Sandalwood oil: application and properties

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

Sandalwood oil is an essential fluid secreted by two types of sandalwood trunks: white and East Indian. The plant culture represents the generic group Santal, the Santal family. The native lands of a valuable plant are the south and east of India, a small territory of the Malaysian archipelago.

An evergreen plant does not exceed 10 meters in height, the trunk diameter is more than 1 m. In recent years, it has been intensively felled, so sandalwood can be called an endangered species.

Get essential oil is possible only from a thirty-year-old tree. That same valuable fluid is contained in the trunk and roots, so they use the steam distillation method to extract it.

The consistency of Indian oil is very thick, viscous. Hue - light golden, sometimes dark. The highest quality product contains about 90% santanol (soluble alcohol). It does not dissolve in water, and only 50% in glycerin. By the way, this particular component provides a characteristic aroma.

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

Such a valuable product was widely distributed among the inhabitants of India, Egypt and China. Thanks to its useful qualities, it was started to be used in such fields as medicine, cosmetology, perfumery, as well as for meditations, aromatherapy, and religious rites. Healing and anti-inflammatory actions provided him with the glory of an effective skin care product.

The benefits of sandalwood are a combination of three elements:

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

The main beneficial properties of sandalwood oil:

• antiseptic and bactericidal actions;
• beneficial effect on the respiratory organs;

• improves the digestive system;
• helps get rid of skin infections;
• used as a folk remedy for gonorrhea;
• It helps to transfer various colds, SARS, bronchitis, tonsillitis, rhinitis;

• demonstrates a diuretic, decongestant effect;
• helps to 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;
• fights premature aging, smoothing out fine wrinkles and folds;
• It is an effective tool for the care of curls;
• makes massage more effective and soft;
• improves the taste of some drinks;
• provides a long moisturizing effect on the skin, softens the lips, heals small cracks and wounds.

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

As for the allergic reaction, the risk of its occurrence from this oil is minimal. Although before starting cosmetic procedures, still test a couple of drops on your hand. Remember, you cannot 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 medicines is based on this substance. It has become 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 provides benefits, while being completely harmless to human health. Of course, the exception is only individual intolerance to the product.

Home recipes with it are no less effective than goods purchased at the store. Sandalwood oil is safely added to daily care products - creams, mousses, foams, in addition, they make nail baths, masks, and hair rinses with it.

The effect of oil on the skin and hair:

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

You can provide full-fledged 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. A small dose of other oils is added to them.

Cosmetology experts advise paying attention to the product for those who suffer from skin problems that worsen the aesthetic appearance of the face - acne, acne, black spots, oily, problematic skin type. In addition, with its help, you can calm sensitive skin, for example, from a sudden irritation or itching.

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

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

An effective anti-aging agent 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. It is applied directly to the face, avoiding the area around the eyes, for 15 minutes. After a period of time, remove the excess with a cotton swab dipped in pink water.

The same mixture is suitable for treating acne. It will be correct to precisely apply pure ether with a cotton swab on skin lesions. The procedure is recommended 2 times a day.

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

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

Mature skin is especially in need of nutrients. Therefore, to approach the choice of cosmetics for her should be as thorough 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 extracts of geranium, evening primrose, lime. The applied mixture is valid for 20 minutes, then washed off with warm water. Remember that before each procedure, it is necessary to thoroughly cleanse the skin of the face, removing all makeup.

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

Olive oil mixed with sandalwood will help to make soft, tender skin. Gently apply the oil mixture to your face, patting it lightly with your fingertips. Action time - 10 minutes. At the end of the procedure, use cosmetic wipes to remove the rest of the mixture. By the way, sour cream, cream, banana or pumpkin pulp can replace the plant component.

You can get an instant moisturizing effect for dry skin with a chicken yolk and a few drops of oil. You need to keep such a mask for about 10 minutes, after which it is washed off with water.

For oily skin, a recipe from oils - almond (1 tbsp.) + Sandalwood (2-3 drops) is suitable. Next, you need to make a compress and leave it for 15 minutes. Instead of rinsing, simply pat your face with a napkin.

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

There is a good way to provide shine, softness and silkiness to your hair - moisten the comb or comb with oil. Daily aroma combing will significantly improve your curls.

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

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

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

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

Recently, aromatherapy has become very popular. Surprisingly, such sessions were held 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, eliminating feelings of anxiety and fear. Inhalation of aromatic vapors strengthens the body, after which a person is easier to tolerate weather changes, magnetic storms, jumps in atmospheric pressure. In addition, aromatherapy with sandalwood extract stimulates the sexual attraction of two partners.

Sandalwood oil is often used in massage sessions. 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, and nervous relaxation sets in. It is very simple to prepare the massage mixture - mix 5 drops of sandalwood oil with any component you like - honey, milk, cream or a massage base. The treatment room is filled with a pleasant, calming aroma, 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. Emollient and nourishing actions are especially noted, which are difficult to achieve even with the help of professional cosmetics.

Sandalwood oil has become very popular during meditation. 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 cosmetic and massage procedures, it is they that maximize the healing properties of sandalwood extract.

Remember, you should purchase goods in specialized stores that sell ecological and natural cosmetics. In addition, a license for this product must be available, and the country of manufacture is indicated on the bottle. Only high-quality essential oil will preserve your beauty, youth and health.

About what properties sandalwood oil has and its use for skin and hair, see the next video.