Sandalwood Oil – 11 Health Benefits, Uses, and Side-effects

Sandalwood oil is extracted from mature sandalwood trees 40-80 years old through steam distillation of wood chips, however, 40 years is preferred. The larger the tree, the more oil is available, and the stronger the smell. The major components of sandalwood oil are beta-santol, and santalin.

Benefits of Sandalwood Oil

The benefits of sandalwood oils are antiseptic, anti-influenza, anti-infective, antispasmodics, astringents, cicatrice, diarrhea, hypotonia, fresheners, incense sticks, deodorants, lotions, perfumes etc. The health benefits of sandalwood oil include improving digestion, relieving symptoms of anxiety and regulating various emotions like joy, energy and appetite. This article discusses health-related sandalwood oil.

Benefits of Sandalwood Oil 

1. Helps in smoothing urinary system inflammation 

Due to its comforting and anti-inflammatory properties, sandalwood oil relieves inflammation and relaxes the urinary tract, making it easier to pass urine.

This oil also increases the frequency and quality of urination. It helps treat infections and inflammation in the urinary system as it removes dangerous toxins through the urine. Thus it works as a wonderful diuretic.

2. Cooling properties

The cooling effect of sandalwood oil can reduce itching, infection and inflammation. (1) Sandalwood oil has a cooling and comforting effect on the skin and works well to relieve inflammation or itching.

Due to the antiseptic properties of sandalwood oil, it can also be used on skin cuts, and wounds to prevent infection. It is also widely used to cure eczema. The oil is non-sticky and hence, can be used even in summer.

3. Heal and fade scar tissue faster

Sandalwood oil soothes the skin and helps scars heal faster. The same effect can be achieved from using this oil. This oil is now widely used in skin care soaps, lotions and creams.

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4. Reduce blood pressure

Patients suffering from high blood pressure can take sandalwood oil with milk or even water to reduce their blood pressure. Sandalwood paste has the same effect when applied topically to different parts of the body.

5. Used in cosmetic products

The sandalwood oil has antiseptic properties that justify its widespread use in religious ceremonies and cosmetics. Its fragrance repels germs and small pests, making it widely used in incense sticks, sprays, fumigants and vaporizers to disinfect large areas.

Furthermore, sandalwood oil can be mixed with bath water or other lotions or oils to apply to the skin and wounds to ensure protection from infection.

6. Strengthens gums and teeth

Although it is very mild, this essential oil has some harsh properties that cause constriction in the gums, muscles and skin. It proves beneficial in strengthening gums and muscles, and tightening the skin. Sandalwood oil has an abundance of harsh properties that are very beneficial in preventing the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. It not only helps treat bleeding gums and heal minor injuries, but also helps cleanse the mouth, improves drainage in the gastrointestinal tract and strengthens the gums to increase salivation.

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7. Used as a sedative

Sandalwood oil is known to be extremely antispasmodic. This is due to the healing and muscle relaxant properties of the oil, it works on your muscle fibers, nervous system, blood vessels, causing them to relax and eventually stop the intense contractions.

Benefits of sandalwood oil include effective treatment of cough, palpitations, cramps etc. caused by severe muscle contraction.

8. Boost digestive system

Sandalwood essential oil is relaxing in nature. This oil helps to prevent gastric by relaxing intestinal and abdominal muscles. It also prevents the formation of excess gas.

9. Anti-aging properties

This oil is also widely used for its anti-aging properties. Using sandalwood oil at the right time can help combat not only spots and lines when aging first appears but also other skin problems or signs of aging.

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10. Treats viral & fungal infection

Sandalwood oil behaves as expected and is particularly effective in treating cough. It also fights viral infections that initially cause coughs, colds, flu, mumps or any other illness. Sandalwood oil has antiphlogistic properties and relieves fever and inflammation caused by viral infections.

11. Enhance beauty

Derived from sandalwood bark, this essential oil is widely used to promote skin health due to its antioxidant properties. It effectively cleanses the skin of free radicals and reduces oxidative damage. It removes toxins from the inner layers of the skin, improves the overall health of the skin and treats various skin infections like acne, pimples, boils etc.

Uses of Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood oil is used to prevent various diseases. It is used externally for skin problems and consult a doctor before using this oil internally.

Side effect of Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood oil is generally safe to use, but there are warnings and precautions. This oil is for topical use only, therefore I do not recommend consumption of sandalwood oil. When applying it to the skin, dilute it using a carrier oil, soap, lotion or buffering agent. Breastfeeding mothers and children should avoid using sandalwood oil.

Additionally, sandalwood oil can cause allergic skin reactions in some individuals, therefore, it is important to test it on a small area of skin at first. Those suffering from any medical conditions, such as liver disorders and cancer, should also take extra caution in using this oil in aromatherapy.

Individuals with known allergy or hypersensitivity to sandalwood oil or its components should avoid using this oil, as sandalwood has been shown to cause dermatitis and sandalwood oil photoallergy. 

Therefore, sandalwood oil should be used in the right amount considering its advantages and disadvantages as excessive use of any ingredient can harm our health. The above information is provided for general information purposes only. It is recommended to consult a doctor before using sandalwood oil in treatment. 

Conclusion

The information discussed in this article has introduced you to the health benefits of sandalwood oil. In this article you will learn about the benefits, harms, uses and information of sandalwood oil. I hope the information mentioned in this article will be useful to you. Thank you! 

FAQ 

1. What is sandalwood oil used for? 

Ans: In traditional medicine, sandalwood oil is used as an antiseptic and astringent, and is used to treat headaches, abdominal pain and urinary and genital disorders. In India, sandalwood oil, emulsion or paste is used to treat inflammatory and eruptive skin diseases. 

2. Can I eat sandalwood oil? 

Ans: Sandalwood oil is a wonderful antiseptic agent. It is safe for both internal and external applications. When ingested, it helps protect internal injuries and ulcers from infection. Add a few drops of sandalwood oil to a glass of warm milk and drink it. However, it should be consulted with a doctor before using it internally. It should not be used internally without consulting a doctor. 

3. Is edible sandalwood oil good for health? 

Ans: Positive edible sandalwood oil is pure and extremely beneficial for weight loss. Edible sandalwood oil is used to relieve liver diseases such as jaundice, herpes, gout and bleeding diseases, weight loss etc. 

4. Does sandalwood oil lighten the skin? 

Ans: Sandalwood oil contains many natural skin tanning agents, which contribute to lightning. Because of this property, this oil is used in fairness packs and creams. 

5. Is sandalwood oil good for pressure? 

Ans: Used heavily in aromatherapy, sandalwood oil is an excellent oil for stress relief. It can reduce headaches, migraines or stress and improve sleep quality among other health benefits. 

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