Sandalwood oil – the magic of aromatherapy and its therapeutic properties

The sandalwood tree plays a significant role in religious rituals as well as in traditional Indian medicine. Sandalwood oil is characterised by an exotic, sweet scent with well-balanced notes. As a result, sandalwood forms the base for many perfumes and incense blends. In addition, sandalwood oil possesses health-promoting properties that can be used to help combat anxiety, circulatory disorders and skin problems. What is worth knowing about sandalwood oil?

The sandalwood tree – what sort of plant is it?

The sandalwood tree (Santalum album) has been known for thousands of years in Asia, where the earliest recorded instances of its use were found in Sanskrit and Chinese manuscripts dating back over 4,000 years. Santalum albumisa wild, evergreen tree that reaches an average height of around 9 metres, with a slender trunk and abundant foliage. Its green leaves are constantly glossy, and its pale purple flowers produce small red fruits.

The sandalwood tree and the essential oil extracted from it were used for a variety of purposes throughout ancient history. The wood retains its unique fragrance for many years, which is why it was highly prized as a material for carving statuettes or making rosaries. Sandalwood can also be ground with water to produce aromatic incense.

The sandalwood tree – where does the plant’s modern name come from?

The Polish name for the sandalwood tree derives directly from the scientific classification of the sandalwood family (Santalaceae), coined by the Scottish physician Robert Brown. The name is a combination of the Greek wordsántalon(sandalwood) andthe Arabic-Persianterm tschandal.

The aromatic sandalwood tree – what does it smell like?

The aromatic properties of the sandalwood tree are due to the essential oil it releases, which is one of the most popular organic fragrances used in the production of perfumes and cosmetics.

Sandalwood perfumes are characterised by a sweet, woody scent with spicy notes, which are frequently used in Buddhist and Hindu meditation rituals. The oil is also used in aromatherapy, due to the calming properties of the volatile compounds it contains.

Sandalwood oil – what are its practical uses?

The most commonly used part of the sandalwood tree is the bark, from which essential oils with rich medicinal properties are extracted. When used in practice, they help with, amongst other things:

• Improves the condition of the skin and hair – sandalwoodoilhas a genuine ability to eliminate free radicals, which are responsible for premature cell death. Sandalwood oil therefore helps to prevent premature cellular ageing, thereby improving the condition of the hair and skin
• Help with skin infections –applyingthe oil to the skin together with a carrier oil helps prevent infection and deterioration of the skin’s condition. Its astringent and anti-infective properties make it a highly valuable oil for treating eczema, psoriasis and itching. Due to its antiseptic properties, it can also be used on fresh wounds, supporting the body’s regenerative processes
• Vasoconstriction –theactivecompoundsfound in sandalwood essential oil also promote healthy blood circulation. Through various mechanisms of action, they facilitate blood flow, meaning the oil is also used to combat varicose veins and haemorrhoids
• Prevention of respiratory and genitourinary tract conditions – sandalwood essentialoilcan be used in particular to treat respiratory tract infections, helping to prevent bronchitis, colds and flu. It is also useful in treating disorders of the genitourinary system, providing support in cases of existing cystitis or prostatitis
• Combating fungal infections –the oilhelps to combat fungal infections of the skin and nails. The oil’s immunomodulatory effect supports the body’s proper immune response, enabling it to combat fungi attacking the body much more effectively
• Regulating emotions –the oilhas a genuine ability to influence our mood. It has a mildly stimulating and energising effect. Furthermore, the oil appears to promote increased production of dopamine and serotonin. These substances significantly influence feelings of relaxation and happiness, and their dysfunction is often linked to a lack of proper homeostasis in the body, which sandalwood oil appears to regulate
• Reducing inflammation –the sesquiterpenes present in sandalwood oil are capable of modulating the body’s inflammatory responses. Its anti-inflammatory effect can therefore be utilised to alleviate certain inflammatory joint and muscle conditions.

Sandalwood essential oil – how should it be used at home?

Sandalwood essential oil is used not only in aromatherapy, but also in massage and home baths.

• For skin conditions such as scars, varicose veins or wounds, the oil must be diluted in a carrier oil. Simply add 10 drops of the oil to 50 ml of carrier oil. This also makes it suitable for use in massage
• For breathing difficulties, insomnia, anxiety or stress, the oil can be used in a home diffuser. Add 5 to 10 drops directly into the diffuser to enjoy its relaxing properties
• The revitalising effects of the oil on the skin or hair are most effective when combined with natural cosmetics or used directly in the bath. Simply add a few drops to your favourite soap, shampoo or hair conditioner

Sandalwood oil – cosmetic uses

Sandalwood oil works just as well in skincare. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to improve circulation, it gives the skin a healthy, fresh and youthful appearance. As a result, sandalwood oil is effective against all kinds of skin discolouration, sunburn, wrinkles, scars and stretch marks.

Due to its moisturising properties, sandalwood oil is also suitable for hair care. It ensures a fresh, shine that is free from excess sebum, whilst strengthening the hair follicles, making them less prone to physical damage. Simply add a few drops of sandalwood oil to your shampoo or conditioner. It can also be used on its own by rinsing it through the hair immediately after washing.

Sandalwood oil is also effective for nails. The oil’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, when combined with a carrier oil and applied to the nails, penetrate deep into their structure, settling within the nail plates. It helps to limit the spread of fungal or bacterial nail infections. What’s more, it strengthens their structure, making them more durable and less prone to physical damage.

Sandalwood – the most interesting combinations with essential oils

Sandalwood oil can be successfully used in combination with other essential oils to maximise their potential health-promoting effects. This sweet-smelling oil, with its distinctly woody note, complements rosemary, frankincense, geranium, myrrh and lavender oils well in aromatherapy and for external use. Blends formulated in this way can be used in a wide variety of ways, offering a range of benefits that positively affect the health of the skin, hair and respiratory system.

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