The essential oil of sandalwood is extracted through steam distillation of wood from matured sandalwood trees which are 40-80 years old, although 80 years is preferred. The older the tree, the better the oil reserve and stronger the aroma. Sandalwood oil is commonly known for its woodsy, sweet smell. Sandalwood oil contains two primary active components, alpha- and beta-santalol. These molecules produce the strong fragrance associated with sandalwood. Sandalwood oil is one of the most expensive essential oils available on the market today. The highest quality sandalwood is the Indian variety, known as Santalum album.
Antiseptic
The essential oil of sandalwood is very good as an antiseptic agent. It is safe for both internal and external applications. When ingested, it helps protect internal wounds and ulcers from infections. Similarly, when applied to the skin, it protects wounds, sores, boils, and pimples from developing infections or from becoming septic.
Anti-inflammatory
Both sandalwood paste and its essential oil are very effective as anti-inflammatory agents. Sandalwood has a nice cooling effect and that it provides relief from all types of inflammation in the brain, digestive, nervous, circulatory, and excretory systems that result from infections, fever, side effects of antibiotics, poisoning, insect bites, or wounds. Sandalwood essential oil is particularly beneficial in cases of nervous and circulatory inflammations.
Carminative
The essential oil of sandalwood, being relaxant in nature, induces relaxation in the intestines and abdominal muscles, thereby facilitating the removal of gases. Also, it prevents excess gases from forming.
Diuretic Due
to its relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties, it soothes inflammation in the urinary system and induces relaxation, thereby promoting the easy passage of urine. It also increases the frequency of urination and the volume of urine. This helps in treating infections and inflammation in the urinary system because it flushes out dangerous toxins through the urine.
Treats Coughs
Sandalwood essential oil behaves as an expectorant and is particularly effective in treating coughs. It also fights the viral infections which initially caused the cold, cough, flu, mumps, or any other illness.
Lowers Blood Pressure
This is a very useful property of sandalwood essential oil. It can be taken with milk or even water to reduce blood pressure in patients suffering from hypertension. The paste of sandalwood has the same effect when topically applied to various parts of the body.
Memory Booster
It improves memory and stimulates your concentration power. It also keeps the brain cool and relaxed and saves you from undue stress and anxiety.
Sedative Effect
This oil sedates inflammation, anxiety, fear, stress, and restlessness. Furthermore, it induces relaxation, calmness, concentration, inner vision, and positive thoughts.
Health Tonic
This oil can be a very good health tonic for anyone, especially for growing children. Since it is soothing to the stomach and the digestive, circulatory and nervous systems, it helps these systems function in harmony and without any abnormalities.
