Sandalwood – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, August 23, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Sandalwood is a fragrant hardy tree that is indigenous to India. The tree also grows in some parts of Indonesia, South Asia, and Australia. The essential oils extracted from sandalwood is a commonly used ingredient in a variety of products including incense, perfumes, cosmetics and aftershave as well as soaps and powders. The tree’s wood and bark are also traditionally used in a variety of applications, according an article on the Home Remedies for You website. Sandalwood comes in many other names such as chandan, sandal, and white saunders.

List of known nutrients

Sandalwood is prized for its essential compounds that contribute to its disease-fighting properties. An entry posted on Herbpathy.com enumerates the tree’s beneficial components, which include:

Alpha-Santalene
Beta-Santalene
Beta-Santalol
Beta Sitosterols
Betulic Acid
Betulinic Acid
Essential Oils
Glucose
Linoleic Acid
Oleic Acid
Palmitic Acid
Potassium
Santalol
Santyl Acetate
Triacontanol
Tropane Alkaloids
Volatile Oils

Medicinal uses for sandalwood

Sandalwood is prized for its powerful components that provide clarity and enhance memory. Essential oils extracted from sandalwood are traditionally used in aromatherapy to relieve stress. Likewise, certain constituents found in sandalwood oil are believed to facilitate serotonin production in the brain, which in turn creates a a feeling of happiness and contentment.

Sandalwood is also shown to contain strong anti-spasmodic properties that relax the nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Taking sandalwood oils may prove effective in preventing muscle contractions and spasms. People who supper from high blood pressure may also gain benefit from taking sandalwood extracts as they are shown to relieve hypertension. Sandal oil can be taken with water or milk to help lower blood pressure levels.

In addition, essential oils from sandalwood contain potent antiseptic properties that are safe for both internal and external application. According to an article posted on the Black Doctor website, ingesting sandalwood oil may protect against internal wounds and ulcers. The healthy extracts are also found to possess disinfectant properties that ward off various infections. when taken with milk, sandalwood oil may effectively treat infections of the throat, esophagus, and stomach as well as the intestines and the excretory tracts.

Sandalwood is shown to boost skin health as well. According to the Health Benefits Times website, sandalwood is a potent remedy to various skin disorders such as acne, skin irritations, and even sunburn. Sandalwood is also traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a remedy to a number of eye diseases such as refractive error and cataract. Sandalwood is often combined with other herbs to treat these conditions.

People suffering from low sex drive may greatly benefit from sandalwood’s aphrodisiac properties. This is especially helpful in increasing libido in men. Aside from this, the strong astringent qualities of sandalwood are found to strengthen the gums and prevent teeth loss.

Body systems supported by sandalwood

Sandalwood is essential in maintaining enhancing the memory and maintaining the brain’s health. Likewise, sandalwood is beneficial to the nerves, muscles and the blood vessels. It also helps promote healthy cardiovascular and digestive profiles. Moreover, sandalwood strengthens the teeth and improves the skin’s condition.

Ways to use sandalwood

Aside from its use in many personal care products, sandalwood can also be incorporated into a variety of drinks. Sandalwood is known to add a unique and interesting flavor to different beverages such as coolers and iced tea. An article posted on TarlaDalal.com features a few recipes using sandalwood.