When it comes to sweet but woodsy scents, sandalwood is one of the most popular. The sandalwood tree grows in abundance in India and it is in its heartwood that sandalwood essential oil is extracted from. However, far from just being a favorite for fragrances, sandalwood also has several benefits for health and beauty.
Here are the best reasons to use sandalwood.
Benefits Of Sandalwood Essential Oil
1. Effective skin cleanser
Sandalwood has potential as a gentle astringent. It’s great for cleansing the skin of dirt and germs and at the same time, it reduces any irritations and improves the skin’s texture. It has also been used to help the skin recover from conditions like wounds and sores, and to guard against infection.
2. Has antioxidant properties
Premature aging happens when the damage from free radicals builds up on the body. To protect against free radicals, you need to take antioxidants. Sandalwood is rich in antioxidants and you can combine this with a carrier oil or lotion and rub some on your face to protect from fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Focuses the mind
One reason sandalwood is used widely for meditation is that it promotes clarity and helps people focus. It aids in increasing cognitive function and soothes the mind, allowing you to think more clearly and concentrate.
4. Combats inflammation
As an antibacterial, sandalwood eliminates germs and viruses to shield the body from illnesses. It also counters inflammation and diminishes redness, swelling and pain. It can be safely applied in small amounts to minor skin problems like bug bites, pimples and shallow wounds.
5. Natural aphrodisiac
If you are looking for a natural way to boost libido – try adding Sandalwood to a massage oil or as a topical lotion… It’s a great mood booster, and the woody scent makes it especially useful for getting your man in the mood :-).
6. Relaxes the body
Breathing in the aroma of sandalwood induces the body to unwind and relax. You can also massage it on different areas of the body together with a carrier oil. However, though it relaxes the body, it does not trigger sleepiness. Sandalwood’s scent keeps the mind alert and attentive at the same time.
7. May help control blood pressure levels
Sandalwood is being studied as well as a natural alternative for regulating blood pressure levels. It can support other treatments and has been shown to have a link with lower blood pressure as seen in one research where the effect was noticed after sandalwood oil was rubbed on the skin of patients.
8. Prevents spasms
The relaxing ability of sandalwood oil is also useful for inhibiting spasms. Pain from spasms on the muscles and nerves can be decreased. One way to use the oil is in a diffuser or you can massage it on the affected areas of your body.
