You can burn it as incense, use it as oil, and some people even cook with it — that’s just how versatile sandalwood is. I love the smell of it around the house, but never really understood why it made me feel so good.
Until now.
Sandalwood oil is commonly known for its woodsy, sweet smell and is frequently used as a base for products such as incense, perfumes, cosmetics, and aftershave. It is easily blended with other oils, making it desirable as a mix into other fragrances.
Traditionally, sandalwood oil has been a part of religious traditions in India and other Eastern countries. The sandalwood tree itself is considered holy and used for various religious ceremonies, including decorating for weddings or for the birth of a baby.
The highest quality sandalwood is the Indian variety, known as Santalum album. Here are some great historical uses for sandalwood that still work today.
1. It Boosts Your Memory
Since one of sandalwood’s benefits is clarity, it also can work as a memory booster. It is difficult to remember important things when we are overwhelmed and stressed out, therefore using sandalwood oil to promote mental clarity can help improve memory.
2. It’s a powerful natural Aphrodisiac
Sandalwood is also an aphrodisiac that can help increase libido, especially for men and provide energy. Sandalwood is great when added to a massage oil or topical lotion.
3. It’s a great antiseptic
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 to 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.
4. It fights Inflammation
Sandalwood is also an anti-inflammatory agent that may provide relief from mild inflammation such as insect bites, contact irritations, or other skin conditions. A 2014 study found that the active ingredient in sandalwood called santalol did help decrease inflammation markers in the body called cytokines. It is believed that santalol acts in a similar manner as NSAID medications, but without the potential negative side effects.
5. It fights High 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.
6. It’s a great 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.
7. It can help Heal Wounds
The essential oil of sandalwood soothes the skin and helps scars and spots to heal much faster. It is a very old practice to use paste of sandalwood as a skin pack. The same effect can be obtained from using this essential oil. This oil is now extensively used in skin care soaps, lotions and creams.
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