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Best 15 Ways Ever To Use Sandalwood Oil (You Will Want To Know More About #10!)
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Even if you didn’t know the name, chances are you have already smelled sandalwood. It has a woodsy, sweet, yet exotic scent that is easily recognizable. Sandalwood is perhaps one of the most popular incense sticks sold, and it is as old as time itself.
Most sandalwood oil comes from white sandalwood trees, which are tall, beautiful trees native to Eastern India. Although sandalwood trees used to be plentiful, their population is decreasing, which means the price of sandalwood oil is rising. If you find inexpensive sandalwood oil, it is most likely not real, but a cheaper oil with a synthetic scent. Always be certain that you are buying your oil from a reputable seller.
Sandalwood oil has been used for more than four thousand years, which makes it one of the oldest substances known to man. This oil is highly valued for its calming abilities on the mind, reducing tension and confusion. It’s often used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of sleeping and mental problems.
Let’s take a look at the top 15 ways you can use sandalwood oil to calm the mind, heal the body, and much, much more.
1. Eases Anxiety
Whenever you experience anxiety, place a few drops of sandalwood oil on your palms or on a piece of clean cloth and then breathe in the beautiful scent for 30 second to one minute. Sandalwood oil will trigger endorphins in the brain which should calm you down and ease those feelings of anxiety in a matter of minutes.
2. Improves the Memory
Sandalwood oil stimulates concentration and improves the memory. It keeps your brain feeling cool, calm, collected, and relaxed so it can do its job without any unnecessary strain, anxiety, or stress clogging up the pathways. Put some sandalwood oil in a diffuser or burn some incense, and let your brain do the rest.
3. Expectorant
Sandalwood oil is known for stopping coughs by removing phlegm from the respiratory system, but it is also quite effective when it comes to fighting the viruses that cause colds, flus, and other respiratory illnesses.
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4. Super Hair Moisturizer
If you tend to have brittle or dry hair that never seems to hold onto moisture, no matter how much conditioner you use, sandalwood oil has come to the rescue. Simply put about half dozen drops of sandalwood oil in your favorite conditioner (you can put it in your shampoo as well if you like), and use as you normally would. This oil works just as well as Argan oil, but at a fraction of the cost. Don’t overdo it, however. Adding too much oil will only make your hair greasy, not shiny and lush.
5. Super Soft Skin
If your skin is also dry, you can add two drops of sandalwood oil to one tablespoon of a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, and use that to really moisture your skin. Sandalwood oil will penetrate deep down, relieving dry skin at the source. Don’t be surprised if you find your local day spa using sandalwood oil on your feet to help make them super soft and smell great.
6. Anti-Inflammatory
This oil has super anti-inflammatory agents, so it can relieve all kinds of problems that stem from low grade inflammation in the circulatory or nervous system, or that are caused by digestive problems. Use sandalwood oil to cleanse wounds, insect bites, and relieve fevers.
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7. Disinfectant
Since sandalwood oil has disinfectant compounds, the fragrance keeps small insects and germs at bay, which is why you will see incense sticks, sprays and even evaporators being used to purify and disinfect larger areas.
8. Stops the Hiccups
This is a little-known use for sandalwood oil. If you get the hiccups and find that nothing seems to make them go away, try mixing a bit of sandalwood oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil such as grape seed oil or olive oil, and rub this mixture over your throat and diaphragm to relax the muscles that are spasming and causing the hiccups. Never eat or drink sandalwood oil!
9. Insomnia
Anytime you find you are having trouble sleeping, reach for your bottle of sandalwood oil. Place one or two drops on your fingertips and massage this oil into your forehead and temples. You can apply some to your chest as well to breathe in the calming scent. Remember that this is oil, so it can stain your sheets. Use an old pillowcase, and don’t use too much at one time!
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10. Aphrodisiac
We told — you would want to know more! If your partner just isn’t in the mood for love, mix a few drops of sandalwood oil in carrier oil such as coconut, sweet almond, or jojoba oil, and rub this into the bottom of their feet. You can also massage their back with it to help inspire them. Do this once each night for best results. (But we promise not to tell if you decide to use it more than once a day!)
11. Menstrual Cramps
This method has been used by women for an untold number of years to relive the pain of menstrual cramps. Sandalwood oil is naturally anti-spasmodic, so it will stop the muscle spasms of the abdomen that are causing you pain. Add some sandalwood oil into a tablespoon of carrier oil, such as sweet almond or grape seed oil, and rub this healing oil onto your abdomen and feet. Keep in mind that oils can stain clothing, so be careful when and where you use this.
12. Rashes
If you have contact dermatitis or if you develop a rash from plants or allergies, sandalwood oil can downplay some of the effects of most rashes such as itching, soreness, swelling, and hives. Mix sandalwood oil with a good carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Rub this oil mixture into the affected areas at least three times each day. Wear a long-sleeved shirt or pants to help keep the skin moisturized.
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13. Stops Acne
Sandalwood oil is antiseptic and it can kill the germs that cause acne. Mix one drop of sandalwood essential oil into whatever skin care products you use to wash or moisturize your face. This works best for those with dry skin. If you already have oily skin, try dabbing some sandalwood oil directly on the zit itself to help it dry up and heal quickly.
14. Improves Meditation
If you find you are having a difficult time blocking out the world, burn some sandalwood incense, put a few drops of sandalwood oil in a diffuser, or just rub a drop or two onto your chest to help you focus more easily. Concentrate on the beautiful, relaxing scent of sandalwood, and you will get in the zone much easier.
SEE ALSO: Summertime Favorites: Essential Oils You Can’t Do Without!
15. Deodorant
Sandalwood oil makes a terrific all-over body deodorant. Simply place a dozen or so drops in your bath for all over germ-killing power and a sweet smell that lasts all day long.
Side Effects
Although most people have no problem with sandalwood oil, there have been a few cases of sandalwood oil causing sensitivity to sunlight. There have also been a few cases of a known allergy or hypersensitivity to sandalwood. Other than that, there are no known or reported side effects. Sandalwood oil is toxic to cats, so be sure to keep it out of Fluffy’s paws.
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