Sandalwood oil is derived from the Santalum album tree, which is a small evergreen that grows in India and Australia. The oil has been used since ancient times in Ayurvedic medicine, and there are a wide range of benefits of sandalwood essential oil. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the many benefits of sandalwood essential oil and how you can use it to improve your health!
What Does Sandalwood Essential Oil Smell Like?
Sandalwood essential oil has a sweet, woody aroma that is often used in diffuser blends and therapeutic massage oils. It has been used for centuries in traditional cultures for its meditative and grounding properties.
The main chemical component of sandalwood oil is a super volatile chemical compound called α-santalol. This makes up around 55% of the oil and is what gives it that unmistakable woody smell and is responsible for many of the benefits of sandalwood essential oil. Sandalwood is often used as a base note in essential oil blends due to its grounding properties.
What Are The Different Varieties Of Sandalwood Essential Oil?
There are three different types of sandalwood essential oil: Santalum album, Santalum spicatum, and Santalum australianum. Each type has its own unique benefits and uses.
Santalum album is the most common type of sandalwood oil and is derived from the Santalum album tree or East Indian sandalwood tree. This oil has a sweet, woody scent and is yellow or amber in colour. It is commonly known as Indian sandalwood or East Indian sandalwood oil. This oil is also sometimes referred to as sacred sandalwood in reference to its use in religious ceremonies.
Santalum spicatum is derived from the Santalum spicatum tree and has a spicy, camphoraceous scent. This oil is usually darker in colour and has a more potent woodsy aroma. This oil is commonly known as Hawaiian sandalwood.
Santalum australianum is derived from the Santalum australianum tree and has a sweet, earthy aroma. This oil is pale yellow or greenish in colour. This oil is commonly known as Australian sandalwood.
Sandalwood oil is one of the most expensive essential oils available. The finest grade of sandalwood oil is extracted from aged Santalum album trees. In addition, the demand for sandalwood oil is high, so it is often sold at a premium price.
How is Sandalwood Essential Oil Made?
Sandalwood essential oil is typically made through steam distillation of the Santalum album tree. The heartwood of the tree is first cut into small pieces and then placed in a distillation chamber. Steam is passed through the chamber, which causes the oil to be released from the tree bark and wood. The oil vapour is then condensed and collected.
What are the benefits of Sandalwood Essential Oil?
Sandalwood is one of the most popular essential oils and has a number of therapeutic properties. Sandalwood has shown to be helpful for anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia. It’s also said to promote feelings of self-confidence and courage. Sandalwood aromatherapy can help to clear the mind and balance emotions.
Sandalwood essential oil benefits include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It can be used to improve the appearance of skin imperfections, relieve anxiety and stress, and boost mental clarity.
Sandalwood essential oil has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, sandalwood oil can help to reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions and has been shown to be effective in treating various respiratory conditions.
A number of clinical trials have also shown that sandalwood oil can help to reduce the symptoms of acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Additionally, sandalwood oil is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage.
The Top 12 Benefits of Sandalwood Essential Oil
Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, and it can cause redness, swelling, and pain. Sandalwood oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful in reducing the severity of conditions like arthritis and asthma.
Sandalwood oil works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are a type of protein that is involved in the body’s immune response. By inhibiting the production of these proteins, sandalwood oil can help to reduce inflammation.
Anti-Bacterial
Sandalwood oil has strong antibacterial properties that make it effective in fighting bacterial infections. This oil works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and preventing them from spreading. Additionally, sandalwood oil can help to kill existing bacteria.
A number of studies have been conducted to test the antibacterial benefits of sandalwood essential oil. One study found that sandalwood oil was effective in killing a variety of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Another study found that applying sandalwood oil to the skin was effective in treating acne.
Anti-Fungal
Sandalwood oil is effective in fighting fungal infections. This oil works by inhibiting the growth of fungi and preventing them from spreading. Additionally, sandalwood oil can help to kill existing fungi.
A number of studies have been conducted to test the antifungal benefits of sandalwood essential oil. One study found that sandalwood oil was effective in killing a variety of fungi, including Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Another study found that applying sandalwood oil to the skin was effective in treating athlete’s foot.
Calms the Nervous System
The nervous system is responsible for controlling all the activities of the body. It is made up of the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves. The nervous system is responsible for sending signals to all the organs and tissues in the body.
One of the most well-known benefits of sandalwood essential oil is its ability to calm the nervous system. This makes it an effective treatment for conditions like anxiety and insomnia.
Sandalwood oil works by inhibiting the production of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells. By inhibiting the production of these chemicals, sandalwood oil can help to calm the nervous system.
