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Sandalwood essential oil benefits might make you want to use it. Many countries export this oil as a valuable commodity, and it is treasured for its fragrance and therapeutic properties (1).
You can find different types of sandalwood. East Indian sandalwood oil obtained from Santalum album has long been used to treat many health problems (2). It has potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. It may also reduce early signs of aging and lower blood sugar levels.
Sandalwood oil is used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines to address various conditions. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has classified it as a natural flavoring agent, and in Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has classified it as a medicine (1).
This article discusses the benefits of sandalwood essential oil, recommended dosage, how to use it, and risks. Scroll down.
In This Article
What Are The Medicinal Properties Of Sandalwood Essential Oil?
Sandalwood essential oil is (2), (3):
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Antihyperglycemici XA substance or agent that reduces glucose levels in the blood to normal and helps treat diabetes.
- Antioxidant
- Antineoplastic
- Antiviral
- Anti-tanning
- Anti-aging
- Skin softening
- Anti-acne
- A Prickly heat solution
- Chemopreventive
What Are The Benefits Of Sandalwood Essential Oil?
1. May Improve Complexion
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Alpha-santalol, another major constituent of sandalwood oil, inhibits tyrosinase and cholinesterase (enzymes that catalyze the production of melanin pigments). Due to this activity, the oil is an active ingredient in several skincare products (4).
Sandalwood essential oil is also enriched with sesquiterpenoids (molecules that deliver oxygen molecules to cells), which act as coolants and relaxants (4).
Some believe sandalwood oil may also help remove dark spots, although there is no research to support this.
Related: 26 Simple And Quick Home Remedies For Fair Skin
2. May Treat Acne
Sandalwood essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-proliferativei XA substance that prevents malignant cell growth in surrounding tissues to protect the body from further damage. properties. Hence, it can be a promising treatment for acne and other skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, warts, etc. (1).
Adolescents and adult subjects with moderate facial acne who used sandalwood oil saw an improvement in their symptoms without any side effects (1).
Data from various studies state that sandalwood oil is well tolerated and safe. The oil is now being manufactured in compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practices (1).
Related: 10 Best Ayurvedic Remedies To Reduce Acne At Home
3. May Stimulate Hair Growth
Sandalwood oil was found to reduce the number of mast cells in mice studies. These cells are distributed around the hair follicles and could be responsible for shortening the hair growth stage (5). The oil could also promote hair growth in mice (5).
Researchers from the University of Manchester found that a sandalwood odorant could stimulate a certain receptor (called OR2AT4) in the body, which may prolong hair growth (6). More studies are needed to understand how well this odorant promotes hair growth in humans.
4. May Promote Sleep
Santalol, an active component of the oil, helps reduce the total waking time and increases the total non-rapid eye movement (NREM) phase of sleep (7).
Santalol is absorbed into the blood via the respiratory mucosa and is hence effective in promoting sleep. The essential oil can help individuals who have trouble falling asleep (7).
5. May Reduce Anxiety
Aromatherapy using sandalwood oil is effective in reducing anxiety. In studies, sandalwood oil (along with other oils) could reduce anxiety in women who were undergoing breast biopsies and in palliative care patients (8), (9).
Though the results seemed to support the idea that sandalwood oil may reduce anxiety, more large-scale studies are warranted (9).
6. May Fight Inflammation
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Sandalwood oil inhibits oxidative enzymes and protects against oxidative stress. As per research, the oil suppresses the production of several pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines (compounds produced during inflammation) (1).
7. May Treat Urinary Tract Infections
Sandalwood oil also possesses antipyretici XA drug used to help reduce fever or high body temperature and pain resulting from it. It does not affect the normal body temperature. , antiseptic, and diuretic properties and can be effective in treating diseases of the urinary tract (10).
It is also believed that sandalwood oil may have a disinfecting action that treats infections of the urinary tract. However, more research is warranted here.
Related: 15 Effective Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
8. Could Act As An Antiseptic Agent
Sandalwood oil has antiseptic properties. It could be effective in the treatment of bronchitis, cystitis, and dysuria (10).
As it is a potent antiseptic and astringent, it may be used to treat inflammatory skin disorders like psoriasis (11).
9. May Boost Memory
Sandalwood essential oil can be used to promote mental clarity and boost memory (12).
A study conducted using mouse models has demonstrated significant improvement in learning and memory following the use of the essential oil. This was especially true during the growth spurt period (13).
10. May Control Blood Pressure Levels
In a study, different types of sandalwood essential oils could significantly reduce systolic blood pressure. The oil, along with other essential oils, could help in the recovery from stress (14).
Some research shows that a specific type of sandalwood powder contains mildly sedative ganglionic blockers or hypotensive agents that may help lower blood pressure (12).
11. Could Reduce Stress
Aromatherapy using essential oils has been effective in reducing stress.
Researchers investigating the physiological effects of sandalwood essential oil on human beings found that the oil could alleviate the physiological reactions to stress. The oil was also found to ease recovery after being exposed to stress (14).
