Sandalwood oil, Latin name Santalum Album, has been used in India for the production of furniture and building materials, the manufacture of fragrance and incense and essential oil for centuries. The oil is used in aromatherapy for its properties in promoting healing, feelings of well-being and relaxation. However although sandalwood promotes healing, it should never be used as a substitute for medical care, but as a complement to it.
Two Varieties of Sandalwood Oil
There are two varieties of sandalwood oil currently available, Santalum album, which is produced in Mysore, India and Australian sandalwood,Santalum spicatum, which comes from Australia. The Satalum album tree has been overused to the point of extinction and is now protected and managed by the Indian government. Essential oil from the Indian Santalum album tree is still available, but is very expensive and oil from the Australian sandalwood is now more generally used. The properties of the two oils are more or less the same, but the Indian sandalwood is held to be the more superior of the two.
Properties of Sandalwood Oil
According to Natural Health Crafters “Modern research has confirmed that the oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, astringent, expectorant, bactericidal, insecticidal, antiseptic (especially of the urinary and respiratory systems), fever-reducing and sedative properties.”
The best way to use sandalwood oil is in a synergistic blend with other oils. Blending the oils in synergy with others enhances their properties. Says the International Federation of Aromatherapists: “The synergistic effect of two or more oils working together can be more effective than a single oil.”
Oils which blend well with sandalwood include: rose, lavender, black pepper, bergamot, rosewood, geranium, vetiver, frankincense and myrrh.
Sandalwood Oil for the Body
Sandalwood is especially good for coughs, colds and sore throats. It is also known as the ‘singer’s oil’ as it is particularly helpful for laryngitis. Four drops of sandalwood in 20ml sweet almond oil rubbed on the throat helps to rejuvenate the voice. For a dry, persistent cough, add four drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale for ten minutes. This helps breathing and to clear the lungs.
Sandalwood Oil for the Skin
Sandalwood is also very beneficial for skin, particularly dry and mature skin. For a gentle facial, blend two drops sandalwood, four drops each of neroli and frankincense with 20ml of sweet almond oil. This not only helps dry skin, but cracked and chapped skin as well.
Sandalwood Oil for Mind and Spirit
According to Natural Touch Aromatherapy, “Sandalwood has a euphoric yet grounding psychological effect, promoting a sense of well being and spiritual satisfaction... It is said to create an energy flow between our unconscious and conscious mind, reducing the tendency to over think and rationalise, allowing us to experience a sense of peaceful contentment.”
To ease mental stress, take a warm bath to which two drops of sandalwood, and four drops of frankincense have been added, lie back and relax. The sandalwood helps to fortify inner resolve and to rise above, and cope with, emotional challenges.
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