Improves Mental Clarity and Focus
One of the most effective benefits of sandalwood essential oil is its ability to improve mental clarity and focus.
Sandalwood oil works by inhibiting the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to stress.
High cortisol levels can cause a number of problems, including anxiety, depression, and fatigue. By inhibiting the production of this hormone, sandalwood oil can help to improve mental health, clarity and focus.
Effective Expectorant
One of the benefits of sandalwood oil is its ability to help clear out the lungs and make it easier to breathe.
Sandalwood oil helps treat coughs by thinning out mucus and making it less sticky. This makes it easier for the mucus to be expelled from the lungs. Additionally, sandalwood oil can help to kill bacteria and viruses that are present in the lungs.
Antispasmodic
Sandalwood oil can help to stop muscles from spasming. This oil works by inhibiting the production of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells. By inhibiting the production of these chemicals, sandalwood oil can help to stop muscles from spasming. This makes it an effective treatment for migraines and menstrual cramps where muscle spasms can contribute to the pain.
Reduces the Appearance of Skin Imperfections
Sandalwood oil can help to reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and blemishes. This oil works by stimulating the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that is responsible for giving the skin its structure. By stimulating the production of this protein, sandalwood oil can help to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections.
Fights Free Radicals
Sandalwood oil is a powerful antioxidant. This means that it helps to fight free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells and lead to a number of problems, including cancer and heart disease. By fighting free radicals, sandalwood oil can help to protect the body from these diseases.
Sandalwood oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicines, such as ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, there have been a number of clinical trials investigating the health benefits of sandalwood oil.
The results of these studies have shown ancient knowledge of the benefits of sandalwood essential oil for health to be accurate.
Skin Care
Sandalwood oil is a great addition to any skincare routine. This versatile essential oil has a wide range of benefits, including reducing the appearance of scars, wrinkles, skin tone, and blemishes. Additionally, sandalwood oil can help to fight free radicals and protect the skin from damage. There are many benefits of sandalwood essential oil for skin and it is often used as an ingredient in beauty products for this reason.
Sandalwood oil can be used to soothe dry skin, redness, skin irritation, and inflammation. In addition, sandalwood essential oil has antimicrobial properties that make it an effective natural acne treatment.
Several studies have confirmed the benefits of sandalwood essential oil when used as a treatment for a number of skin complaints such as boils, sunburn, pruritus, eczema, and bacterial infections.
Sandalwood essential oil is also a great insect repellent and is often found in mosquito repelling creams and candles. It also doubles as a great treatment for insect bites.
When used in a facial steam or added to a face mask, sandalwood oil can help to clear out the pores and promote healthy skin.
To use sandalwood oil for topical use, add a couple of drops to your favourite moisturiser or face cream. You can also add a few drops of the oil to a large bowl of warm water and use it as a facial steam.
Hair Care
Sandalwood oil can be used to improve the health of the scalp and hair. This essential oil can help to soothe dryness, itchiness, and inflammation. When used in a hair mask or added to shampoo, sandalwood can help to improve the health of your scalp and make your hair look shinier and smoother
To use sandalwood oil for hair care, add a few drops to your favourite shampoo or conditioner. You can also add a few drops of sandalwood oil to a large bowl of warm water and use it as a hair rinse.
Sleep Aid
Sandalwood oil can also be used as a sleep aid. This oil has a calming effect that can help to ease anxiety and stress. Additionally, sandalwood oil can help to improve the quality of your sleep and has mild sedative effects.
To use sandalwood oil as a sleep aid, add a few drops to your pillow or diffuser. You can also add a few drops of sandalwood oil to a large bowl of warm water and use it as a foot bath.
What To Mix With Sandalwood Essential Oil?
Sandalwood essential oil is a versatile oil that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be mixed with other essential oils to create a custom blend that meets your individual needs. Some of the most popular blends include:
Relaxing Blend: 2 drops sandalwood oil, 2 drops lavender oil, 1 drop chamomile oil
Immune Boosting Blend: three drops of sandalwood oil, two drops of eucalyptus oil, and one drop of rosemary oil
Acne Fighting Blend: three drops of sandalwood oil, two drops of tea tree oil, and one drop of lavender oil
Check out our other posts for more essential oil recipes for focus and relaxation.
What Is A Good Substitute For Sandalwood Essential Oil?
There are a few good substitutes for sandalwood essential oil.
Firstly, you could try using cedar wood oil instead. This oil has a similar woody and sweet aroma to sandalwood, making it a good option for those looking for a comparable scent.
Another possibility is rosewood oil, which has a slightly floral fragrance with woody undertones.
Finally, spruce needle oil also shares some of the same qualities as sandalwood and makes for a worthwhile replacement in many cases.
