Sandalwood or Chandan is a well known aromatic wood that has been used in India for ages. It is widely used for its medicinal properties and aroma. Sandalwood oil which is produced in these trees is stored in the heartwood.
Sandalwood benefits our skin and health in a lot of different ways. This heartwood takes 15 years to develop in the sandalwood tree and it is the reason why it is very expensive. This essential oil is extracted through distillation and then used in the perfume market.
The powdered form is used for making incense sticks and as an ingredient in the cosmetic industry Sandalwood is one of the primary ingredients used in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. In India, two types of Sandalwood, red and white are mostly used. The white sandalwood is aromatic and expensive.
Sandalwood Benefits For Skin
Everyone aspires for beautiful and flawless skin and has taken to replacing harmful chemical products for natural remedies. Due to pollution and dust everywhere, skin problems like pimples, dark spots and dark circles are quite common.
Sandalwood is a secret beauty ingredient with antibacterial properties that is very beneficial for the skin. Its cooling nature helps to fight acne-causing bacteria, with a plethora of other benefits. Its powder can be used as a paste or can be derived in the form of oil. It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe skin irritation and burning.
1. Removes Tanning
People who are tense about getting a sunburn or tanning, for them sandalwood is the best cure. It has anti-inflammatory properties which help to give a cooling effect to the sunburnt areas.
The sandalwood oil helps to protect the skin from the harsh UV rays of the sun. It is also used to heal insect bite. Applying a face mask of sandalwood once a week helps to remove suntan and dark spots:
- 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder
- coconut oil
Mix both the ingredients together. Apply the mask all over the face and massage it for 2 minutes. Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash the face with normal water.
2. Prevents Acne
Air pollution attacks our skin directly and becomes the most common reason for having pimples, redness and itchiness on the face. People with oily skin are more prone to acne. It is used as an antiseptic and helps to prevent the growth of pimples and acne.
Face mask to prevent acne:
- 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder
- a pinch of turmeric and camphor
Apply the mixture on the face and leave it overnight. It prevents acne and blackheads from developing on the skin.
3. Prevents Anti-Aging
The moisturizing properties present in sandalwood helps to prevent the appearance of wrinkles on the skin. It conditions the skin by providing all the essential nutrients and makes the skin smooth. Sandalwood oil is rich in antioxidants that fight against age-related skin damages.
Anti-aging face mask for skin
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon of yoghurt
- 3-4 tablespoon of sandalwood powder
Apply the mixture on the face and leave it for 15 minutes. wash it with warm water.
Sandalwood Benefits For Skin4. For Skin Whitening
Sandalwood has natural skin lightening agents, hence it is used in many cosmetic products. The latest products which are available in the market are loaded with chemicals like sulfur, paraben, and preservatives.
To avoid chemical products, it is better to make a sandalwood face pack at home. It helps to make the skin soft, glow and fair.
Face mask:
- ½ tablespoon of sandalwood powder
- ½ tablespoon of besan
- A pinch of turmeric powder
- Rosewater
Apply the paste on the face for 10-15 minutes and wash it with cold water. You notice the glow on your skin.
Sandalwood Benefits for Health
Not only is sandalwood a boon for our skin, but it also attends to our various physical, mental and emotional needs. Due to a large number of healing properties present, there are numerous sandalwood health benefits.
1. Reducing anxiety
Anxiety is a common malady that plagues people around the world, and its side-effects can have a negative impact on a person’s health too. In this situation, it is recommended to have a massage of sandalwood oil. It is very advantageous for the body because it promotes calmness. It keeps emotions under control and relaxes our mind and body.
2. Lowers the Blood Pressure
Sandalwood oil helps in lowering the blood pressure because it has a hypotensive agent in it. To maintain the blood pressure, the sandalwood oil can be consumed with the milk or any other liquid. It also reduces hypertension when it is applied externally.
3. Easy Digestion
People who have a problem with acidity and bloating, consumption of sandalwood oil is very efficacious for them because it helps in the removal of unwanted gases. It gives relaxation to the intestine and helps in the breakdown of food.
4. Strengthening the Gums
Sandalwood oil has astringent properties that help to strengthen the gums by inducing contraction in them. It prevents teeth loss due to gum-related problems and keeps the skin and muscles in good shape.
5. Sandalwood Benefits for Hair
Sandalwood has been found beneficial in combatting hair related woes. From ancient times, it has been used as an ingredient in making a paste to be applied on the hair.
Sandalwood Benefits for Hair6. Hair Growth
Most of the people have the problem of hair fall. Applying sandalwood oil on the scalp is very useful for hair growth. Due to the astringent properties in sandalwood oil, it helps to strengthen the hair and removes dry cells which are an obstacle in hair growth. Applying sandalwood oil with a carrier oil (vegetable oil) and massage in a circular motion on the scalp for 5 minutes helps in the improvement in hair growth.
7. Nourishes Dry Hair
Most people have the problem of dry scalp, split-ends, hair loss due to change in weather, pollution, lack of proper nourishment. In this situation, sandalwood oil is the best option. Due to the moisturizing properties in sandalwood oil, it helps to nourish the hair and make them smooth and shiny. It increases hair density and thickens the roots.
8. Removes Dandruff
Dandruff is a common problem for people nowadays. It causes dryness and itchiness on the scalp. Having the astringent properties in sandalwood oil helps in preventing dandruff.
Sandalwood hair mask to remove dandruff:
Apply the mixture on the scalp and massage it for 2-3 minutes before shampoo.
Other Uses of Sandalwood
Apart from being used as an ingredient in the cosmetic industry, sandalwood powder is widely used in making incense sticks. The incense sticks give out a soothing woody aroma and are used in aromatherapy. Air fresheners, having sandalwood as an ingredient can be used to keep the room, toilets, cars fresh and aromatic. Sandalwood is also used for making carvings and furniture.
Sandalwood Side Effects
Sandalwood is very beneficial for the skin, hair and health but excess use of sandalwood is harmful to the body. Sandalwood oil does not suit some people and can cause allergy on the skin when it is applied.
Rubbing of sandalwood oil on the skin can lead to skin irritation, rashes and chemical burns. It is safe to ingest very small amounts of sandalwood oil. If it is taken in excess it can cause vomiting, itching, nausea and kidney damage.
Also Read: Beauty Benefits of Sandalwood
