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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.

Table Of Contents

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.

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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.

Health Benefits of Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood essential oil offers a wide range of health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and calming properties. Here are some of the key health benefits:

Stress Relief and Anxiety Reduction

Sandalwood essential oil is renowned for its calming and grounding aroma, which is widely used in aromatherapy to alleviate stress and anxiety.

How it works: When inhaled, sandalwood’s warm scent can promote relaxation and reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.

How to use: Add a few drops to a diffuser or inhale directly for an immediate sense of calm.

Improved Sleep Quality

The soothing aroma of sandalwood oil helps create a relaxing environment conducive to sleep, making it beneficial for individuals struggling with insomnia or restless sleep.

How to use: Diffuse sandalwood oil in the bedroom before bed or apply a few drops to your pillow for a restful night’s sleep.

Respiratory Health

Sandalwood essential oil has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that can help relieve respiratory conditions like coughs, colds, and bronchitis.

How it works: When inhaled, it helps clear airways and reduce inflammation, making breathing easier.

How to use: Add sandalwood oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam, or diffuse it to create a respiratory-friendly environment.

Enhanced Immune System

Sandalwood oil contains antibacterial and antiviral compounds that may support the immune system in fighting infections.

How to use: Dilute sandalwood oil with a carrier oil and apply to the chest or pulse points for immune support.

Digestive Health Support

Sandalwood oil can help reduce digestive discomfort, including cramps and bloating, due to its antispasmodic and calming properties.

How to use: Dilute a few drops of sandalwood oil with a carrier oil and gently massage onto the abdomen.

Sandalwood Essential Oil Benefits for Skin

Sandalwood essential oil is a popular choice for skincare due to its hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. Here are its main benefits for the skin:

Natural Moisturizer

Sandalwood oil is a powerful emollient that helps retain moisture in the skin, making it an excellent choice for dry and dehydrated skin.

How it works: Sandalwood oil forms a barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and preventing dryness.

How to use: Add a few drops to your daily moisturizer or dilute it with a carrier oil and apply directly to dry areas.

Acne and Blemish Reduction

With antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, sandalwood oil is effective in reducing acne, blemishes, and skin redness.

How it works: The oil targets acne-causing bacteria while soothing inflamed skin, reducing the appearance of blemishes and acne scars.

How to use: Apply a diluted solution to acne-prone areas or add it to a gentle face mask.

Anti-Aging Benefits

Sandalwood oil helps fight signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, due to its high content of antioxidants.

How it works: Antioxidants in sandalwood oil combat free radicals that cause skin aging, promoting a youthful glow.

How to use: Mix a few drops into your anti-aging serum or apply it directly to areas where fine lines appear.

Skin Brightening

Known for its brightening properties, sandalwood oil can even out skin tone, reduce pigmentation, and give the skin a natural radiance.

How it works: Regular application helps fade dark spots and promotes an even complexion.

How to use: Use a diluted mixture as a spot treatment or in your nighttime skincare routine.

Eczema and Psoriasis Relief

Sandalwood oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial for soothing eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

How it works: It calms irritated skin, reduces redness, and relieves itchiness.

How to use: Dilute with a carrier oil and gently massage onto the affected areas for soothing relief.

Benefits of Sandalwood Essential Oil for Hair

Sandalwood essential oil also provides numerous benefits for hair care, from promoting scalp health to adding shine and volume. Here are some of the ways it supports hair health:

Scalp Health and Dandruff Reduction

Sandalwood oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it effective in maintaining a healthy scalp and reducing dandruff.

How it works: It combats fungal infections on the scalp and helps control excess oil production, which can contribute to dandruff.

How to use: Add a few drops to your shampoo or mix with a carrier oil and massage into the scalp.

Hair Growth Stimulation

Sandalwood oil improves circulation when massaged into the scalp, which may stimulate hair follicles and encourage hair growth.

How it works: By promoting blood flow to the scalp, sandalwood oil nourishes the hair roots and helps create a healthy environment for hair growth.

How to use: Combine with a carrier oil and massage into the scalp before washing your hair.

Strength and Shine Enhancement

Sandalwood oil can improve hair texture, making it stronger, softer, and more lustrous.

How it works: Its emollient properties coat the hair shaft, providing shine and preventing moisture loss.

How to use: Add a few drops to your conditioner or use as a leave-in treatment by diluting it with a light carrier oil.

Frizz Control and Smoothness

Sandalwood oil can help tame frizzy hair and make it more manageable due to its smoothing and hydrating effects.

How it works: It hydrates the hair and smooths the cuticles, reducing frizz and enhancing smoothness.

How to use: Apply a few drops to damp hair after washing or mix with a leave-in conditioner for added hydration.

