2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Sandalwood / Santalum, Sandalwood / is an evergreen parasitic tree that takes root in other trees. It reaches a height of 9 meters and has a brownish-gray stem, very thin and smooth branches, tough leaves and small pink-purple flowers. It takes 30 to 60 years for sandalwood to reach maturity.
Sandalwood is distributed in Sri Lanka, Hawaii, South India and much of the South Pacific Islands. The use of sandalwood dates back at least 4000 years. In the past, caravans transported timber from India to Greece, Rome and Egypt. Many of the ancient temples were built with this wood, and the Egyptians used sandalwood oil during embalming rituals.
In the past it was used for the manufacture of furniture, which led to the almost complete disappearance of sandalwood. Therefore, nowadays its wood is used only to extract essential oil.
Types of sandalwood
Western Australian sandalwood - used as a substitute for the essential oil of the famous Indian sandalwood.
East Indian sandalwood - grows in the mountainous part of southern India - Mysore and the Malay Archipelago. This type of sandalwood is the source of the most valuable essential oil of sandalwood.
African sandalwood - a source of essential oil, which is known as African sandalwood.
Sandalwood from America - from it is obtained amiris essential oil, which is sometimes referred to in the store network as a real Indian sandalwood. It is six times cheaper, and in chemical composition and characteristics has nothing to do with such a valuable Indian sandal.
Composition of sandalwood
Sandalwood contains resins, essential oil, sandalwood pigment and terpenes, of which sandalwood is the most abundant.
Application of sandalwood
The main application of sandalwood is for the extraction of essential oil. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of pieces of mature wood - about 60 years.
The larger the wood, the higher the oil content and the richer the aroma. Sandalwood in the form of paste and oil is used to make cosmetics and medicines. It is used in various industries - mouth flavors, incense sticks, various food products, deodorants, perfumes, room flavors, soaps, shower gels, creams and lotions.
Benefits of sandalwood
The essential oil of sandalwood has very well expressed antiseptic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory action. It has a very good astringent effect, it is an excellent disinfectant. It has a calming, sedative, tonic, hypotensive and expectorant effect. It has a pleasant cooling effect, relieves inflammation in the body, no matter in which part they are. Helps with spasms, relaxes muscles, nerves and blood vessels. The astringent properties of sandalwood oil can be used to shrink gums, skin and muscles. It is ideal for use in dentistry and dermatology.
The essential oil of sandalwood soothes the skin and helps to remove blemishes and scars. This is a very ancient practice that is still used today in Eastern medicine.
Sandalwood oil is considered one of the best natural relaxants. It soothes the intestines and abdominal muscles, facilitates the removal of gas. In addition, it reduces inflammation in the urinary system, promotes easier urination.
The scent of sandalwood keeps small insects and germs away, which is why it is so used in sprays and disinfectants. The essential oil has an expectorant effect and is extremely suitable in the fight against winter viral infections, which are the main culprits for flu and colds.
Sandalwood oil drops can be taken with milk or water from people suffering from high blood pressure. The oil helps anxiety, fear and anxiety. Its use brings relaxation and calm, increased concentration and stimulation of positive thoughts.
Sandalwood oil tones the body. It can be used in pediatrics because it calms the digestive system and stomach in children, and in adults strengthens blood circulation and the nervous system, regulates hormonal balance.
As with all pleasant and useful things, sandalwood oil should not be overdone. It does not pose a threat, but still should not be used harshly on the skin. To apply it on it, it is best to mix it with bergamot, geranium, lavender, rose, myrrh, ylang-ylang or vetiver.
