fast FACTS
ORIGIN
Asia
EXTRACTION
Distillation
MAY HELP WITH
Aches and pains
Anxiety and nervousness
Breathing
Skin conditions
Urinary health
fast FACTS
ORIGIN
Asia
EXTRACTION
Distillation
MAY HELP WITH
Aches and pains
Anxiety and nervousness
Breathing
Skin conditions
Urinary health
Sandalwood has a long history of use in both Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions. While its oil can help treat a variety of complaints, its biggest benefits are skin related. It has anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects that protect and balance skin while also treating dry, itchy, or irritated areas.
Although the leafy green sandalwood tree is native to India, Australia has become the source for sustainable, plantation-grown sandalwood. Sandalwood oil is distilled from the heartwood of trees that are at least 25 to 30 years old.
Sandalwood’s stabilizing effects may help relieve sleeplessness.
Sandalwood’s smooth, sweet, and woody aroma graces its yellow or pale-gold essential oil.
Sandalwood’s exotic aroma and beneficial oil help you:
• Relieve aches and pains. A sandalwood compress can help reduce inflammation in aching joints and sore muscles.
• Feel calm. Sandalwood’s stabilizing effects may dispel anxiety and lift depression while also helping with sleeplessness.
Check the Source
Sandalwood oil is so popular that the trees have become endangered. When buying your oils, always check that they are sustainably sourced. There are several species: Indian type (S. album), which is the most common and most at risk; Hawaiian (S. paniculatum), a rare oil being produced in small amounts on the Big Island; and Australian (S. spicatum), a protected and sustainable oil.
• Protect your skin. The powerful skin conditioning of sandalwood soothes irritation and reduces the appearance of scars and blemishes. The oil is excellent for all skin types.
• Breathe easy. Cooling sandalwood has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and decongestant properties that help treat respiratory infections.
Take advantage of sandalwood oil’s anti-inflammatory and restorative effects by adding it to:
• Massage oils and compresses. Use sandalwood on a cool compress or in massage oil to help relieve pain or urinary discomfort and to soothe irritated skin.
• Diffusers or inhalers. Breathing in sandalwood oil at home or on the go may reduce anxiety and depression and even help you sleep more soundly.
• Balms and salves. Sandalwood can be used in calming salves and as an aftershave balm.
• Soaps and lotions. Add a drop of sandalwood to your unscented face wash or moisturizer to balance any skin condition.
Add sandalwood to a cool compress to soothe irritated skin.
Purifying Oil
Sandalwood oil may have a purifying effect on the urinary tract, acting as a diuretic and helping to flush out infection. Add it to a warm compress or massage oil and apply it to your lower abdomen.
Some blending combinations for sandalwood oil include: bergamot, cardamom, clove, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, lemon, neroli, orange, petitgrain, pine, rose, and ylang-ylang.
Sandalwood is an oil with no known safety issues. Use it responsibly as you would any essential oil. Complete a patch test if you are concerned about sensitivity.