Sandalwood oil: application and properties

More than a thousand years ago, people began to extract valuable and nutritious skin oil from sandalwood. Today, sandalwood extract is used in the production of luxury cosmetics, hair care products. In addition, he found application in medicine, where healing, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory effects are manifested. To this day, sandalwood oil remains the leader among other natural plant extracts.

Sandalwood oil is an essential fluid secreted by the trunks of sandalwood trees of two types: white and East Indian. Plant culture is the genus Santal, the sandal family. The native land of a valuable plant is the south and east of India, a small territory of the Malaysian archipelago.

The evergreen plant does not exceed 10 meters in height, the trunk diameter is more than 1 m. In recent years it has been subjected to intensive cutting, therefore sandalwood can be called an endangered species.

It is possible to receive essential oil only from a thirty-year tree. The most valuable liquid is contained in the stem and roots, so to extract it resorted to the method of steam distillation.

The texture of Indian oil is very thick, viscous. The shade is light golden, sometimes dark. The product of the highest quality contains about 90% of Santanol (soluble alcohol). It does not dissolve in water, and in glycerol only by 50%. By the way, this component provides a distinctive flavor.

In addition to the Indian plant species, the sandalwood breed includes trees growing in Australia, Africa and America. The local industry is also actively engaged in the extraction of essential oil, which, however, slightly different chemical composition and useful qualities.

Such a valuable product was widely spread among the inhabitants of India, Egypt and China. Due to its beneficial qualities, it began to be used in such fields as medicine, cosmetology, perfumery, as well as for conducting meditations, aromatherapy, religious rites. Healing and anti-inflammatory effects provided him with the fame of an effective skin care product.

The benefits of sandalwood are a combination of three elements:

• santalic acid;
• pinene (light soluble component, participant in the process of biosynthesis);
• Santalol (active substance occupying 90% of the volume).

The main beneficial properties of sandalwood oil:

• antiseptic and bactericidal action;
• has a beneficial effect on the respiratory organs;

• improves the digestive system;
• helps get rid of skin infections;
• used as a folk remedy for gonorrhea;
• helps easier to move various colds, ARVI, bronchitis, sore throat, rhinitis;

• shows a diuretic, anti-edema effect;
• helps cure cystitis, vaginitis;
• eliminates pain, discomfort caused by PMS, has a calming effect on the female body during menopause;
• improves male potency, and also restores female sexuality;
• helps with insect bites, eliminating pain, swelling, irritation and itching;

• lowers blood pressure;
• stimulates the brain, improving concentration, vision, memory;
• combats premature aging, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles;
• It is an effective tool for the care of curls;
• makes the massage more efficient and soft;
• improves the taste of some drinks;
• provides a long-lasting moisturizing effect on the skin, softens lips, heals minor cracks and wounds.

Doctors do not recommend to use essential oil inside women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as children under the age of 13 years. In fact, the sandalwood extract is not a dangerous liquid for human health, but before taking medications based on it, you should consult with your doctor.

As for the allergic reaction, the risk of its appearance from this oil is minimal. Although before the start of cosmetic procedures still test a few drops on your hand. Remember, you can not use pure oil - be sure to dilute it with other natural ingredients.

For several centuries, essential oil has been a valuable source of beauty and health. Today, not only the production of medical drugs is based on this substance. It became the main component in the production of perfumes and cosmetics. In addition, it is worth noting the complete absence of contraindications to its reception. The tool is beneficial, while being absolutely harmless to human health. Of course, the only exception is the individual intolerance of the product.

Homemade recipes with him are no less effective than the goods purchased in the store. Sandalwood oil is boldly added to daily care products - creams, mousses, foams, in addition, nail baths, masks, hair rinses are made with it.

Effect of oil on the skin and hair:

• elimination of early wilting;
• smoothing wrinkles, folds;
• nutrition, hydration;
• lifting effect;
• the return of a healthy tone;
• dandruff treatment;
• protection against hair loss;
• strengthening the hair follicles;
• relieving irritation;
• Shine and shine.

You can provide complete skin care by adding a few drops of oily liquid to your favorite cosmetics. For example, 4 drops is enough to enhance the effect of any day / night cream, masks, tonics, lotions. They also add a small dose of other oils.

Specialists in the field of cosmetology advise to pay attention to the product to those who suffer from skin problems that worsen the aesthetic appearance of the face - acne, acne, black spots, oily, problem skin type. In addition, it can be used to soothe sensitive skin, for example, from a sudden irritation or itching.

Due to the regenerating effect, it is able to smooth out even the earliest wrinkles around the eyes - “crow's feet”, to remove the hated bruises, bags, swelling. Regular use of sandalwood oil can increase the elasticity, density, elasticity of the skin.

An important feature of this tool is the ability to whiten. A great helper will be for owners of dry skin, as it provides instant and long-lasting hydration, nutrition. The combination of an extract of sandalwood and avocado (drop by drop each) will turn into a wonderful lightweight tonic for sensitive skin types.

