Sandalwood essential oil

Sandalwood is one of the oldest used oils in aromatherapy and traditional Ayurvedic medicine to date. Harvested from the wood and roots of the East Indian sandalwood tree, sandalwood essential oil is just as ancient as it is valuable. 

For centuries, the highly versatile sandalwood has been sought-after in alternative traditional medicine for managing mental disorders, digestive problems and a range of infections. Today, sandalwood essential oil is also recognised for its powerful applications in aromatherapy, skincare and modern health. 

In this post, we delve into four ways you can get the best out of your little brown bottle of sandalwood essential oil to improve your health and well-being.

1. Stress relief 

One of the top benefits of sandalwood essential oil is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. In a 2017 study carried out by medical specialists in the US, it was found that sandalwood effectively calmed anxiety and promoted rest in 87 research participants. Due to its calming and grounding effect, sandalwood essential oil may come in handy if you suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia. 

To get the stress relief benefits of sandalwood, you can try inhaling it or rubbing a small amount on your temples before bedtime. This may help relax your mind and body, leading to a more restful night's sleep.

2. Skincare

Amongst Sandalwood's many special attributes are the antiseptic and astringent properties that make it suitable for cleansing and toning the skin. Due to sandalwood's anti-inflammatory properties, the essential oil can also help reduce redness and irritation caused by inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis or dermatitis. 

Sandalwood essential oil has also been found to have antibacterial properties, making it an effective natural remedy for bacteria-borne skin conditions like acne. You can also use the oil to prevent and treat skin infections like rabies.

In addition to its antiseptic properties, sandalwood essential oil is an excellent moisturiser, making it a valuable addition to your skincare. 

To include sandalwood essential oil in your skincare regimen, start by adding a few drops to your body lotion or face cream. Take care not to apply essential oils directly to your skin as this may cause irritation. Always dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil.

3. Personal care products 

Sandalwood’s warm, woody scent is pleasant and makes it an excellent addition to soaps, bath oils, and perfumes. The oil is widely recognised as a potent aphrodisiac, which is why it is included in some of the most alluring perfumes in the world. 

To enrich your personal care products with the exquisite scent of sandalwood, add a few drops or ounces to your homemade soaps, shower gels or room sprays. This is also a fantastic way to channel all its benefits through a single medium.

4. Aromatherapy

Sandalwood essential oil with its warm, woody scent is relaxing and uplifting. Its aroma has been shown to improve concentration and focus, making it a top choice for use in meditation and yoga.

Sandalwood essential oil is an essence that powers the 3rd eye chakra, which is beneficial for clear vision, self-reflection, knowledge and spiritual communication. To power up your third eye chakra, light a sandalwood candle during prayer or meditation, which will open up doors for inner awareness and a sense of ease in engaging with higher consciousness. The third eye chakra also helps you align with your most authentic self. 

How can you tell if you are using authentic sandalwood essential oil?

When purchasing your sandalwood essential oil, check your product label to ensure that the product is derived from the santalum album tree. This is because the substance responsible for sandalwood’s potency, santalol, can only be found in oils derived from the rare East Indian tree.

Price is another helpful indicator of the authenticity of sandalwood essential oil. Due to its high demand and relative scarcity, sandalwood comes at a higher price point than most other essential oils, so it is advisable to look out for prices and not be afraid to splurge a little on a trusted brand.

Lastly, if the label on your oil reads 'perfume' or 'fragrance oil', this is an indication of a synthetic product. Sandalwood perfume or fragrance oil could be useful for pleasant-smelling room sprays but not have the same benefits as sandalwood essential oil.

In conclusion...

There are many beneficial uses of ancient sandalwood, and scientists are still studying it to find vital applications in modern medicine. You can derive the benefits of sandalwood in many ways. From adding a few drops into your body lotion to mixing a few ounces with carrier oils, putting some drops in your diffuser, or lighting a sandalwood candle. 

Most good quality candles contain more than one essential oil, which may increase their therapeutic benefits while releasing a complex, multilayered fragrance around your space. At Este, our scented candles contain ethically sourced essential oils that deliver benefits like stress relief, rejuvenation and focus. The Este Ultimate spice scented candle is a rich, sophisticated and grounding scent that blends sensual amber with refreshing cardamom and woody sandalwood to deliver an alluring aroma while powering up your third eye chakra. Try one today and let us know what you think!