The Therapeutic and Aromatherapy Benefits of Sandalwood Essential Oil | Essential Oil Uses

In India, the sandalwood tree is actually regarded as sacred and has long been used for crafting religious artifacts such as figurines and statues. Powdered wood from sandalwood trees are also used to make incense in countries such as China and India as it is among one of the most aromatic of all the natural fragrances.

Sandalwood oil is considered to be a "base note" oil, meaning it is among the longest lasting of all the essential oils. Other types that, in these country, are believed to be surpassed by sandalwood are essential oil rose and essential oil lemongrass, (sometimes referred to as essential oil lemon). Base note oils tend to linger for as long as an entire week, while middle note oils may last for three days, and the third category, top note, includes oils whose scent or fragrance last anywhere from a few hours to one full day.

The various healing or therapeutic properties of Young Living Essential Oils Sandalwood Essential Oil are said to help with ailments both in and outside of the body. Some of the external conditions that may benefit from this Sandalwood Essential Oil include healing sensitive skin, treating acne, fading scars and stretch marks, and for either oily or dry skin. These are the primary essential oil uses.

Sandalwood oil is also a suitable ingredient for aftershave or facial oils as it helps to soothe inflamed skin but is also an excellent cleanser as well. Most any skin type will benefit from products containing sandalwood essential oil, but it is best for dry, chapped skin in particular.

In bath water, add one drop of ylang ylang oil with four drops of sandalwood oil for sensual relaxation. To nourish dry skin even more, mix three drops of sandalwood oil with an equal amount of rose oil to one ounce of natural cream containing no scent or man-made chemicals.

For aromatic facials, use eight drops of sandalwood essential oil with four drops of geranium, along with a light carrier oil, such as sweet almond, and apply gently to the face. For immediate results, this is one of the most effective essential oil uses.

Try using sandalwood essential oil for aromatherapy and massage by adding three drops of the oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil and gently massaging into the skin. To stimulate the senses even further, add a drop of jasmine oil into the mixture before blending.

Sandalwood oil is also used for treating bronchitis and laryngitis, as well as for emotional issues such as depression, and for promoting restful sleep. Some have found the essential oil to be useful for treating urinary tract infections due to its antibacterial properties. In various countries, this is mainly used as one of the chief essential oil uses.

In traditional Tibetan, Chinese, and Egyptian medicines, sandalwood essential oil has been considered to be a vital component of medicinal preparations, as well as a way to add natural scent and aromatic fragrance to body lotions and oils, or shampoos and conditioning hair treatments.

Although there are no special health precautions to be aware of when using sandalwood essential oil for aromatherapy, no type of oil should ever be taken internally or applied to the skin before being diluted unless specifically directed by a well versed aromatherapy practitioner. Also, pregnant women or those with certain medical conditions such as heart or liver disease, epilepsy, and cancer should exercise extreme caution when using aromatherapy and essential oils.

If you have any health concerns, be sure to consult your physician or someone who is qualified and trained in the practice of aromatherapy.

- The technical name for sandalwood is santalum album and is one of the essential oils that blends well with most others, regardless of their note.

- The most common method for extracting sandalwood is through the process of steam distillation.

- Sandalwood essential oil is clear in color with a slight yellowish tinge and is generally medium to thick in consistency.

- Using sandalwood essential oil, as created by Young Living Essential Oils, for aromatherapy and meditation helps to relax the body and mind, with many ancient prayer rituals using a single drop of the oil on the third eye to bring about peace.

- Young Living's therapeutic Sandalwood Essential Oil is also useful for coping with times of emotional distress and is said to aid in the grieving process.

- Some of the other therapeutic uses of Sandalwood Essential Oil include treating diarrhea, nausea, sore throat, and many health complaints that are related to stress or tension.

- Sandalwood oil may also be used for flavoring alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, as well as food, soaps, laundry detergents, and cosmetics.

- In order for the rich fragrance to fully develop, sandalwood essential oil must be aged for a period of at least six months, although if stored properly, in a dark, airtight container made of glass, the scent of the oil will continue to improve even more over time.