An effective anti-aging remedy will be a mask, the recipe of which includes oils: Art. a spoon of jojoba + 2 drops of incense + the same amount of vetiver + a drop of sandalwood. Apply directly to face, avoiding eye area, for 15 minutes. After the time with a cotton pad moistened in pink water, remove the excess.

The same mixture is suitable for the treatment of acne. It will be correct to spot clean air with a cotton swab on skin lesions. It is recommended to carry out the procedure 2 times a day.

The composition of 2 drops of neroli oil + sandalwood oil will help to get rid of the wrinkled mesh around the eyes (instead of neroli, you can use limet or rose extract).

You can drink lips and improve the appearance of the eyelids by combining 10 ml of jojoba base oil (or avocado) with the same amount of sandalwood.To prevent dryness and cracks on the lips, apply the mixture daily. As a preventive measure, 2 times a week.

Mature skin is particularly in need of nutrients. Therefore, the choice of cosmetics for it should be as carefully as possible. In addition to your favorite creams and serums, experts recommend preparing the following mask: mix sandalwood oil with a tablespoon of jojoba oil, a drop of geranium extracts, evening primrose, limetta. The applied mixture is effective for 20 minutes, then rinsed with warm water. Remember that before each procedure, you must thoroughly cleanse the skin of the face, removing all makeup.

A clean product can make bathing more relaxing. To do this, add to it a little milk and honey. Pour the mixture into the heated water. It is recommended to lie in such a bath for about 15 minutes.

Olive oil mixed with sandalwood will help to make a soft, delicate skin. Apply the oil mixture gently on the face, lightly tapping with your fingertips. Action time - 10 minutes. At the end of the procedure, use cosmetic wipes to remove residual mixture. By the way, sour cream, cream, banana or pumpkin pulp can replace the vegetable component.

Get instant moisturizing effect for dry skin type, you can use chicken yolk and a few drops of oil. It is necessary to hold such a mask for about 10 minutes, after it is washed off with water.

Oily skin will suit the recipe from oils - almond (1 tbsp.) + Sandalwood (2-3 drops). Next you need to make a compress and leave it for 15 minutes. Instead of rinsing, just blot your face with a napkin.

Strengthening the roots, improving the condition of the curls, as well as getting rid of various diseases of the scalp will help add valuable liquid to the purchased shampoos, balms. It will be especially useful for those who suffer from severe hair loss, split ends.

There is a good way to make your hair shine, soft and silky - moisten a comb or comb with oil. Daily aromatherapy will significantly improve your curls.

Try adding a couple of drops of sandalwood extract to the water and rinse your head after each wash with the resulting composition - the result will pleasantly surprise you.

To cope with the dry, lifeless strands will help nourishing masks based on sandalwood extract, to which is added burdock, olive or castor oil. This composition should be rubbed into the roots, evenly distributing the strands. After that, wrap your head with cling film and then with a warm towel to create a greenhouse effect. After 45 minutes, rinse with shampoo.

If you are allergic to the used component, be careful. Beauticians recommend the use of homemade masks in the fall. This is explained by the fact that in summer the essential oil is very heavy hair.

The beneficial effect of the extract is on the condition of the nails, namely the cuticle. Sandal baths and daily rubbing means significantly strengthen the nail plate and soften the skin around it.

Recently aromatherapy has become very popular. Surprisingly, such sessions were conducted in ancient times. Sandalwood oil is especially loved by yogis who use it for meditation. This natural aphrodisiac perfectly regulates the emotional state, relieves stress and tension. Such incense improves sleep, relieving anxiety and fear. Inhalation of aromatic vapors strengthens the body, after which a person can more easily tolerate weather changes, magnetic storms, and jumps in atmospheric pressure. In addition, sandalwood aromatherapy stimulates the sexual attraction of two partners.

Sandalwood oil is often used for massages. Its excellent properties give the skin a healthy and natural look, strengthening and nourishing it from the inside. In addition, small blood vessels become stronger, there comes a nervous relaxation.It is very simple to prepare a massage mixture - mix 5 drops of sandalwood oil with any component you like - honey, milk, cream or a massage base. The treatment room will be filled with a pleasant, soothing scent, and you will feel complete relaxation of the body.

Today, a large number of people prefer natural oils. This applies to both daily and anti-aging facial, hair and body care. Especially marked mitigating and nourishing actions that are difficult to achieve even with the help of professional cosmetics.

Sandalwood oil has become very popular during meditations. Judging by the reviews, filling the room with a specific aroma provides complete relaxation and immersion in yourself.

By the way, a natural product is quite expensive - about 1600 rubles will have to be paid for a bottle of 5 milliliters, but this price is quite reasonable. As for cosmetology and massage procedures, they are the ones that maximize the healing properties of sandalwood extract.

Remember, purchase goods should be in specialized stores, which sells ecological and natural cosmetics. In addition, there must be a license for this tool, and the country of origin is indicated on the bottle. Only high-quality essential oil will retain your beauty, youth and health.

For information about the properties of sandalwood oil and its use for skin and hair, see the following video.