Sandalwood Essential Oil Has More to Offer than Mere Fragrance
The most popular attribute of sandalwood essential oil is its amazing fragrance that has been used for incense as offerings to Hindu Gods; and generally as an air freshener. However, did you know that the sandalwood essential oil has been used primarily as medicine and only secondary for smell by the ancient Indian civilization?
The Healing Powers of Sandalwood Essential Oil
The oil is obtained from sandalwood tree which is mainly grown in India. In order to be able to extract the oil, the sandalwood tree needs to be at least thirty years old. The extraction of oil is made by steaming its roots or heartwood or by water distillation. This oil is used extensively by the cosmetic and food industries where it goes into making of perfumes, deodorants, soaps, health supplements, shower gels, shampoos, etc
Besides the cosmetic applications, this oil is also used in wide variety of herbal remedies as per ayurvedic, Unani and Chinese formulations. The most common use is against acne and pus filled pimples. It is also extremely effective as a remedy for dry and cracked skin. When used as an aftershave, the sandalwood essential oil prevents rashes and freshens up the skin.
This oil has also been used successfully against cold and flu, sore throat, bronchitis, and laryngitis as it acts as a very effective expectorant. For this purpose you have to take a little sandalwood oil, rub it on your palms and rub it over the chest area. Side by side you would need to inhale it with the help of steaming hot water.
The sandalwood essential oil is extremely efficient as a calming agent hence, it is extensively recommended for people who suffer from insomnia, anxiety attacks and chronic depression. For this purpose you would need to use an air diffuser which could disseminate the magnetic smell in the air so you could inhale it.
The effect of this fragrance on people is amazing; people tend to calm down and be happy at he same time, indicating that sandalwood essence also has an uplifting effect on people. Many people use this fragrance just before sleeping as it relaxes both mind and body promoting a deep and restful sleep. People who constantly feel stressed out and anxious mostly due to leading a fast and acutely stressful life are known to be highly benefited by aromatherapy with sandalwood essence.
This is also recommended for those who suffer from diarrhea, stomach upsets (vomiting with cramps and fever), gonorrhea and cystitis. And of course, a little known property of sandalwood essential oil is that of an excellent aphrodisiac.
