Sandalwood essential oil is extracted from sandalwood trees typically between 40 and 80 years old through a process called steam distillation. Older trees produce richer oil with a stronger fragrance, with "royal trees" that are closer to 80 years old, known to produce the purest and best quality essential oil.
While Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) is considered the highest quality, it is becoming rare and insanely expensive due to over-harvesting. Other types include the equally expensive Hawaiian sandalwood (S. ellipticum), and Australian sandalwood (S. spicatum). While Australian sandalwood is commercially used, it is not as highly regarded for its benefits.
The main components that give sandalwood oil its unique properties are alpha- and beta-santalol, santalenes and santyl acetate. Here are some of the benefits that come with sandalwood essential oil, the "liquid gold" from royal trees.
Anti-inflammatory
Sandalwood oil has anti-inflammatory properties – meaning it helps reduce irritation and swelling. A 2019 study published in the Indian Dermatology Outline Journal found that one if its main components, alpha-santalol, can reduce inflammation by influencing certain proteins in your body, known as cytokines and chemokines. Both alpha- and beta-santalol are also known to block a key inflammatory pathway, which helps lower levels of inflammation-related substances, like prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane B2.
Because of these effects, sandalwood oil shows promise in treating skin conditions, like atopic dermatitis or eczema (a common skin condition that makes the skin dry, red and itchy, often triggered by allergens and irritants) and psoriasis (a skin condition that causes red, scaly, itchy, painful and uncomfortable patches to form on the skin).
Antioxidant and antiaging
Recent research in Cosmetics has uncovered a new benefit of Indian sandalwood oil – it may help protect the skin from harmful environmental stressors. In laboratory tests, the oil was found to significantly reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are damaging molecules produced by environmental factors, like blue light and pollution. Specifically, it protected skin cells (HaCaT cells) from oxidative stress caused by blue light and cigarette smoke.
Further experiments using human skin samples showed that Indian sandalwood oil also reduced the harmful effects of pollutants, like cigarette smoke and ozone by lowering the levels of MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down skin collagen and contributes to aging.
These findings suggest that Indian sandalwood oil has the potential to be used not only for its fragrance and aromatherapy benefits but also as a protective ingredient in skincare products. With further research, it could become a valuable multipurpose ingredient in dermatology and cosmetic care – helping shield the skin from environmental damage.
Antiseptic and antiviral
Sandalwood essential oil is known for its strong antiseptic and antiviral properties – making it a valuable natural remedy. Antiseptic refers to substances that prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms and sandalwood oil contains alpha-santalol and other phenolic compounds that help inhibit microbial growth. This makes it effective for protecting internal ulcers and wounds from infection.
When applied topically, it can also prevent infections in boils, pimples and sores by creating an environment that's less favorable for bacteria, as noted in a study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology.
In addition to its antiseptic qualities, sandalwood essential oil exhibits antiviral properties – meaning it can help prevent or treat viral infections by stopping viruses from multiplying and spreading.
Research published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy indicates that sandalwood essential oil can inhibit common viruses, including herpes simplex viruses-1 and -2. When diluted with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil, it can soothe irritation and inflammation from boils, minor wounds, pimples and warts.
You can use sandalwood oil as a natural remedy for sore throat by gargling it with a cup of water – providing another way to harness its antiseptic and antiviral benefits.
Anxiety relief
Anxiolytic substances help reduce anxiety, which can include feelings of fear, tension, uneasiness or worry. Sandalwood oil has been shown to have anti-anxiety effects, similar to other aromatherapy oils, like lavender, orange and peppermint. In a study published in Worldview on Evidence-based Nursing, nearly 90 women undergoing breast biopsies reported feeling less anxious after using these essential oils during aromatherapy.
Another study, published in Natural Product Communications, found that people who inhaled sandalwood and lavender oils had lower blood pressure and cortisol (a stress hormone) levels – further supporting sandalwood’s calming effects.
Astringent
An astringent is a substance that causes tissues to contract, which can help reduce bleeding or control secretions. Sandalwood essential oil has mild astringent properties – thanks to its compound alpha-santalol, which helps tighten and strengthen tissues, like gums, muscles and skin. This makes it useful for maintaining oral health and even as a disinfectant in areas, like the bronchial and urinary tracts.
For the skin, sandalwood’s astringent effects can cause gentle tightening, which is why it is often found in products, like aftershaves and facial toners. These properties help cleanse, firm and soothe the skin, while its antioxidants may also refresh the skin and reduce signs of aging.
Better sleep
The deep, slightly sweet and woody scent of sandalwood essential oil can help those who struggle to fall asleep at night. Its calming aroma promotes relaxation, making it easier to unwind before bedtime.
A 2007 study published in Nihon Shinkei Yakurigaku Zushhi found that the compound alpha-santalol in sandalwood significantly induces sedation in rats and reduces their overall waking time. While more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, many people say that sandalwood’s soothing scent helps them achieve better sleep.
Wound healing
In 2014, researchers at Ruhr-Universitat Bochum (RUB) found that sandalwood oil may help speed up wound healing and recovery. The study showed that skin cells, specifically ones with olfactory receptors for sandalwood (called OR2AT4), were able to heal faster when these receptors were activated. This activation triggers a calcium-based signaling pathway, which boosts the growth and movement of skin cells – two key processes in helping wounds heal and repair more quickly.
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Learn the benefits and uses of sandalwood essential oil by watching the following video.
This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.
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