalwood oil: Starwest Botanicals “Sandalwood Red Powder” 454 g

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Another type of product containing sandalwood oil is powder. The top seller is Sandalwood Red Powder from Starwest Botanicals (454 g). What is it used for? Most often it is applied to damaged or problematic skin to speed up tissue regeneration and disinfect. There are many recipes with the addition of powder:

Anti-acne mixture. Mix 1 tsp. sandalwood powder, turmeric and water. Apply the mixture directly to pimples before bed and leave overnight. For convenience, use cotton swabs. You can also add tea tree oil to enhance the antiseptic effect.
Mask for pigmentation around the eyes. You will need sandalwood powder, rose powder (1 tsp each) and mint oil (1 drop). Mix and apply to the area around the eyes. After 10 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Important! The powder may be dangerous for pregnant and breastfeeding women. There is a risk of developing intrauterine defects or other pathologies of the reproductive system.

Sandalwood oil: in the pharmacy

natural sandalwood oil . Firstly, high-quality oil is very expensive, so regular pharmacies are hesitant to bring goods that could go bad. You can find scented candles or sticks much faster. Secondly, very often there is a low-quality product or a fake, which is expensive, but useless for the body. It is also important that sellers cannot guarantee compliance with all storage conditions, on which the properties of dietary supplements directly depend.

For residents of Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities, it is most convenient to order sandalwood oil via the Internet. Millions of people have made a purchase from a reliable organic online store and were satisfied. The link is given below.

Sandalwood oil: instructions

Sandalwood oil , like other esters and additives, has instructions for use. You should definitely read it to avoid side effects.

Important! Sandalwood oil is highly concentrated and can therefore cause allergies. Before use, you need to do a quick test to determine how your body reacts. To do this, apply 1 drop to the inside of the elbow or wrist and leave for 10-15 minutes. If after a period of time no allergic spot appears at the site of application, the oil can be used.

Sandalwood oil: how to use

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How to use sandalwood oil ? There are many methods, the choice of which depends on the goal:

aroma lamp and aroma medallion - for relaxation, combating depression and emotional stress;
mixture with shampoo - to restore and soften hair;
masks, lotions and mixture with cream - to renew aging skin;
inhalations – for the treatment of respiratory diseases;
orally (3 drops of oil and 1 tsp of honey) – to increase immunity (extremely carefully).

It is worth noting that sandalwood oil combines well with other essential oils: lavender, cedarwood, geranium, bergamot, jasmine, ylang-ylang oil.

Sandalwood oil for massage

Massage with sandalwood oil creates a multifaceted effect to improve skin condition, strengthen small blood vessels, and relax nerves. For the massage mixture, you will need to dissolve 5 drops of sandalwood oil in milk, honey or in the base massage mass.

Sandalwood oil massage is a more than pleasant procedure

RECIPE: Massage with aphrodisiac oil To activate sexual desire through massage, prepare a cocktail of several essential oils on any odorless base. For example, the following oils go well together:

sandalwood (3 drops) + mint, bergamot and neroli oils (2 drops each of mint and bergamot and 4 drops of neroli)
sandalwood (2 drops) + ylang-ylang (3 drops) + patchouli (1 drop)
sandalwood (1 drop) + bergamot (1 drop) + rose (2 drops) + jasmine (1 drop)

Sandalwood oil: price

Sandalwood oil prices are really high. This can be easily explained. Until recently, oil was obtained only from Indian white sandalwood, but over time the number of trees has decreased significantly. Currently, cutting down vegetation in India is prohibited until the population recovers. The result is an increase in oil prices. Now 1 kg of product costs more than $1,000.

buy natural sandalwood oil at an affordable price on the website below. Only tested products are sold here, an alternative to expensive drugs. The catalog contains dozens of supplements: coenzyme Q10, curcumin, prenatal vitamins and much more. Prices are 1.5-3 times lower than in other pharmacies, and the quality is confirmed by millions of customers.