Sandalwood Essential Oil : Health Benefits, Uses, Safety

Overview Of Sandalwood Oil

Looking to add some romance to your life? Sandalwood is the perfect choice with its creamy, warm aroma that’s used in modern perfumes. It also gives you a hair lift, calms your mind and rejuvenates your skin, the perfect package for self-love.

What Is Sandalwood Oil?

Natural sandalwood essential oil is packed with cleansing and soothing properties. It has become a prominent ingredient in perfumes, shampoos, sunscreens and a whole lot more. Its rich and creamy aroma can relax the mind and create a warm ambiance at home, making it a highly sought-after essential oil.

This powerful oil is a concentrated liquid extracted from the sandalwood tree grown in the forests of India. Sandalwood oil is traditionally made through distilling wood chips from Santalum Album.

However, it can also be extracted through mechanical methods such as cold-pressing. This helps the oil capture the “essence” of the plant’s scent as well as its moisturizing and soothing properties for which it is prized.

The oil is steam distilled from the wood of Australian sandalwood and Indian sandalwood.

Main ingredients in Sandalwood oil

The main constituents of the sandalwood essential oil obtained by steam distillation are α-santalol (alpha-santalol), β-santalol (beta- santalol) and santenone.

The medicinal properties of alpha-santalol has been studied and published in the year 2013. Its anti-inflammatory properties were established in the study. (1)

Name	Sandalwood Essential Oil
Botanical Name	Santalum album or Santalum spicatum
Native to	Southern India and Southeast Asia or Western and Southern Australia
Properties	Antispasmodic, astringent, hypotensive, tonic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antiphlogistic
Main ingredients	Alpha-santalol, β-santalol (beta- santalol) and santenone
Aroma	Sweet and woody
Blends well with	Ylang ylang, vetiver, rose, lavender, jasmine, frankincense, grapefruit, bergamot, geranium and myrrh essential oils
Category	Woody
Substitute	Jasmine, ylang ylang or ginger essential oil

Now, let’s look at the essential oil uses and benefits.

Sandalwood Essential Oil Benefits

Sandalwood oil is often used in skincare and hair care. It can also be used in personal fragrances and spiritual practices because of its aroma. Here’s a quick guide to the popular health and aromatherapy benefits of sandalwood essential oil.

Aromatherapy

Sandalwood oil is widely used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and induce a sense of calm.

Improves Mood

It is also known to have a calming and soothing effect on the mind, which can help improve mood and reduce stress levels.

Natural Deodorizer

It has a pleasant aroma that can help mask unpleasant odors in the home or office.

It Sets A Cosy Mood

Sandalwood is a prized ingredient for modern perfumes with its cosy, woodsy aroma that sets the perfect mood for date nights. It is perfect since this essential oil is an aphrodisiac. Many perfume manufacturers use sandalwood essential oil as an ingredient in making colognes and deodorants.

Skin Care

Sandalwood oil is used in many skin care products due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which can help soothe and heal the skin.

Relieves Muscle Tension

Sandalwood oil is known to have muscle relaxant properties, making it useful for relieving tension and soreness in the muscles.

Natural Insect Repellent

It has natural insect repellent properties and can be used to repel mosquitoes, flies, and other pests.

It Helps The Body Detoxify

By inducing a relaxing feeling and reducing the inflammation in the urinary and excretory systems, sandalwood oil helps flush out the toxins and acids from the body. Lesser toxins in the body allow the immune system to build up.

The Indian sandalwood oil, when clinically evaluated, proved to be effective against oxidative stress caused by environmental factors. This study was published in March '22. (4)

It Induces Sleep

The fragrance of sandalwood has a sedative effect and is hence used in bedrooms during bed time. It calms the senses which results in sound sleep.

Sandalwood Essential Oil Uses

Sandalwood pure oil is widely used in hair and skin care and aromatherapy products because of its versatile and time-tested potency. Depending on how and where you use it, sandalwood essential oil can be used to calm stress, boost skin and hair health and support focus for meditation practices.

5 Uses of Sandalwood Oil For Skin

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1. Anti-aging

Sandalwood oil has powerful antioxidant properties, which may help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. This can help to reduce the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

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2. It’s A Natural Sunscreen

Sandalwood oil may act as a natural sunscreen because of its hydrating properties. It locks in moisture, preventing your skin from drying up in summer heat. It can also reverse the effects of tanning for an even skin tone after long hours outdoors.

To keep skin protected, just dilute 2–3 drops of sandalwood essential oil for every tablespoon of carrier oil and apply it regularly before heading out.

