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People knew about the amazing properties of sandalwood oil at the dawn of our civilization. Then this valuable liquid, possessing an unusually rich aroma, was used by healers of that time to heal wounds, treat kidney and liver diseases, and many other ailments. This incense oily liquid was used by temple ministers to conduct various religious events. The beauties of that time also actively used magic sandalwood oil: to maintain youthful skin, they took baths with fragrant liquid, rubbed it into the body, and rinsed hair with oil.
Later, when this unique product received well-deserved recognition in Europe, it became known that sandalwood oil is also a powerful aurodisiac.
Why is this a rare and valuable product?
Sandalwood is one of the representatives of relic plants. It is generally accepted that India is its homeland, although a tree grows in the countries of East Asia, China, Egypt. It was the Egyptians in ancient times who began to include sandalwood oil in the composition for embalming the bodies. Unfortunately, the distribution area of this exotic plant has declined significantly today. And just a few decades ago, the sandalwood was at the stage of complete extinction. And only very recently measures were taken to restore sandalwood. This factor greatly affects the cost of the product obtained from wood by distillation.
Sandalwood oil production in itself is a very complex and expensive process. Indeed, to obtain a quality product, only mature specimens are taken, that is, the age of the tree must be at least 15 years. Otherwise, the product obtained from wood simply will not be of any value. In addition, many characteristics depend on the type of wood: in Egypt, oil is obtained from white sandalwood, but a product from dark wood (red sandalwood) is valued more.
Sandalwood Oil Benefits
Sandalwood oil has a lot of advantages:
- Firstly, it is a unique bouquet of aromas in which soft wood notes with an exotic accent of musk are guessed. But this heterogeneous composition does not have sharp accents, on the contrary, its aroma is light and unobtrusive.
- The texture of the natural product has a viscous consistency, which helps it moisturize the skin well and have a mild effect on the mucous membranes. The oily liquid is mostly colorless, but sometimes a light yellow tint is allowed.
- This type of oil is perfectly combined with other essential bases: juniper, rose, geranium, myrrh, fennel and other ethers. This ability to interact with other environments allows you to create unique combinations for therapeutic use, as well as to maintain youth and beauty.
In addition to these high qualities, sandalwood oil has a whole range of beneficial properties. But more on that later. The only drawback of this natural component is its prohibitive cost. The reason for this high cost lies in the fact that the production of sandalwood oil has now been greatly reduced. Therefore, the export of the product is prohibited. But there is another factor affecting the cost of the product: to obtain only 1 kg of natural product requires more than 100 kg of wood shavings. In total, all of these factors make sandalwood oil one of the most expensive treats for aromatherapy enthusiasts.
Chemical composition and properties
The composition of the oily liquid is very modest, but this does not detract from its value. The product contains such rare components:
- Santalol is the main active substance, the proportion of which is 90%.
- Santalic acid.
- Pinene is an easily soluble substance that takes an active part in biosynthesis.
Sandalwood oil has a lot of useful properties:
- bactericidal;
- anti-inflammatory;
- aseptic;
- antispasmodic;
- sedative.
All these qualities only increase the popularity of this natural product and expand the scope of its application.
Areas of use
In fact, over the course of several millennia, minor changes have taken place regarding essential oils. Today, like many centuries ago, they are used in medicine, the cosmetics industry and the perfume industry.
Medicine
The indicative qualities of sandalwood oil have long been recognized in traditional medicine, although mainly products including this product are propagated by traditional healers. Good results are demonstrated with medicinal compositions with sandalwood oil in the treatment of such pathologies:
- respiratory infections;
- protracted bronchitis;
- tonsillitis;
- gastritis;
- diseases of the urinary system;
- problems of the female genital area;
- hypotension;
- vegetovascular dystonia;
- nervous disorders.
Here is a universal recipe for internal use in diseases of the respiratory, digestive and genitourinary spheres. To make a healthy drink, you only need 100mo of milk, which needs to be slightly warmed up, then add 3 drops of sandalwood oil elixir to it.
Sandalwood oil is widely used for prophylactic purposes. For example, if you regularly use funds based on it, you can significantly strengthen the immune system, prevent the development of thrombophlebitis.
Oil perfectly helps to remove the effects of insect bites, as well as balance the emotional state. The product is used in medicine in the form of rinses, compresses, inhalations. Doctors advise patients with joint and spinal problems to massage with an oily substance.
Cosmetology
The possibilities of sandalwood oil are widely used in the cosmetics industry. A favorable factor for this is the absence of contraindications to the use of a natural product. That is, bringing great benefits to human health and his appearance, he is completely safe. Of course, if a person does not have individual intolerance to this particular type of oil. Basically, the oily sandalwood substrate is used as an additive in the manufacture of cosmetics and perfumes.
In home cosmetology, this product is also in high demand: it is added to skin, nail, and hair care products. Sandalwood oil has the following positive effects on these structures:
- removes signs of withering of the skin;
- smoothes a network of wrinkles;
- nourishes and moisturizes the skin;
- tightens facial contours;
- refreshing complexion;
- strengthens the structure of the nail plates;
- relieves dandruff;
- counteracts hair loss;
- strengthens hair follicles;
- relieves signs of irritation;
- gives hair a luxurious shine.
