2024 Author: Brian Parson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:02
In exotic places such as India, Sri Lanka, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands grows an interesting tree species - sandalwood. From this tropical evergreen plant is extracted oil with many benefits for health and good appearance.
Ayurveda, as well as folk medicine in many parts of the world have used it for centuries because it has long proven its beneficial properties. It is interesting to understand what the raw material is, how it is processed to obtain the valuable oil, what it is used for and where.
What is sandalwood known for from ancient times to the present day?
Sandalwood bears the Latin name Santalum Album, and its Sanskrit name is Chandana. It is a parasitic plant that feeds on the roots of neighboring trees. It grows in the southern regions of India - Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu. It rises to 9 meters in height and reaches its maturity for a long period of time, from 30 to 60 years. When the tree is already 15-20 years old, the precious oil begins to concentrate in the core of the trunk and the more the tree grows, the more saturated its aroma becomes and the wood turns yellow. At the age of 60, sandalwood has the highest qualities.
Sandalwood is famous of man from ancient times. Its use began 4,000 years ago. From India to Egypt, Greece and Rome carried the valuable wood by caravans. Temples were made with wood, and the oil was used in embalming rituals.
In meditation sandalwood oil has a very calming effect on the mind and that is why the practice of yoga recommends it as a unifying element for the senses. They burned in Buddhist temples sandalwood essential oil along with cloves and agar to encourage meditation.
In the past it was used for the production of furniture, but this has greatly reduced the number of trees and therefore this practice has ceased. It is now only used to extract sandalwood oil.
How is sandalwood essential oil obtained and what are its properties?
Sandalwood essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the wood from the heart of the carcass with a height of 10 meters. Yields are about 4-6. 5 percent. The core of the wood is collected, ground to a powder and then obtained by distillation the famous sandalwood oil. The resulting flower extract is pale yellow or golden, and its aroma is exotic - sweet, warm and musky.
The chemical composition includes the following main components: santalol, santyl acetate and santalene.
The oil is non-toxic, irritating and suitable for use by all. The anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative and tonic properties are the main therapeutic advantages of this oil.
Properties and application of sandalwood oil for medicinal purposes
Sandalwood oil has a relaxing, harmonizing and calming effect that removes tension and confusion. Recommended for depression, fear and stress, nervous tension and chronic diseases. Anxiety is also soothed with the help of this oil.
Suitable for the treatment of lung infections, relieves sore throat. Recommended for asthma attacks, cystitis, bronchitis, bladder problems.
Itchy skin can also be relieved with this oil. It has an astringent and detoxifying effect. Antiseptic properties - as an antimicrobial agent this oil is very good. It is especially valuable that it can be applied both externally and internally. Equally effective in accelerating the healing of external wounds, as well as ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract. It inhibits the growth of bacteria and reduces purulent breakouts on the skin.
Anti-inflammatory properties - substances in its composition with anti-inflammatory properties affect the brain, digestive and nervous systems, relieve infections from insect bites or fever.
Antispasmodic properties - sandalwood extract has the property to regulate the nervous system and relieve muscle spasms. Helps with cramps, menstrual complaints and cough cramps. Sandalwood oil tightens the gums and stops the growth of bacteria and infections. It is a powerful stimulus for healing processes in the skin.
One of the most useful healthy properties of sandalwood oil is that it lowers blood pressure. It is recommended both for people suffering from hypertension and as a prevention of heart problems.
Applications of sandalwood oil in Ayurveda
Nourishing action for hair and skin - it is used in the treatment of skin problems caused by Vata imbalance, causing dryness, flaking of the skin, wrinkles, cracking and others. Ayurveda healers also use it when a Pita imbalance is created. It manifests itself in problems such as acne, oily skin, pimples, blackheads and more. Sandalwood in cleansing lotions restores damaged cells, moisturizes the skin and restores an even complexion.
It is also used in beauty procedures, where sandalwood powder is mixed with turmeric. After adding the pink kind, a paste is obtained. It is applied as a mask to clean the skin.
Sandalwood oil is effective in hair problems such as split ends of the hair when a cotton wool imbalance is created. It is also used in the fight against dandruff.
The scent of sandalwood is so enchanting and at the same time energizing that it unlocks the cellular memory of past events, enhances concentration and connects man with his inner self. Therefore, it is used in meditation.
Sandalwood paste and oil are a well-known aphrodisiac with a strong effect on libido in both men and women. Due to its relaxing properties, it is used in Ayurvedic procedures such as abhianga. This is the classic Ayurvedic massage, in which a few drops of sandalwood oil are added to the base oil. In marma therapy, certain points of the head are massaged with sandalwood oil.
Ayurveda recommends sandalwood oil as a daily relaxant. Just 1-2 drops of it added to the diffuser will turn it into a daily dose to relieve headaches and fatigue.
Some more facts about sandalwood and its oil
Once oil is obtained from the core of the sandalwood, the outer wood remains. It is used for woodcarving, for the production of decorative items - combs, boxes, beads and more.
In Indian mythology, sandalwood has a central place. The goddess Lakshmi inhabited a sandalwood tree, and the god Indra took it to the Garden of Eden to carry its enchanting scent.
Sandalwood paste is made by mixing powdered sandalwood. It is used not only for medical and cosmetic purposes, but also in religious rituals. The worshipers of Lord Shiva put a mark on their foreheads from the sandalwood paste to symbolize their faith in it.
The sandalwood is protected by the Indian government as an endangered species. This makes its products even more valuable.
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