Relaxing Scent and Aromatherapy Benefits for Hair Care

The calming aroma of sandalwood oil can relieve stress and anxiety, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing hair care routine.

How it works: Inhaling sandalwood’s aroma while applying it to the scalp promotes relaxation and enhances the hair care experience.

How to use: Add a few drops to your shampoo, conditioner, or a scalp massage oil for a calming aromatherapy effect.

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.

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Varieties of Sandalwood

Sandalwood is cherished worldwide for its aromatic and therapeutic properties, but not all sandalwood is created equal. Different varieties of sandalwood exist, each with unique characteristics, benefits, and origins. The most popular and valuable types of sandalwood include Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album), Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum), Hawaiian Sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum), and Pacific Sandalwood (Santalum austrocaledonicum). Let’s explore the qualities of each variety.

Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Often regarded as the finest and most valuable sandalwood, Indian Sandalwood is native to southern India. Known as East Indian Sandalwood, it has been used for centuries in religious, cultural, and therapeutic practices due to its deep, woody, and sweet aroma. The Indian variety is highly sought after for its potency in skincare, incense, and meditation, and it is considered one of the most expensive sandalwood varieties due to its rich aromatic profile and scarcity.

  • Aromatic Profile: Deep, rich, and warm with a sweet, creamy finish.
  • Uses: Popular in high-quality perfumes, religious rituals, incense, skincare, and meditation for its grounding properties.
  • Benefits: Known for calming the mind, reducing stress, and enhancing skin health, making it ideal for both mental wellness and cosmetic uses.

Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)

Australian Sandalwood has gained popularity as a sustainable alternative to Indian Sandalwood. It grows primarily in the arid regions of Western Australia and has a lighter, slightly more herbal aroma. While it shares many therapeutic qualities with Indian Sandalwood, it is generally milder and more accessible. This variety is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it suitable for skincare applications.

  • Aromatic Profile: Woody, earthy, and slightly astringent with a softer aroma compared to Indian Sandalwood.
  • Uses: Often used in aromatherapy, natural perfumes, and skincare products for its soothing properties.
  • Benefits: Supports skin health and has mild anti-inflammatory properties, making it a suitable choice for individuals with sensitive skin.

Hawaiian Sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum)

Native to Hawaii, Hawaiian Sandalwood is often used for relaxation, meditation, and skin care. It has a complex aroma that is both floral and woody, differing slightly from Indian and Australian varieties. Although Hawaiian Sandalwood is not as widely known, it is gaining recognition for its unique scent and soothing effects.

  • Aromatic Profile: Floral, woody, and slightly fruity, offering a complex, balanced aroma.
  • Uses: Used in aromatherapy, skin care, and spiritual practices for its calming effects.
  • Benefits: Known to aid in relaxation, relieve stress, and improve skin clarity, making it an effective option for emotional wellness and cosmetic applications.

Pacific Sandalwood (Santalum austrocaledonicum)

Also known as New Caledonian Sandalwood, Pacific Sandalwood is found in the South Pacific Islands, including Vanuatu and New Caledonia. This variety has a sweet, soft aroma, similar to Indian Sandalwood, but with subtler nuances. It is used for similar purposes, from fragrance to skincare, and is considered one of the valuable trees in the Pacific.

  • Aromatic Profile: Sweet, creamy, and soft, somewhat similar to Indian Sandalwood but less intense.
  • Uses: Often used in perfumery, aromatherapy, and meditation due to its calming aroma.
  • Benefits: Helps reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve skin health. It is a more sustainable alternative to Indian Sandalwood with comparable health benefits.

Choosing the Right Sandalwood for Your Needs

Each variety of sandalwood has its own unique characteristics and can be selected based on personal preferences and needs:

  • Indian Sandalwood is ideal for those seeking a luxurious, rich aroma and profound relaxation or skin benefits.
  • Australian Sandalwood offers a sustainable, milder option for calming and skincare, particularly for sensitive skin.
  • Hawaiian Sandalwood is suited for meditation and emotional balance, offering a distinct floral undertone.
  • Pacific Sandalwood is a good option for those who appreciate a sweet, creamy aroma with both skin and emotional benefits.

The aromatic description and essential oil benefits and uses of each type make sandalwood a versatile choice in aromatherapy, skincare, and wellness routines. While Indian Sandalwood is still considered one of the most expensive and valuable options, the other varieties offer equally enriching experiences with their own unique health benefits.

DIY Recipes Using Sandalwood Oil

Calming Sandalwood Facial Serum

Ingredients:

  • 3 drops East Indian Sandalwood Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Almond Oil (carrier oil)
  • 2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil (for added anti-aging benefits)

Instructions:

  • In a small glass bottle, combine the almond oil, sandalwood oil, and frankincense oil.
  • Close the bottle and shake well to blend the oils.

How to Use:

  • After cleansing your face, apply 3-4 drops of the serum onto your fingertips.
  • Massage gently onto your face and neck, focusing on areas with fine lines or skin imperfections.

Benefits:

  • Sandalwood is known for its anti-inflammatory and cosmetic benefits and is particularly effective on skin imperfections and acne scars. This serum moisturizes and soothes the skin, helping to reduce signs of aging.
  • The aromatic properties of sandalwood create a calming, relaxing experience, making this serum a great addition to your nighttime skincare routine.

Relaxing Sandalwood Bath Soak

Ingredients:

  • 5 drops East Indian Sandalwood Oil
  • 1 cup Epsom Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Almond Oil

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix the Epsom salt with almond oil and sandalwood oil.
  • Pour the blend into a warm bath and stir to dissolve the salt.

How to Use:
Soak in the bath for 20-30 minutes, allowing the aroma to envelop you while the oils nourish your skin.

Benefits:

  • Sandalwood is used in skincare for its moisturizing properties, helping to keep the skin smooth and soft. Its aromatic description is grounding and soothing, providing relaxation after a stressful day.
  • This bath soak is perfect for easing muscle tension and promoting a sense of calm, making it one of the multiple uses of sandalwood oil for health conditions like stress and anxiety.

Sandalwood and Almond Oil Body Moisturizer

Ingredients:

  • 5 drops of Sandalwood Oil
  • 3 tablespoons Almond Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Shea Butter

Instructions:

  • Melt the shea butter over low heat until liquid.
  • Remove from heat and add the almond oil and sandalwood oil. Stir well.
  • Pour the mixture into a container and allow it to cool until it solidifies.

How to Use:
Apply a small amount of moisturizer to your skin, especially dry areas, after a shower.

Benefits:

  • Sandalwood oil is used for skin imperfections due to its ability to soothe inflammation and even out skin tone. Almond oil and shea butter add extra hydration, making this moisturizer ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
  • This DIY blend offers cosmetic and aromatic benefits, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and subtly fragranced with sandalwood.

Sandalwood Aromatherapy Roll-On for Calm and Focus

Ingredients:

  • 6 drops Sandalwood Oil
  • 4 drops Lavender Essential Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Jojoba Oil (or other carrier oil)

Instructions:

  • Add the essential oils to a 10ml roller bottle.
  • Fill the rest of the bottle with jojoba oil, then secure the roller top and shake well.

How to Use:
Roll onto pulse points like wrists, temples, and behind the ears whenever you need a moment of calm.

Benefits:

  • This roll-on combines aromatic benefits of sandalwood and lavender, making it ideal for moments of stress or needing to refocus.
  • Sandalwood’s grounding scent is often used in religious and meditative practices, so using this roll-on can help bring a sense of inner peace.

Sandalwood Scalp Treatment for Stronger Hair

Ingredients:

  • 4 drops Sandalwood Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil or Almond Oil

Instructions:

  • Mix the oils together in a small bowl.
  • Part your hair and apply the oil mixture to your scalp, massaging it gently for a few minutes.

How to Use:
Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes (or overnight), then shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

Benefits:

  • Sandalwood oil helps soothe dry, itchy scalp conditions and promotes stronger, healthier hair.
  • The health benefits of sandalwood oil include scalp nourishment and potential hair growth support, making it ideal for regular hair care.

Sandalwood and Turmeric Face Mask for Brightening

Ingredients:

  • 3 drops Sandalwood Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Yogurt

Instructions:

  • Mix the sandalwood oil, turmeric, and yogurt into a paste.
  • Apply to the face, avoiding the eye area, and leave on for 10-15 minutes.

How to Use:
Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Use this mask once a week for best results.

Benefits:

  • Sandalwood and turmeric are used in skincare to brighten the complexion and reduce skin imperfections. This mask helps even skin tone and adds a natural glow.
  • Essential oil benefits and uses include reducing redness and calming inflammation, making this mask ideal for dull or uneven skin.

Sandalwood Room Spray for Aromatic Calm

Ingredients:

  • 10 drops Sandalwood Oil
  • 1 cup Distilled Water
  • 1 tablespoon Witch Hazel

Instructions:
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.

How to Use:
Spritz around the room or onto linens to enjoy the aromatic ambiance.

Benefits:

  • Sandalwood is one of the most expensive and valuable trees due to its long-lasting, rich fragrance. This room spray creates a calm, inviting atmosphere and can be used in meditative or religious practices, offering both aromatic and mood-enhancing benefits.

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.

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

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