What are the benefits of Sandalwood essential oil?
What is it and what are the benefits of sandalwood essential oil
Sandalwood, Santalum album, is an essential oil steam distilled from the heart wood of the Sandalwood tree. It is a small evergreen tree that is semi-parasitic, meaning it obtains some of its nutrients from other plants for its growth. Its woody, grounding aroma is familiar, with hints of mellow sweetness and softness. A classic base note, aromatically, a little goes a long way. The essential oil has a slight yellow tinge and is quite viscous. The known health benefits of Sandalwood essential oil include:
- Sedative
- Anti-depressant
- Emotionally stabilising
- Respiratory Tonic
- Antiseptic
Will Sandalwood help me sleep?
Sandalwood has a positive effect on ‘frayed nerves’, meaning that it is really helpful when you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, which can lead to sleep troubles. Its intensely woody aroma is calming and grounding, helping to calm fraught emotions and instil a sense of peace and rest. To support a good night’s sleep, you can use Sandalwood in your Aroma Spa Diffuser.
Add the following drops to your diffuser approx. 30 mins before bedtime. Close the door to your bedroom to allow the space to fill with the blend. Then turn your diffuser off as you turn out the lights.
2 drops of Sandalwood Santalum album
4 drops of Bergamot Citrus bergamia
2 drops of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
Is Sandalwood good for skin care?
Sandalwood is a wonderful essential oil for the skin, and it can be used to soothe and moisturise. It is considered balancing for the sebum (oil secreted by your skin), so it is good for all skin types. It has also been shown to soothe Eczema and inflamed or itchy skin.
For a wonderful, indulgent face massage blend, add the following essential oils to your favourite blending/base oil. I recommend Jojoba oil for skin care.
To 20ml of Jojoba oil add:
2 drops of Sandalwood Santalum album
1 drop of Neroli Citrus aurantium
1 drop of Frankincense Boswellia carterii
Massage into your skin after your usual cleansing routine to lock in moisture. This amount should last for approx. 3-4 applications.
Can Sandalwood support the respiratory system?
Like most of the tree essential oils, a benefit of Sandalwood essential oil is that has the ability to support the breath and soothe congested conditions like coughs. Its natural antiseptic qualities are useful for coughs and sore throats.
Best used in a chest rub, add the following drops to a blending oil of your choice and apply to the chest and upper back to ease a cough.
To 20ml of blending oil, add the following drops:
4 drops of Sandalwood Santalum album
2 drops of Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus
4 drops of Cedarwood Atlas Cedrus atlanticus
I've heard that Sandalwood is an aphrodisiac, is that true?
Sandalwood’s sensual aroma and capability to calm emotions have ensured its notoriety as a sensual essential oil.
Best used in a diffuser, add the following drops to your Aroma Spa for a sensual, relaxing aroma.
3 drops of Sandalwood Santalum album
2 drops of Patchouli Pogostemon cablin
3 drops of Mandarin Citrus reticulata
What does Sandalwood essential oil blend well with?
Sandalwood blends well with oils such as Rose Absolute, Neroli, Cedarwood, Black Pepper, Sweet Orange, and other Citrus essential oils. It is a versatile essential oil and will bring a deeply relaxing aroma to a blend.
What is the history of Sandalwood?
Sandalwood essential oil is considered a truly spiritual oil. Its name, taken from the Sanskrit word Chandana, meaning ‘wood for burning incense’, has been used in religious ceremonies by many civilisations across the globe for well over 4000 years. It's also been used in Traditional Chinese, Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine as a ‘cooling’ agent for states of inflammation and congestion and to promote sedation.
Sandalwood originally grew in India, but due to massive demand, the tree was a victim of overharvesting and poaching, almost to the point of extinction. Santalum album is now grown in Australia and Indonesia. At Tisserand, we are committed to sourcing our essential oils from sustainable sources. Our Sandalwood is from Australia, where the trees are well protected and can grow in an environment that protects the tree and its future.
We always love to hear about how you're using your essential oils! You can leave a comment below or tag Tisserand Aromatherapy on social media.
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram
