Are you wanting to learn more about sandalwood essential oil? Are you looking for some great sandalwood essential oil uses and benefits? Sandalwood is such a luxurious oil with so many benefits!
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Why You Should Use Sandalwood Essential Oil!
Sandalwood is an oil that I personally utilize a lot! It has a wonderful effect on not only the body but the emotions as well, making it an oil that everyone can love.
Scientific Name
First let’s look at the scientific name of the sandalwood that I use.
It is Santalum album.
This might not seem important, but trust me, it is! Some essential oils have lots of different species. Some of these species can be harmful. So it is important when purchasing an essential oil to make sure that you read the full scientific name so that you know what you are getting.
For example, eucalyptus essential oil is an oil that I use on my kids for respiratory concerns and immune support. But, some varieties of eucalyptus essential oil can actually stop a small child’s breathing! We’ll discuss this more in a future post.
What is sandalwood and where does it come from?
Santalum album, also known as Indian Sandalwood, is a small tropical tree native to India and Indonesia.
The essential oil is steam distilled from the wood of the sandalwood tree.
What does sandalwood smell like?
Sandalwood has a sweet, woodsy scent that is very exotic.
Essential Oil History
Sandalwood has a very rich history that dates back to the times of Frankincense and Myrrh.
Indian cultures have used sandalwood for perfume, religious ceremonies, and medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
Royal courts in ancient times were said to utilize sandalwood for it’s amazing skin care properties. And in the dark ages husbands were said to have required their wives to use it for it’s clarifying and calming effects. (I doubt that that would go over very well in modern times;)
Sandalwood Essential Oil Uses
So now that we’ve discussed name, origin, scent and a few history facts let’s delve right into what sandalwood is used for and how it will benefit you!
Let me first say that I am not a doctor! All of the information that I provide on this site is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe. Please read my disclaimer page and/or the disclaimer at the bottom of this page for a full disclaimer statement.
Benefits of Sandalwood
There are many listed benefits of sandalwood!
According to Be Young Total Health’s Total Health Desk Reference, sandalwood’s traditional and alternative uses include: urinary tract infections, cough, inflammation conditions, headache, and so much more!
Diffusing Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a wonderful choice for diffusing. When inhaled sandalwood essential oil is said to be very calming and grounding.
I include sandalwood in many of my diffuser recipes that can be found in the 100 Essential Oil Diffuser Blends eBook such as Don’t Freak Out! and Let It Go. The eBook also includes many recipes for cleaning, children, pets, home, etc. that contain sandalwood and other oils as well. Recipes such as Men’s Hormonal Blend, Clarity, and Love Is In The Air. Adding a few drops of sandalwood to your diffuser blend can be so beneficial!
According to JennScents Institute’s Introduction to Holistic Aromatherapy, sandalwood is also good for laryngitis, confusion, indecision, anti-inflammatory, PMS, and is an aphrodisiac, just to name a few.
Sandalwood is a great oil to use in the bath. It will help to embrace life, nourish the skin, and focus the mind. You can learn more about using essential oils such as sandalwood in the bath in my post How to Use Essential Oils in Bath Water. And 20 of the Best Essential Oils to Use in the Bath.
Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, in his book The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, includes sandalwood in a recipe for a Fall-Winter Respiratory Blend. You can find it and even more amazing qualities of sandalwood in his book. It is definitely a must read for the EO enthusiast.
Also in Dr. Schnaubelt’s book Advanced Aromatherapy, he says that “Sandalwood is traditionally used for bladder or urinary tract infections and heartburn. ”
Another great essential oil source is Valerie Ann Worwood’s book The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. In this book Valerie lists sandalwood’s aromatherapeutic home uses including menstrual problems, acne, and skin infections.
I personally use sandalwood in my Skin Tightening Facial Scrub. It is extremely nourishing to the skin, making it feel smooth and helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
I also use sandalwood in my Eczema Salve, Moisturizing Facial Blend, Skin Spot Reducer Blend, and Sensual Perfume.
If you would like to make each of these blends for yourself you can find them in the Essential Oil Recipes for Beauty & Body Care Binder along with many other must try skin care recipes!
Contraindications
A contraindication is a medical reason for not using something. In this case it is a medical reason for why you should not use sandalwood.
There have been reports of miscarriages related to the use of sandalwood. Use with caution and consult your primary care provider before using.
Don’t use if you have kidney problems. It might make kidney disease worse.
Taking sandalwood might decrease how well the body excretes lithium. Do not use if you are taking lithium.
Quality
You also want to make sure that you are using a good quality sandalwood.
As an Aromatherapist I would never recommend buying an essential oil at a local store. I can almost guarantee you that it is not a pure oil.
There are no government regulations on essential oils, so an oil can be diluted by up to 50% and still be marketed as a pure oil. It can be diluted with a carrier oil, or with a synthetic substance and still be called pure. How scary is that?! Definitely not something I want to use, especially for my family! You have to be so careful when choosing your brand.
Which Brand of Essentials Oils Should I Use?
So make sure that you know and trust your source. If you have a brand that you feel confident in you can use that. If you aren’t sure about where to get sandalwood, or if you would like to check out the brand that I use, you can find it on my shop page Healing Blends For Life.
Where to Buy at discounted prices!
If you are interested in learning how you can buy my preferred brand of essential oils at a discounted price check out my Essential Oil page!
Also, if you are new to essential oils and would like to learn more about how to use them, be sure to take my FREE Essential Oils for Beginners Course!
I hope you enjoy sandalwood as much as I do!
Also please come back after using sandalwood and comment below with your opinion of the oil!
What do you like most about sandalwood essential oil? Do you enjoy the smell as much as I do? Did you experience any results after using sandalwood? If so what were they? Do you have any additional uses to add to the above list?
I can’t wait to read your comments!
If you are interested in reading more Essential Oil posts, here are the links to help you find them:
1.Why You Should Use Frankincense Essential Oil
2.Why You Should Use Dill Essential Oil
3.Why You Should Use Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
4.Why You Should Use Turmeric Essential Oil
5.Why You Should Use Geranium Essential Oil
6.Why You Should Use Myrrh Essential Oil
7.Why You Should Use Birch Essential Oil
8.Why You Should Use Cypress Essential Oil
9.Why You Should Use Helichrysum Essential Oil
10.Why You Should Use Clove Essential Oil
11.Why You Should Use Ginger Essential Oil
12. Why You Should Use Nutmeg Essential Oil
13. Why You Should Use Lavender Essential Oil
14. Why You Should Use Peppermint Essential Oil
15. Why You Should Use Lemon Essential Oil
16. Why You Should Use Lemongrass Essential Oil
17. Why You Should Use Rosemary Essential Oil
18. Why You Should Use Rose Essential Oil
19. Why You Should Use Bergamot Essential Oil
20. Why You Should Use Grapefruit Essential Oil
21. Why You Should Use Orange Essential Oil
22. Why You Should Use Cedarwood Essential Oil
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. I do not prescribe, diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult your health care provider before implementing any of the information provided on this site.
The information provided on this site is completely my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of any other entity.
Any statements or claims regarding health benefits of foods, supplements or essential oils listed on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.
