Sandalwood oil: uses and properties

More than a thousand years ago, people began to extract valuable and skin-nourishing oil from sandalwood. Today, sandalwood extract is used in the production of luxury cosmetics and hair care products. In addition, it has found application in medicine, where a healing, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory effect is manifested. To this day, sandalwood oil remains the leader among other natural plant extracts.

Sandalwood oil is an essential liquid secreted from the trunks of two types of sandalwood: white sandalwood and East Indian sandalwood. The plant culture represents the Santal genus, the Santal family. The native lands of the valuable plant are the south and east of India, a small territory of the Malaysian archipelago.

The evergreen plant does not exceed 10 meters in height, the trunk diameter is more than 1 m. In recent years, it has undergone intensive felling, so sandalwood can be called an endangered species.

It is possible to obtain essential oil only from a thirty-year-old tree. The same valuable liquid is contained in the trunk and roots, therefore, they resort to the method of steam stripping to extract it.

The consistency of Indian oil is very thick and viscous. The shade is light golden, sometimes dark. The highest quality product contains about 90% santanol (soluble alcohol). It does not dissolve in water, and only 50% in glycerin. By the way, it is this component that provides the characteristic aroma.

In addition to the Indian plant species, the sandalwood species includes trees growing in Australia, Africa and America. The local industry is also actively involved in the extraction of essential oil, which, however, is slightly different in chemical composition and useful qualities.

Such a valuable product has become widespread among the inhabitants of India, Egypt and China. Due to its useful qualities, it began to be used in such areas as medicine, cosmetology, perfumery, as well as for meditation, aromatherapy, and religious rituals. Its healing and anti-inflammatory properties have earned it the reputation of being an effective skin care product.

The benefits of sandalwood lie in the combination of three elements:

• santalic acid;
• pinene (light soluble component, a participant in the biosynthesis process);
• Santalol (active substance, occupying 90% of the volume).

The main beneficial properties of sandalwood oil:

• antiseptic and bactericidal action;
• has a beneficial effect on the respiratory organs;

• improves the functioning of the digestive system;
• helps to get rid of skin infections;
• used as a folk remedy for gonorrhea;
• helps to easily endure various colds, acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis, sore throat, rhinitis;

• demonstrates a diuretic, decongestant effect;
• helps to cure cystitis, vaginitis;
• eliminates pain, discomfort caused by PMS, has a calming effect on the female body during menopause;
• improves male potency, and also restores female sexuality;
• helps with insect bites, eliminating pain, swelling, irritation and itching;

• lowers blood pressure;
• stimulates the brain, improving concentration, vision, memory;
• fights premature aging, smoothing fine wrinkles and folds;
• is an effective means of caring for curls;
• makes massage more effective and soft;
• improves the taste of some drinks;
• provides a long-lasting moisturizing effect on the skin, softens lips, heals small cracks and wounds.

Doctors do not recommend using essential oil internally for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as for children under the age of 13. In fact, sandalwood extract is not a dangerous liquid for human health, but you should consult your doctor before taking medications based on it.

As for an allergic reaction, the risk of an allergic reaction from this oil is minimal. Although, before starting cosmetic procedures, still test a couple of drops on your hand. Remember, you cannot use pure oil - be sure to dilute it with other natural ingredients.

For centuries, essential oil has been a valuable source of beauty and health. Today, not only the production of medicines is based on this substance. It has become the main component in the production of perfumery and cosmetics. In addition, it is worth noting the complete absence of contraindications to its admission. The tool has benefits, while being absolutely harmless to human health. Of course, the only exception is individual intolerance to the product.

Homemade recipes with it are just as effective as store-bought items. Sandalwood oil is safely added to daily care products - creams, mousses, foams, in addition, nail baths, masks, hair rinses are made with it.

The effect of oil on the skin and hair:

• elimination of early wilting;
• smoothing of wrinkles, folds;
• nutrition, hydration;
• lifting effect;
• the return of a healthy tone;
• dandruff treatment;
• protection against hair loss;
• strengthening hair follicles;
• removal of irritation;
• giving shine and shine.

For complete skin care, add a few drops of oily liquid to your favorite beauty products. For example, 4 drops are enough to enhance the effect of any day / night cream, masks, tonics, lotions. A small dose of other oils is added to them.

Experts in the field of cosmetology advise to pay attention to the product for those who suffer from skin problems that worsen the aesthetic appearance of the face - acne, acne, blackheads, oily, problem skin type. It can also help soothe sensitive skin such as sudden irritation or itching.

Due to the regenerating action, it is able to smooth out even the earliest wrinkles around the eyes - "crow's feet", remove the hated bruises, bags, swelling. Regular use of sandalwood oil can increase the firmness, density, elasticity of the skin.

An important feature of this product is the ability to whiten. It will be an excellent helper for owners of dry skin, as it provides instant and long-term hydration and nutrition. The combination of sandalwood and avocado extracts (drop by drop) turns into a wonderful lightweight toner for sensitive skin types.