Aromatherapy
Since ancient times, sandalwood oil was considered a basic component for aromatherapy. Today it is also used by yogis during meditation. The properties of an aphrodisiac make this product popular in the regulation of the emotional state under stress and other nervous shocks. Under the influence of the fragrant aroma of sandalwood oil, the feeling of anxiety decreases, fears go away, sleep normalizes. In addition, the inhalation of oil vapor helps the body to tolerate weather changes, magnetic storms, changes in atmospheric pressure. Often aromatherapy with sandalwood oil is carried out to stimulate sexual desire.
Fact! Winemakers use this particular type of oil to enrich wines.The natural component gives the drink a special taste and spicy aroma.
Contraindications
Sandalwood oil is not recommended for internal use by pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 12 years of age. Although the product has no restrictions on intake, before using it as a component of the medicinal formulations to be consumed internally, it is imperative to consult a doctor.
Important! Pure sandalwood oil should not be used in its pure form, it should be diluted with other base oils.
Effective Recipes
Due to the properties of sandalwood extract, with its regular use, it is possible to improve the condition of the skin of the face, correct the line of the oval, and remove signs of wilting.
Anti-aging masks
It is no accident that sandalwood oil connoisseurs of good cosmetics are called the elixir of youth. If you combine it with other natural ingredients, you can achieve a good result in a short time.
- A stunning effect is provided by a cosmetic mask made of blue clay and essential oils: geranium, jojoba, primrose, sandalwood, limet. Clay is taken as the basis of the composition, and all of the listed oils are added to the base component in 3-4 drops. After mixing the ingredients, the composition is applied evenly on the face and holds there for a third of an hour, then the mass is washed off with summer temperature water. By doing the procedure 2-3 times a week, after 10 sessions it will be possible to observe positive changes: the skin will shine with freshness, and traces of wilting will disappear altogether.
- This method of rejuvenation is also designed for a long term and regular performance. This mask strengthens muscle tone, as a result of which the skin becomes elastic and toned. The base product of this mask is white clay (2 l. Art.), You need to add exactly the same amount of sour cream to it, mix everything well. Then, one drop of lavender and juniper essential oils is added to the mixture, and lastly, 4 drops of sandalwood oil. The anti-aging composition is carefully applied with a thin layer and remains for 10 minutes. At the end of the procedure, it is recommended to do a light facial massage so that the components are better absorbed into the skin.
Mask for aging skin
A more complex cosmetic composition will help restore healthy skin and attractiveness to the skin. For this composition you need to take:
- cream (2 l. Art.);
- finely ground oatmeal (1.5 l. Art.);
- rose ester (1 cap.);
- sandalwood oil (3 cap.);
- almond oil - a teaspoon.
All of the mentioned components in the indicated doses are thoroughly mixed. The composition obtained in this way is applied to the surface of the face with light massaging movements. After twenty minutes of relaxation, the mask must be washed off with a little warm water. It is recommended that the procedure be completed by wiping the face with a decoction of chamomile or a refreshing tonic. With the systematic implementation of this procedure, expression wrinkles will be smoothed out after a month, and the skin will shine with youth and freshness.
Nourishing mask
This technique is more suitable for dry and problematic skin, but it can be used for the normal type. To prepare a healing mixture, you need to take a medium-sized banana, peel the fruit and knead well. Then add to the gruel:
- three tablespoons of yogurt;
- coconut oil (1 l. Art.);
- patchouli ether (1 cap.);
- sandalwood oil (3 cap.).
Before applying the cosmetic mixture, the skin should be thoroughly cleaned. After a half-hour exposure, the mask is washed off with water, and the skin receives additional nutrition and hydration.
Effective Acne Treatment
The composition obtained by this formulation has a pronounced antibacterial property. The procedure for the systematic treatment of problem skin is shown, as it successfully copes with acne and acne. Component masks:
- sour cream (1 tbsp. l.);
- strawberries (2 medium-sized berries);
- freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 l. Art.);
- almond oil (1 tbsp. l.);
- cognac (1 tsp);
- sandalwood oil - 3 drops.
Nourishing hair mask
This composition is very easy to prepare, because the whole technology consists in mixing a teaspoon of tea oils: burdock, castor, coconut. 4 drops of sandalwood oil are added to the resulting oily mixture. The mixture is applied evenly to the hair for an entire hour, from roots to ends. To ensure a good effect, it is recommended to wear a hat on the head. After this period, the mask is washed off with shampoo, and then the hair is rinsed with vinegar.
On the basis of sandalwood oil, you can still prepare a lot of useful, truly miraculous compounds. But you need to remember that only a natural product will bring the expected effect. Since sandalwood oil is a very expensive product, you need to make sure of its quality before purchasing. To do this, drop a drop of oil on paper: natural ether always disappears, no traces remain after it.
Video: properties and applications of sandalwood oil
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