Learn the Calming Benefits of Sandalwood
After a long busy day, settling in with a relaxing massage or aromatherapy treatment could be all you need to release stress and tension and give your mind a boost. Essential oils have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years, and Sandalwood is among the many oils that can make you feel more relaxed within seconds; it also has a number of health and skin benefits. Sandalwood can be combined with other essential oils to make a massage oil or herbal treatment, and has been used as incense for meditation or for religious ceremonies for thousands of years.
Sandalwood is derived from the Sandalwood tree, a native tree to South India. The oil is rich, slightly sweet and very aromatic, and can be especially soothing and relaxing when inhaled. The oil and scent has a reputation as an aphrodisiac because the scent is very similar to the alpha androsterol pheromone. Sandalwood has been used as a sedative, astringent, antidepressant and can also provide relief from congestion. However, it also has a number of skin benefits and has the power to enhance well-being.
HOW SANDALWOOD BENEFITS THE SKIN
Sandalwood is also a natural anti-inflammatory and contains several emollient compounds and moisturizing properties. If you are suffering from dry, scaly or itchy skin after the long winter, applying some Sandalwood oil or products made with sandalwood oil directly to the skin can help to replenish lost moisture.
Several natural and organic skincare and spa products contain sandalwood because it has several therapeutic benefits. Sandalwood is available as an essential oil and is also found in:
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Sandalwood can be combined with Palmarosa and Myrrh for even more skin healing benefits. Many skincare products that contain a combination of these ingredients are especially valuable when making a body butter or for use as an intensive moisturizer after a full body exfoliation.
1 soap 2 shampoos, conditioners 3 scalp treatments
EMOTIONAL BENEFITS OF SANDALWOOD
Ayurvedic doctors and herbalists contend that sandalwood has many emotional benefits as well. It can promote sensitivity and serenity, making you feel relaxed but clear-headed, calm and focused. If you are suffering from bouts of anxiety or high levels of stress, simply inhaling some sandalwood oil can help relax the mind, slow down breathing and restore a sense of peace and harmony.
Whether you’re suffering from worry, insomnia, anxiety or a sore throat, you can mix sandalwood with a number of other essential oils to create a customized treatment.
1 drop Sandalwood, 4 drops Lavender, 1 drop Benzoin and 2 drops Tangerine
6 drops Sandalwood in a bowl of warm water; use a wet cloth as a compress on the chest and throat to relieve discomfort
10 drops Chamomile, 15 drops Sandalwood, 5 drops Lemon; can be used as an essential oil for massage, or simply inhaled from a wet or damp cloth for instant anxiety relief
Combine equal drops of Sandalwood, Frankincense and Bergamot for mental clarity and relaxation
6 drops each of Sandalwood, Lavender and Chamomile in a warm bath
10 drops each Sandalwood, Myrrh, Ylang Ylang and Frankincense in a warm bath before bed for ultimate relaxation and a good night’s rest.
