As an essential oil Sandalwood has been around for thousands of years. It has been used in many cultures and is documented in many Vedic scriptures that date to before the time of Christ as being used for religious ceremonies. Not only has it been used in religious roles but it has also found uses as a perfume and as a healing agent. This article will describe how sandalwood essential oil is made and some common uses of sandalwood essential oil.
The sandalwood tree is native to many regions of south east Asia, in particular the subcontinent. In fact, most sandalwood essential oil is made in India and the most prized oil comes from the Mysore region. The sandalwood tree is the raw material from which the essential oil is created. The tree is considered to be endangered in India and parts of Asia and there are attempts to control the harvesting of the tree through government legislation. Consequently sandalwood essential oil is becoming expensive. The tree should also be at least 30 years old before it is harvested to be used to create essential oils.
There is an Australian variety of sandalwood tree that is used to create sandalwood essential oil but the affects it has on the body are different to the Asian sandalwood.
The roots and the heartwood are the best materials to create the essential oil. The oil is created using steam or water distillation. The oil that is created is distinctive for it's sweet, woody scent. It has a pale yellow/brown color and is viscous.
Along with being used in religious ceremonies, sandalwood essential oil can be used as a perfume and fragrance. You will find sandalwood scent in aftershave lotions as it will help to ease shaving rash. It is also good for other skin conditions, such as acne and cracked or dry skin. It can ease the pain of these complaints and heal the skin. It can be directly applied to the skin that is affected by a massage or using a soap that contains sandalwood. Sandalwood essential oil is often found in other bathroom products such as shower gels and shampoos.
Ayurvedic medicine uses sandalwood oil to treat many respiratory problems. These include coughs and flu. It also can be used for a sore throat, laryngitis and bronchitis. It is commonly used as an expectorant for these types of ailments. This means breathing in the sandal wood scent that is added to hot water or by rubbing the chest with a solution of sandalwood essential oil.
Sandalwood essential oil is also used for altering the mental state of a person through scent. This is the true philosophy behind aromatherapy. It is believed that sandalwood scent can relieve many forms of stress induced illnesses such as depression, anxiety and side affects like insomnia. The oil can be burned using an oil burner or air diffuser. Aromatherapy candles that have sandalwood oil in them can also be used as can incense sticks. The principle behind this form of treatment is that the scent can change a persons mood. So if the person is depressed or down the pleasant sweet smelling scent can lift the spirits and make them happier. In terms of anxiety, the sandal wood oil is thought to help a person to calm down and relax. This helps then to get a good nights sleep and reduce an insomnia problems they might be having.
Traditional Chinese medicine also uses sandal wood essential oil for upset stomachs, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The versatile Lavender with its light floral soothing scent is one of the most beloved and used aromatics in the world today. Its seems that you can find just about anything with a hint of lavender added to the ingredient list, this is due to the fact that most individuals find it to be a very pleasing and appealing scent. In the aromatherapy world it is considered a must because it is considered to be easy to use and is the most useful.
Lavender essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fresh flowering tops of the Lavandula augustifolia plant and list of therapeutic uses is indeed vast. We will however discuss a few applications to get you started.
1. Lavender essential oil is considered a must have for various skin ailments including acne, dermatitis, rashes, sunburn, eczema and psoriasis. One of the many benefits of this oil is that is it one of the few that can be applied neat, therefore to use on skin issues simply apply a few drops to a cotton ball or cotton pad and apply directly to affected area. This application also works well in treating bee or wasp stings.
2. Lavender essential oil is believed to promote hair growth. To use mix two or three drops of the oil to your favorite unscented leave on conditioner and massage into your scalp.
3. If you are suffering from a bout with the flu try adding a few drops of Lavender essential oil to your diffuser or use a steam inhalation to alleviate symptoms.
4. Adding a satchel to a closet or drawer has been done for years however adding a couple of drops to a cotton ball and placing in a strategic position will not only provide a wonderful scent but will also keep moths away from your clothes or linens.
5. Massage a couple of drops directly into your temples, or make a cold or hot compress for your head if you are suffering from a headache or migraine.
6. Lavender essential oil is also believed to help relieve insomnia and can be used as a sleep aid. There are several different applications that can be implemented including using a diffuser with three drops of oil or adding a few drops to a cotton ball or cloth and placing it into your pillow case. Another application that can be utilized is adding eight drops of oil to your bath water. It is also said that adding Lavender essential oil to your bath can also guard against nightmares.
The applications mentioned above can also be used to alleviate anxiety, depression, nervous tension or stress and to balance mood swings.
7. For respiratory issues including asthma, bronchitis, and hay fever use two or three drops in a diffuser or as a steam inhalation. Other options are to use in a bath or by adding several drops to a carrier oil and massaging directly onto the chest. A hybrid of Lavender known as Lavandin is also a great choice for respiratory issues as it has very similar benefits but is considered to be more penetrating.
8. If you experience problems with Premenstrual Symptoms or irregular menstruation then try massaging your abdominal area with a mixture of five drops of Lavender essential oil and one ounce of your favorite carrier oil.
Lavender essential oil is a wonderfully easy oil to use. It can be used neat and also mixes well with all of your other aromatherapy oils. As a beginner it is a great essential oil to start with because it can safely be used and experimented with.
Both Adrian Whittle & Cadence Carlyle are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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Cadence Carlyle has sinced written about articles on various topics from Essential Oils. Everything you want to know about essential oils, aromatherapy and pheromones.