Essential oils have been used for many years as a natural alternative to traditional pharmaceutical treatments. Sandalwood is native to Indonesia, Australia and India and is commonly used in spiritual practices and traditional Eastern medicine. Sandalwood oil is known for it numerous physical, mental and spiritual healing properties and can be used in a variety of ways as a health supplement, meditation aid and skin care application.
Mental Health Aid
Sandalwood essential oil can be used to alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Sandalwood oils are frequently utilized in a blended oil application to be used in massage therapy to help those suffering from depressive symptoms. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that sandalwood oil may also be used in aromatherapy because of its calming properties, and this may also help people suffering from symptoms of anxiety.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Some studies suggest that sandalwood essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it ideal for use as a topical application when mixed with a carrier oil to soothe insect bites, poison ivy, and other minor skin irritations. The website Organic Facts claims that sandalwood oil can also be used as an emollient, which can possibly cure infections and keep the skin fresh and cool when used as a topical application mixed with a base oil.
Fragrance
Sandalwood has been used to centuries as a fragrance, whether in oil or incense form. According to Drugs.com, the oil extracted from sandalwood has typically been used to provide fragrance to cosmetics, perfumes and soaps.The sanatols, which are chemical components in the heart of the sandalwood plant, are responsible for its pleasing, calming aroma. When used in a diffuser or oil burner, sandalwood essential oil can help to invoke a meditative state during meditation or yoga practices.
Disinfectant Properties
Sandalwood is known in traditional medicine practices to have disinfectant properties. According to Organic Facts, the fragrance of sandalwood essential oil has been used to keep away microbes and insects during certain spiritual practices. Furthermore, sandalwood oil is used in Eastern medicinal practices to treat internal infections and ailments such as stomach ache and headaches.
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