An effective anti-aging remedy will be a mask, the recipe for which includes oils: Art. a spoonful of jojoba + 2 drops of incense + the same amount of vetiver + a drop of sandalwood. Apply directly to the face, avoiding the eye area, for 15 minutes. After the time has elapsed, remove the excess with a cotton pad soaked in rose water.

This mixture is also suitable for acne treatments. It will be correct to apply pure ether pointwise with a cotton swab to the skin lesions. It is recommended to carry out the procedure 2 times a day.

A composition of 2 drops of neroli oil + sandalwood oil will help to get rid of the wrinkled mesh in the area around the eyes (instead of neroli, you can use lime or rose extract).

You can nourish your lips and improve the appearance of your eyelids by combining 10 ml of jojoba (or avocado) base oil with the same amount of sandalwood. Apply the mixture daily to prevent dry and chapped lips. As a preventive measure - 2 times a week.

Mature skin is especially in need of nutrients. Therefore, the choice of cosmetics for her should be approached as carefully as possible. In addition to your favorite creams and serums, experts recommend preparing the following mask: mix sandalwood oil with a tablespoon of jojoba oil, a drop of geranium extracts, evening primrose, limetta. The applied mixture acts for 20 minutes, after which it is washed off with warm water. Remember that before each procedure, you must thoroughly cleanse your face, removing all makeup.

A pure product can make bathing more relaxing. To do this, add a little milk and honey to it. Pour the resulting mixture into warm water. It is recommended to lie in such a bath for about 15 minutes.

Olive oil mixed with sandalwood will help to make the skin soft, delicate. Apply the oil mixture gently to your face, lightly patting it with your fingertips. Action time - 10 minutes. At the end of the procedure, use cosmetic wipes to remove the remaining mixture. By the way, sour cream, cream, banana or pumpkin pulp can replace the vegetable component.

For dry skin, you can get an instant moisturizing effect with chicken yolk and a few drops of oil. You need to keep such a mask for about 10 minutes, after which it is washed off with water.

For oily skin, a recipe from oils is suitable - almond (1 tbsp. L.) + Sandalwood (2-3 drops). Next, you need to make a compress and leave it for 15 minutes. Instead of rinsing off, simply pat your face dry with a tissue.

To strengthen the roots, improve the condition of the curls, and also get rid of various diseases of the scalp will help the addition of valuable liquid to purchased shampoos and balms. It will be especially useful for those who suffer from severe hair loss, split ends.

A good way to keep your hair shiny, soft and silky is to dampen a comb or brush with oil. Daily aroma combing will significantly improve your curls.

Try adding a couple of drops of sandalwood extract to the water and rinsing your head with the resulting composition after each wash - the result will pleasantly surprise you.

Nourishing masks based on sandalwood extract, to which burdock, olive or castor oil is added, will help to cope with dry, lifeless strands. This composition must be rubbed into the roots, evenly distributing over the strands. After that, wrap your head with cling film and then a warm towel to create a greenhouse effect. After 45 minutes, wash off with shampoo.

If you are allergic to the component you are using, be careful. Cosmetologists recommend using homemade masks in the fall. This is explained by the fact that in summer the essential oil makes the hair very heavy.

The extract has a beneficial effect on the condition of the nails, namely on the cuticle. Sandal baths and daily rubbing in the product will significantly strengthen the nail plate and soften the skin around it.

Recently, aromatherapy has become very popular. Surprisingly, similar sessions were conducted in ancient times. Sandalwood oil is especially loved by yogis who use it for meditation. This natural aphrodisiac perfectly regulates the emotional state, relieves stress and tension. Such incense improves sleep, relieving feelings of anxiety and fear. Inhalation of fragrant vapors strengthens the body, after which a person can more easily endure weather changes, magnetic storms, surges in atmospheric pressure. In addition, sandalwood aromatherapy stimulates the sex drive of both partners.

Sandalwood oil is often used in massage sessions. Its excellent properties give the skin a healthy and natural look, strengthening and nourishing it from the inside out. In addition, small blood vessels become stronger, and nervous relaxation occurs. It is very simple to prepare a massage mixture - mix 5 drops of sandalwood oil with any component you like - honey, milk, cream or a massage base. The treatment room will be filled with a pleasant, soothing scent, and you will feel complete relaxation of the body.

Today, a large number of people prefer natural oils. This applies to both daily and anti-aging skin, hair and body care. Particularly noted are the softening and nourishing effects, which are difficult to achieve even with the help of professional cosmetics.

Sandalwood oil became very popular during meditation. Judging by the reviews, filling the room with a specific aroma provides complete relaxation and immersion in oneself.

By the way, a natural product is quite expensive - about 1,600 rubles will have to be paid for a 5 milliliter bottle, but this price is quite reasonable. As for cosmetology and massage procedures, they are the ones that maximize the healing properties of sandalwood extract.

Remember, you should buy the product in specialized stores that sell ecological and natural cosmetics. In addition, there must be a license for this product, and the country of origin must be indicated on the bottle. Only high quality essential oil will keep your beauty, youth and health.

For information on the properties of sandalwood oil and its use for skin and hair, see the next video.