by Lauren Mccarthy

Created on: September 13, 2009

Sandalwood is actually a parasitic tree that burrows into the roots of other trees for nutrition, it takes between 30-60 years to reach maturity and the best is considered to be found in India. The use of the wood goes back as far as 4000 years when Egyptians built temples with it, the oil used for embalming bodies. Now the tree is nearing extinction only the oil is in use these days, making this a sought after and sometimes expensive essential oil.

The use of Sandalwood is even more varied today than in Egyptian times. Swahra yoga recommends it for the union of the senses and Tantric yoga recommends its use for the awakening of sexual energy.

Sandalwood is often used in perfumes and fragrances. It has a familiar refreshing wood scent that compliments other fragrances well, in particular Rose, Vanilla, Neroli, Orange and Patchouli.

In Hinduism it plays an important part in health and rituals. It is said to bring one closer to the divine, helps with anxiety and used in ceremonies or to decorate icons.

Because of its strength Sandalwood should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. It can be used to treat acne and blemishes, itching and inflammation and can help relieve dehydrated skin with an added great toning affect.

Use Sandalwood in an oil burner to relieve effects of chest infections, sore throats and asthma, bladder or urinary infections. Emotionally it can assist with relaxing and relieving stress. It eases irritation and lifts depression.

Create a massage oil with your Sandalwood to help reduce the appearing of scars and stretch marks, or use after a long day at work to relax into the evening. Add a few drops to a warm bath after a stressful day will certainly calm you down.

Sandalwood is also known as a sedative oil which is what makes it extremely beneficially when used during meditation and it will help induce great peace of your mind and body. A common fragrance of incense used for meditation or to fragrance a room.

This is one of the oldest known essential oils and has been used for these purposes - and many more, for thousands of years. It's a long lasting oil, good quality Sandalwood will get better with age. Not recommended for use by children or pregnant and nursing women.

An anti-septic, anti-depressant and aphrodisiac essential oil that once you start using, you won't want to be without.

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