What Does Sandalwood Essential Oil Blend Well With?
Essential oil of sandalwood is a base note and blends well with other base notes like vetiver, cedarwood, and frankincense. It also blends well with middle notes like geranium, lavender, and rosemary. And finally, it also blends well with top notes like lemon, orange, and bergamot.
Sandalwood has a warm, woodsy scent that’s perfect for diffusing during the winter months. It’s also great for use in aromatherapy massage oils or lotions. Try blending sandalwood with other earthy oils like cedarwood or vetiver to create a relaxing, stress-relieving blend.
What Is Sandalwood Essential Oil Good For In A Diffuser?
Sandalwood essential oil is a soothing, calming oil that is often used in aromatherapy and is great after a long day. It has a sweet, woodsy scent that can be beneficial for boosting your mood and creating a sense of relaxation. Additionally, sandalwood oil has a variety of other uses, including:
- Helping to clear nasal congestion
- Reducing inflammation
- Easing pain
- Fighting bacteria and fungi
- Preventing nausea
- Improving sleep quality
If you are looking for an essential oil to help you relax and de-stress, sandalwood is a great option! Add a few drops to your diffuser and enjoy the benefits.
Why Is Sandalwood Essential Oil So Expensive?
The high price of sandalwood essential oil is due to the fact that it is a scarce resource that is in high demand. Sandalwood trees are slow growing and take a long time to mature, so production of these valuable trees is limited. In addition, the essential oil has a wide range of uses, from aromatherapy to cosmetics, which adds to its value.
Is Sandalwood Essential Oil Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, sandalwood essential oil is safe to use during pregnancy. In fact, it’s a great oil to use for pregnant women because it helps to calm the mind and create a sense of ease. It’s also helpful for improving sleep quality and relieving insomnia.
Sandalwood essential oil is a gentle oil that can be safely used on pregnant women and children. It’s known for its ability to soothe the nervous system and promote relaxation. Additionally, sandalwood essential oil is helpful for relieving pain and tension in the lower back and legs.
Is Sandalwood Essential Oil Safe For Pets?
Yes, sandalwood essential oil is safe for pets! In fact, it can be quite beneficial for them.
Use of sandalwood oil can help to soothe and relax your pet, which can be great for animals who suffer from anxiety or stress. It can also help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the skin, which is perfect for pets who have dry or irritated skin.
Of course, as with any essential oil, it’s important to use it sparingly and only when necessary.
When using sandalwood oil on your pet, be sure to mix the oil with a carrier oil and do a patch test first to ensure that they don’t have any negative reactions. You should also avoid getting the oil in their eyes, nose, or mouth, and minimise the risk of your pet licking the area.
Is Sandalwood Essential Oil Good For Hair Growth?
There is some evidence to suggest that one of the benefits of sandalwood essential oil includes promoting hair growth. One study found that when applied topically, sandalwood oil was able to increase the length of hair follicles and the density of hair growth. Additionally, sandalwood essential oil has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant, which can help protect the scalp from damage and improve hair health.
Is Sandalwood Oil Good For Oily Skin?
Yes, sandalwood oil is often used as a natural remedy for oily skin. It is thought to help regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation. You can find sandalwood oil in many natural skincare products designed for oily skin types.
Is Sandalwood Oil Good For Sleep?
Yes, sandalwood oil has a long history of use for promoting relaxation and sleep.
A component of sandalwood oil called santalol is thought to be responsible for its soothing effects. Inhaling sandalwood oil may help to calm the mind and promote relaxation, which can help improve sleep quality.
Additionally, applying diluted sandalwood oil to the skin may help to soothe muscles and joints, providing additional relief from tension and discomfort that can interfere with sleep.
Does Sandalwood Essential Oil Lower Blood Pressure?
There is some evidence that sandalwood essential oil may help lower blood pressure. One study showed that inhaling sandalwood essential oil for five minutes lowered blood pressure in both the systolic and diastolic readings. Another study showed a decrease in heart rate with inhalation of sandalwood essential oil. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Sandalwood essential oil has a calming effect on the mind and body, which may also contribute to its ability to lower blood pressure. It’s important to note that not all oils are created equal–make sure you purchase an authentic and high-quality sandalwood oil if you’re looking to try this remedy.
How To Use Sandalwood Essential Oil For Acne?
There are many ways to use sandalwood essential oil for acne. You can add a few drops to your regular moisturiser or face cream, or you can make a special acne treatment by mixing a few drops of sandalwood essential oil with a carrier oil. Apply this mixture to your face after cleansing and before applying any other products. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes before rinsing off. You can also add a few drops of sandalwood essential oil to your bathwater for a relaxing and soothing experience.