A High-Quality Product

When a sandalwood tree is between the age of 40 and 80, pieces of its wood can go through a steam distillation process to obtain its essential oil. Ideally, the tree should be closer to eighty years old because the extraction process will generate a higher quantity of the essential oil, and it is more potent as well, compared to when the tree is at a younger age. Indian sandalwood, also known as Santalum album, is preferred because it yields a high-quality product.

Indian sandalwood is not the only variety of this tree, however. There is also the Hawaiian sandalwood (also known as Santalum ellipticum), which costs a lot of money, and the Australian sandalwood (also known as Santalum spicatum), which is often used simply because the other varieties are expensive and difficult to obtain; Indian sandalwood is nearly extinct, and the price is astronomical. Santillanes, santyl acetate, and beta santalol make up the important parts of this essential oil, and there are many reasons why every home should have this product.

1It Helps You Sleep

Sandalwood has long been known as a sleep aid, and it can help when someone has chronic insomnia. About ten years ago, a study on rats indicated that beta-santalol and alpha-santalol have an effect on the central nervous system. Simply breathing these in made the rats sleepy and caused their non-REM sleep to last longer than usual, which indicates that this essential oil may help people who can fall asleep but not stay asleep.

When researchers inhibited the rats' sense of smell, they determined that it had no effect on their findings. As a result, they hypothesized that it is the circulatory system that helps the santalols do their job and that they head into the blood by way of respiration. Sleep is vital for many reasons, including living a healthy life.

2It Makes You More Mentally Aware

It seems a little odd that sandalwood oil can help you stay alert, considering that it could help you relax and sleep (as noted in the previous paragraph). Not everything is known about this oil yet, and more research needs to be conducted; however, there was a study that found that breathing in highly concentrated sandalwood oil is mentally and physically energizing. It is important to note that the concentration must be high to achieve this effect, which is what the researchers did in the study.

They determined that the autonomic nervous system was affected as the skin conductance and pulse rates both went up. Skin conductance is when the skin is able to conduct electricity with more efficiency. Researchers also noted that the participants were happier and more focused after breathing in the oil.

3It Works As A Disinfectant

Sandalwood essential oil is often used in both cosmetic products and religious ceremonies because it has disinfectant properties. It is not unusual to find it in fumigants, sprays, incense sticks, and more because its smell discourages small insects and microbes from getting too close. Furthermore, you can combine the oil with lotions, other essential oils, and water and then use it on your skin to keep it from getting infected and helping it to heal.

If you have an internal infection that is causing issues for your intestines, stomach, esophagus, or throat, you can consume sandalwood essential oil, along with milk. Modern medicine often just doesn't work for the kinds of infections noted above. Try using this essential oil instead, and you'll be back on the path to healing before you know it.

4It Can Soothe The Skin

Sandalwood oil does great things for the skin. It can improve the appearance of scars and minimize skin spots. Many years ago, people used to put sandalwood paste on their skin.

This essential oil can truly improve the look and feel of your skin. You'll find it in many creams, lotions, and soaps. If you want your skin to feel better, put on a little sandalwood oil.

5It Is Anti-Inflammatory And Analgesic

One research study indicated that alpha-santalol had analgesic effects on the rats, cutting back on the number of body contortions, squirming, and twisting that occurred when they were given acid. It also helped with the pain. Additionally, it was able to control the serotonin and dopamine levels.

Researchers found that a-santalol was similar to the drug chlorpromazine in that they both achieved the same results. Chlorpromazine alters the brain and is usually given to people with psychosis; however, it can also be given to people who have ADHD or are struggling with anxiety, severe hiccups, vomiting, and nausea. An older study also noted that chlorpromazine and alpha-santalol were alike, which has led to the speculation that certain conditions may benefit from a natural treatment.

6It Has Astringent Properties

While it isn't a powerful effect, sandalwood essential oil can bring about skin, muscle, and gum contractions. In particular, this is helpful for oral health. It can also tighten the skin and make muscles stronger.

Toner is a product that usually does not contain any alcohol and instead utilizes humectants to keep the skin moist and ward off dehydration. It is an essential part of skincare. An astringent, like a toner, is also water-based and can contract the skin.

For many years, people have realized how beneficial sandalwood oil is and included it in their daily life. The Hindu culture, in particular, regards this essential oil with a certain amount of reverence. They make it a part of most of their ceremonies and rituals.

In fact, without sandalwood, many of their customs simply would not be the same. They present it to their gods and goddesses, include it in ceremonial offerings, and even combine it with flowers. It is part of the embalming process as well. Finally, during cremation, it is burned, along with pyre, as part of the ritual.