In #aromatherapy , inhaling the aroma of sandalwood oil or absorbing it through the skin is thought to
transmit messages to parts of the brain involved in controlling emotions, known as the limbic system. These messages are believed to affect both an emotional and physiological response. The stimulatory effects are believed to enhance mental functioning. The compound associated with these physiological effects is know as alpha-santalol.

Sandalwood oil has a Rich, woody & earthy undernotes. The oil is extracted from the wooden chips of the mature tree. Sandalwood and its oil are prized in the field of alternative medicine. It’s traditionally used to treat a variety of conditions.

A study about sandalwood oil published in #plantamedica  says “when inhaled or applied to the skin, it triggers a Mild increase in blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, breathing rate, eye-blink rate, pulse rate & skin temperature.

Benefits

For centuries, Sandalwood oil has been a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, the ancient medicine of India. It’s also been used in traditional Chinese medicine. To sum up the benefits of Sandalwood according to these school of thought were

• Relieving common cold
• Easing urinary tract infections
• Effective for liver and gallbladder problems
• Aid in digestive problems
• Releases muscle problems & few more.

There were few studies conducted on overall benefits of Sandalwood and its oil:

• increase in alertness
• managing anxiety
• aid in wound healing
• guard against skin cancer
• fights bacteria

Uses

Sandalwood oil can be used by putting few drops:

• lighting a essential oil infused beeswax candles
• in your lotion
• in small water vessel & heat it to scent your home
• evaporate it using an essential oil infuser
• add it to your bath water

Warning

Sandalwood oil is considered safe when used for aromatherapy and occasional topical use.

With that being said, should never be applied to the skin to its full strength. Doing so will lead to skin rash, irritation and even chemical burns. Prolonged exposure to the fragrance can also lead to increase in the blood pressure and heart rate. So always diluted application and limited exposure which is just enough – “Never overdo anything or anyone.”

Sandalwood oil should never be consumed. Even so called ‘food-grade’ labelled ones are unsafe. If ingested, it will cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, blood in urine and even kidney damage.

Sandalwood oil should never be used by:

• children
• pregnant woman
• nursing woman

Sandalwood interaction with other drugs is unknown, but a very little of current medical literature suggests that it does. So please use an expert advice before using it as a therapy for you or your loved ones. However, a couple of experiences in a month would not harm you in either way.