3. Soothes Sensitive Skin

Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are useful in skincare, especially for sensitive and irritated skin. Sandalwood can be used on different skin types, including dry and oily skin. In traditional uses, it is also applied on skin made sensitive due to psoriasis.

4. Natural Aftershave

Shaving cuts can be discomforting. Just use some sandalwood oil to heal nasty razor bumps and fade scars for smooth skin.

5. Improves Skin Elasticity

Sandalwood is able to moisturize and hydrate complexions, repair damaged skin cells and give back its elasticity. Blend essential oils with carrier oils (coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil) and apply on the skin to retain elasticity.

5 Uses of Sandalwood Oil For Hair

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1. It Purifies Scalp

Worried about dandruff? Dandruff is a common condition where your scalp begins to feel itchy and white flakes begin to fall from your hair roots like snow. Not only does this feel uncomfortable, it can also damage your self-esteem!

Luckily it can be treated by the potent cleansing properties of sandalwood oil which rids you of flakiness.

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2. It Promotes Hair Growth

A key ingredient in a variety of shampoos, sandalwood oil might just be the key to a headful of healthy hair. Researchers have found that it can strengthen hair and recommend it as a treatment for balding and preventing hair breakage.

To find out more about how sandalwood can boost hair volume for voluminous locks, read on!

3. Promotes Healthy Hair

Hair health is not limited to hair growth. Sandalwood oil also prevents split ends, frizzy hair, and dull hair. Applying the oil with a blend of essential oils and carrier oils will boost scalp health.

4. Soothes Scalp Irritation

This natural anti-inflammatory is the perfect treatment for inflamed and itchy scalps. The oil can help calm down and reduce the severity of scalp conditions.

5. Shiny and Silky Hair

Sandalwood oil is applied along with coconut oil to give shine and luster to hair. It hydrates the scalp by locking in moisture.

How To Use Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood Oil In Aroma Diffuser

Sandalwood has a pleasant woody and earthy fragrance that grounds the senses, perfect for a little aromatherapy after hectic workdays. Research has shown that Sandalwood oil has a therapeutic effect on the mind, reducing the overall level of anxiety in patients.

Sandalwood has also been used in many cultures to bring peace to the mind: aboriginal tribes used sandalwood during walkabout initiation rituals to create a sense of calm before starting their journey.

Sandalwood is also used in many high-end perfumes such as COCO Eu De Parfum (by Coco Chanel). It has been described as a rich, creamy, and “milky” aroma that creates a warm ambiance, perfect for cosy date nights!

When blended with vanilla and patchouli oil it evokes comforting memories of sweeter times and freshly baked goods. Blend 2 drops of vanilla, patchouli and sandalwood oil each and diffuse them to create this comforting scent.

Sandalwood Oil For Hair Growth

Research from the University of Manchester has shown that sandalwood can stimulate hair growth. The researchers found that sandalwood strengthened hair follicles and prevented hair loss and cell death by soaking hair samples in sandalwood overnight.(5)

Sandalwood oil also contains astringent, and antibacterial properties, making it useful for combating dandruff and preventing flaking. It also gently soothes itchy scalps, helping you get rid of that icky “crawling” sensation that accompanies dandruff.

For luscious healthy hair, we recommend diluting 2–3 drops of sandalwood oil with a tablespoon of nourishing carrier oils like organic castor carrier oil and massaging the mixture into your scalp. You can also blend sandalwood oil into your favourite hair shampoo to see results.

Sandalwood oil has astringent properties that constrict the pores and prevents hair loss. Although this property is not as potent as in other oils, sandalwood oil when used regularly and at an early age does stop hair loss. In fact, in certain religious ceremonies, sandalwood paste is applied to a child scalp after he or she has had his or her hair shaved.

Sandalwood Oil For Meditation

In ancient Buddhist traditions, the earthy fragrance of sandalwood made it a powerful mental relaxant for increased awareness and deep focus. It was very useful for meditators that were struggling to find a clear headspace on the mat. Burning sandalwood was also believed to heal the body of negative spiritual energies and bring balance to the soul.

You can create the same effect by diffusing 5–10 drops of sandalwood oil around your room. It is also diffused in the temples as its aroma is believed to appease Hindu Gods.

Sandalwood oil also has many applications in spiritual healing such as aligning your chakra. This helps you leave behind many negative emotions such as anger, jealousy and self-doubt, making it a must-have for your self-care routine.

Benefits & Uses of Sandalwood Essential Oil

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Safety With Sandalwood Essential Oil

Essential oils are great for self-care routines. However, we should also take care and follow caution when using them to keep ourselves and loved ones safe from its side effects.

Generally essential oils are safe, but a few guidelines must be followed to avoid any side effects. Also, the oils are different, made up of different compounds. Some people may be allergic to certain compounds while others may be allergic to others.

Concentrated oil must be bought after careful deliberation. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

Read the label and instructions to make sure you’re using the oil correctly.
While buying essential oils be wary of the terms fragrance oil, perfume oil and natural identical oil.
The term pure essential oil can be widely seen on the bottles. These maybe made from substandard sources.
Ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients or compounds in the oil.
Make sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe application.
Do not add too much of the oil in the diffuser.
Avoid using essential oils of sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
Don’t apply it on broken skin either unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label.
Keep it out of reach of kids and fur kids.
Do not diffuse the oil near kids and pets. Consult a doctor before doing so.
Some oils may make you sensitive to sun damage, so be sure to load up on SPF.
Check the label to see if the oil is photo-toxic.
Always do a small patch test before topical application.
The common unwanted effects caused by essential oils up on topical application are rashes, redness and swelling.
If you show signs of irritation, stop use and consult a health professional.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much sandalwood essential oil for one ounce of beard oil?

While mixing essential oils with carrier oils make sure that the ratio of essential oils does not exceed 2-5% of the mixture.

How to make sandalwood essential oil?

Get sandalwood light barks or chips.
Crush it into a paste.
Take a jar and fill it with extra virgin olive oil up to 80%.
Keep it airtight for a fortnight.
Filter the mixture.
Use the sediment on the skin.
Store the oil, preferably in a glass jar.

How to use sandalwood essential oil?

Sandalwood essential oil can be used in aromatherapy or applied topically. While applying it topically, make sure to dilute it with carrier oils.

Is sandalwood essential oil good for skin?

Sandalwood paste has been used for centuries in treating skin problems. Sandalwood oil is also used in skincare. The oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which along with its skin clearing nature is useful in eliminating acne and pimples and restoring skin tone.

What is sandalwood essential oil aroma therapy good for?

Inhaling the aroma of sandalwood oil in aromatherapy has the following benefits:

It calms the mind and mitigates anxiety, stress and depression.
It lowers inflammation in the body.
It lowers pain.
It treats colds, coughs and respiratory problems.

What are the properties of sandalwood essential oil?

Sandalwood essential oil has the following therapeutic properties: Analgesic Antiseptic Anti-inflammatory Cicatrizant Emollient Hypotensive Diuretic Sedative Stimulant

What kind of scent is sandalwood essential oil?

The oil of sandalwood has a sweet woody scent.

What are the different kinds of sandalwood essential oil?

There are different types of sandalwood essential oils. They are listed here: • East Indian Sandalwood Essential Oil • West Indian Sandalwood Essential Oil • New Caledonian Sandalwood Essential Oil (Pacific sandalwood) • Australian Sandalwood Essential Oil • Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood Essential Oil • African Sandalwood Essential Oil (Muhuhu oil)

What essential oil goes with sandalwood?

Sandalwood oil goes well with geranium, frankincense, orange, rose, lavender, lemon, jasmine, Juniper berry, Roman chamomile and jasmine essential oils.

What is the difference between sandalwood essential oil and cedarwood essential oil?

Sandalwood oil is derived from the Santalum genus of trees whereas cedarwood oil is from the Pinaceae genus. The aroma of sandalwood oil is sweet and woody; the aroma of cedarwood oil is also sweet and woody, but some variants of cedarwood oil are not sweet but musky. The properties of both oils are almost similar, but these properties are used for different health reasons.

What essential oil smells like sandalwood?

The aroma of Amyris oil vaguely resembles that of sandalwood. Amyris is a flowering plant that belongs to the Rutaceae citrus family of plants.

What essential oil can replace sandalwood?

There are three essential oils that are a substitute for sandalwood essential oil; these are jasmine, ginger and ylang ylang essential oils.

Why is sandalwood essential oil so expensive?

Sandalwood essential oil is expensive because of two reasons. Sandalwood oil made from the Indian Santalum album tree is very popular and hence its demand is huge, all across the world. The Indian Santalum album tree should be thirty to forty years old for the quality of the oil to be optimal. This too adds to the cost.

Where can i buy sandalwood essential oil?

You can buy sandalwood essential oil at Gya Labs. While buying essential oils you should verify the authenticity of the product. At Gya labs you can check the English and Latin names of the product, verify the source of the product and learn about the essential oil most suited for your needs.

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Sandalwood Essential Oil: Health Benefits, Uses, Safety