What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils (many of which have magnificent aromas) found in various plant parts like flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, bark or wood in a curative manner.
Sandalwood essential oils:
These are very popular essential oils used in aromatherapy. They are obtained by steam distillation of the chipped and powdered heartwood and roots of sandalwood tree, botanically known as Santalum album. The pale yellow oils are very expensive in the pure form and have a lingering deep, sweet and delicate yet woody fragrance.
Use of sandalwood essential oil in Aromatherapy:
1.Fragrant products- The oil is used as body fragrance and as fixative in various cosmetics, aftershaves, soaps, detergents and perfumes.
2.Mood setting and stress relieving- Burning incense containing the oils creates an exotic atmosphere. The divine aroma calms the mind and relieves tension after a hectic day. Rubbing the forehead with a drop or two of the oil sets the mood for meditation and focus of the mind. Soaking the body in the tub with 5-6 drops of the oils and inhaling the luxurious vapors is an excellent way to relieve stress. The vapors penetrate the skin and reach the brain, where they stimulate the nerves and send down a cool, revitalizing and relaxing sensation all throughout the body.
3.Skin care- Sandalwood oils are excellent toners for dry, greasy, chapped, cracked, dehydrated and aging skin. They remove the dead cells, reveal the fresh younger looking skin and provide nutrition for the new skin to make it glow and grow healthier. The healing properties soothe and soften skin (sandalwood oil is an emollient) to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and fight acne, blemishes, eczema, itching, inflammation and scars. A regular facial massage with 2-3 drops of sandalwood oil at bedtime rejuvenates tired and dull skin to bring about a youthful face. The oils are also used as hair and scalp moisturizer.
4.Vapor therapy- Sandalwood oils are widely used in burners and vaporizers for treatment of bronchitis, coughs, persisting dry and sore throat, throat irritation, chest infections, nervous tension, insomnia, laryngitis, irritability and stress. The fragrances enter the human body through the nasal pores and stimulate the olfactory nerves. These nerves then carry the impulses to the brain thus energizing it, which in turn does its job of arousing the whole body. This influences the hormone levels of the body that regulate desires, passions, urges, emotions and memories. The subtle effect of the oils thus can control the senses and the body responses accordingly.
5.Various properties- Several other uses of sandalwood oils in aromatherapy include the following:
a)Aphrodisiac- solve sexual problems such as frigidity and impotence, can alleviate sexually transmitted diseases and promote vaginal secretions.
b)Antiseptic- help control fungal, bacterial and viral infections.
c)Immunity- stimulate building of new white blood cells to boost the immune system so the body is better protected to fight the attack of diseases.
d)Healing- often prescribed by specialists to heal major burns.
e)Antidepressant- act as a tonic to stimulate the nervous system.
f)Diuretic- help increase urine flow.
g)Circulatory- treat varicose veins during pregnancy, hemorrhoids and cardiac fatigue.
h)Astringent- help tighten and bind tissues.
i)Digestive- treat nausea, diarrhea and gastritis.
j)Expectorant- help to expel mucus from the respiratory system.
k)Sedative- have a calming effect.
l)Genital infections- treat certain genital and urinary infections including premenstrual syndrome and urinary tract infection.
m)Anxiety- alleviate blood pressure, decelerate the rate of breathing, reduce muscle tension and decrease pulse rate to fight anxiety.
n)Alternative medicine- widely used in a variety of unconventional therapeutic health care practices like homeopathy, herbal medicine and naturopathy. These include magnet therapy, massage therapy, spiritual healing, herbal therapy, vitamin mega dose and dietary supplements.
o)Ayurveda- used in Ayurveda for centuries which represents, in a holistic way, the science of life and longevity. This classic Indian medicine harmonizes the mind, body and soul and arms the individual with the power to better adapt to his surroundings, retain his health, thwart diseases and fight imbalances in mind and body. Ayuvedic therapeutics implement the goodness of mother nature to fortify general health, boost the immune system, detoxify the body, enhance mental and physical abilities, improve management of diseases and illnesses, step up healing processes, maintain resiliency of the vital organs, decelerate aging and rejuvenate skin, radiate confidence and have a positive outlook towards life. It helps the individual balance the mind and the body to counteract the detrimental effects of nature. This ancient healing process is getting quite popular in the modern days.
Some tips to remember:
1.Essential oils blend well with each other. But sandalwood oils mix particularly well with clove, mimosa, geranium, cypress, basil, neroli, vetiver, lavender, ylang ylang, black pepper, jasmine, lemon, myrrh and rose.
2.Sandalwood oils are non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
3.No drug interaction with sandalwood oils has been known but it is better to consult a physician before starting any herbal remedy with sandalwood oils.
4.Always use pure and unadulterated oils.
5.To preserve the potency and lifespan of the oils, store away from heat and sunlight in tightly closed bottles.
Some safety precautions:
1.Because of the potency of the oils, use in moderation and avoid using directly on the skin. Mix with a base oil.
2.Mild skin irritation or allergic reaction might occur in some cases of sensitive skin when the oils are undiluted. Skin test is advisable. Discontinue use if irritation persists and consult a specialist.
3.Pregnant or nursing women, people with kidney disease, infants and children, should not take the oil internally.
4.Take caution while using the oils to avoid eyes and mouth.
5.Keep oils out of reach of children.
