Uses of Sandalwood Essential Oil

 You may already be familiar with the therapeutic properties of other essential oils, each one carrying its own unique benefit, and sandalwood is no different. Aromatherapy, also called essential oil therapy, is the practice of using oils for their health benefits. Generally, oils are inhaled, sprayed in the air, massaged into the skin, and at times taken by mouth.

Many people find essential oils helpful for stress management and relaxation. Fragrances are strongly connected to our emotions and memories as our scent receptors are located next to the emotional centers in our brain, the amygdala and hippocampus.

Researchers believe that certain fragrances can help trigger calming or peaceful feelings, resulting in overall reduction in stress and healing. Other oils may interact with certain hormones, neurotransmitters, or enzymes, resulting in a specific change to our bodies’ chemistry.(19)

Sandalwood not only has many benefits, but also multiple uses. Traditionally, it has been a significant therapeutic agent Chinese medicine and Ayurveda due to its healing properties.

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In these traditional medicines, it has been used to treat urinary infections, digestive issues, coughs, depression, as well as infections. Sandalwood also has a centering effect similar to how lavender can be calming to the body. Sandalwood can help increase focus and mental clarity and balance. Here’s a few ways to try sandalwood essential oil:

1. Relaxation

Try inhaling a few drops of sandalwood essential oil before stretching, barre or yoga class or other relaxing time to help set the mood. You can even use before a quiet time, prayer time or journalling time to increase your ability to focus.
2. Focus

The best way to get the mental clarity benefits of sandalwood is to apply a few drops, about 2-4, to the ankles or wrists at times of high stress or overwhelm throughout the day. You can also directly inhale the oil if you do not want to apply it directly to your skin. You can also use it in a diffuser to allow everyone in the house to enjoy it. Or add a few drops to the bath water at the end of a long day.
3. For the Body

Sandalwood is frequently used as a skin care product and is especially useful when mixed with a base oil to treat dry skin. Get creative by mixing sandalwood with other essential oils to create your own blend. For example, mix 4-5 drops of sandalwood with rose and vanilla oil and adding it to an unscented lotion for a romantic, fragrant, woodsy blend.(20)Or you can try making your own homemade men’s cologne by mixing sandalwood with various other essential oils to create an earthy, manly scent.(21) You can also use sandalwood as a base for your own homemade hair conditioner.(22) Sandalwood is a great addition to conditioner to help prevent dandruff.
4. Cleasing & Home Use

The strong aroma of sandalwood essential oil allows it to be used in the home in various ways:

    Add a few drops to a log before burning it in the fireplace, a few drops on the radiator, or a drop or two to a light bulb ring to fill the whole house with an amazing and relaxing smell.
    Use it in your car by placing 2-3 drops on the A/C vent to help maintain a calm alertness during rush hour.
    Since sandalwood has antiseptic properties, it can also help disinfect the washing machine, just add 10-20 drops per load.
    Sandalwood oil can be added to the hot tub to a foot bath to promote additional relaxation.