12. May Help Relieve Menopause Symptoms
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Essential oils have specific properties that ease and balance menopausal symptoms. Sandalwood oil contains sesquiterpenols that calm your nervous system down – and this might help ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes (15).
In clinical studies, the oil has also been found to offer relaxing properties (15).
13. May Reduce Body Odor
There is little research here. Some reports suggest that the delightful aroma of sandalwood powder may help rid of body odor that could come from excessive sweating (3).
The oil may also alleviate unpleasant body odor, though research is limited. It is valued highly for its fragrant heartwood and is used in perfumes for its excellent fixative properties (3).
Insufficient Evidence For
Related: 18 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Body Odor And Tips To Follow
14. May Help Relieve Stomach Issues
Sandalwood essential oil is believed to have been used in Chinese medicine to treat stomach pain and vomiting. It is thought that the antiviral and antibacterial activities of the oil help fight against Helicobacter pylori (the leading cause of stomach ulcers).
15. May Boost Immunity
Aromatherapy with essential oils like that of sandalwood is thought to boost your immunity by prompting your body to heal itself. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the oil promotes white blood cell production, fights microorganisms, and also improves immune responses in your body. However, more research is warranted in this aspect.
Stylecraze TriviaAncient Egyptian healers relied on sandalwood to relieve diarrhea, headaches, and gout.
The benefits are amazing, aren’t they? Sandalwood essential oil has other interesting uses too. Check them out in the following section.
What Are The Other Known Uses Of Sandalwood Essential Oil?
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- In Massaging
Sandalwood oil has been extensively used in aromatherapy and Ayurvedic massages. The oil has been reported to reduce anxiety in patients under palliative care who were treated with aromatherapy massages (9). Massaging with sandalwood essential oil also makes your skin very soft (3).
- In Cosmetics
The cosmetic use of sandalwood essential oil has been described in ancient literature. It has been used to make soaps, perfumes, and aromatherapy products. Its wide range of medicinal properties makes sandalwood essential oil one of the best and most reliable ingredients in cosmetics and beauty products (3).
- In Ayurveda
Sandalwood oil has been used in Ayurvedic massages and medicines to treat various ailments, such as diarrhea, intrinsic hemorrhage bleeding piles, vomiting, poisoning, hiccoughs, urticariai XAn itchy skin rash caused by food, medicines, or other allergic irritants. It is also known as hives. , eye infections, and the inflammation of umbilicus (12).
- In Bath
Sandalwood oil has maintained the original fragrance and properties of soaps intact. The essential oil provides smoothening, hydrating, anti-aging, and moisturizing effects. It also has excellent cleansing, toning, and astringent properties, which make it a prominent ingredient in soaps and creams (3).
- Ingestion
Sandalwood essential oil has been long used in food as a flavoring agent. It has no reported adverse effects and is considered safe (16).
- In Perfumes
Sandalwood essential oil has a sweet, powerful, and long-lasting fragrance (12). Due to its excellent fixative properties, sandalwood oil has been used to make high-class perfumes (3).
- In Aromatherapy
Sandalwood essential oil has been widely used as an aromatherapy agent. Its main component is alpha-santalol, whose antimicrobial properties make it an ideal ingredient in aromatherapy products (3).
StyleCraze SaysSeveral woody or floral scents go well with sandalwood, including violet, rose, and clove.
The uses of the essential oil are extensive. But we recommend you check the next section as well. The oil might show some adverse effects in some individuals, though they aren’t serious.
What Are The Side Effects Of Sandalwood Essential Oil?
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A few possible side effects of the oil could be dermatitis and itching. In animal studies, the oil was also found to be irritating to the skin (17).
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the oil may also cause gastrointestinal distress, although this has not been proven.
Certain oils used in aromatherapy, in general, were also found to be likely to cause seizures, coma, and CNS depression in animals (18). If sandalwood oil would have the same effects is yet to be studied.
Please consult your doctor if you are susceptible to any of these conditions.
What Is The Recommended Dosage Of Sandalwood Oil?
Though the ideal dosage of the oil is not proven yet, some believe taking 1 to 1.5 grams of the oil every day (for a maximum period of six weeks) can help treat urological problems.
As a flavoring ingredient, its recommended dosage is 0.0074 mg of the oil per 1 kg (16).
There is no information on potential drug interactions with the use of this oil.
Infographic: Sandalwood Oil Preparation And Uses
Sandalwood oil is not only preferred for its aroma but also for its benefits. It is one of the important ingredients used in skin and hair care practices for its positive effects. If used as directed, it can also promote overall health.
The following infographic provides information about the preparation and uses of sandalwood oil.
Sandalwood oil benefits are numerous. It has anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Sandalwood oil helps manage acne, reduces body odor, promotes sleep, boosts immunity, and relieves stress. It also stimulates hair growth, reduces anxiety, helps combat inflammation, and helps treat urinary tract infections. Sandalwood oil is majorly used in aromatherapy and cosmetics. However, it may trigger dermatitis and itching in some. Hence, caution is advised. But if you are not allergic to sandalwood oil, you can include it in your beauty regimen to reap its benefits.
