Sandalwood: Classic, Sensational and Valuable

Present in many iconic perfumes and beauty products, sandalwood has a long history in ancient cultures for its scent and health benefits. It gives off a deep, woody scent and often smells like a mix of floral, balsamic, and sweet accents. Sandalwood is quite a mood enhancer, rendering us feeling calm, relaxed and even loved! Sandalwood oil is extracted from the dried wood of the plants, using a process known as steam distillation. It originates from the East Indian sandalwood plant; both the heartwood and the roots of these precious plants are used to make sandalwood essential oil.

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Did you know?
Sandalwood trees aren’t trees per se, but rather, they’re plants that attach themselves to the roots of other trees and grow on them. They can grow to a height of 10 metres.

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But in terms of aromatherapy, how can we benefit from sandalwood?
As a sensational massage oil
Dilute a few drops of sandalwood oil with 10ml of carrier oil of your choice, such as jojoba, olive or coconut oil, and gently massage the oil mixture into the skin. Note: if you’ve never used sandalwood before, start off with fewer drops of it, and gradually add on as you get used to it.

• For a decadent bath
  Run a warm bath and add 5 to 10 drops of sandalwood oil, and soak in it, allowing its aroma to relax and calm you. Bliss!
• Fill your room air with its rich scent
  Put 8 to 10 drops into a diffuser with water, and allow the rich, musky scent permeate your room. Warning: Sandalwood is known for its aphrodisiac properties too!
• Inhale it
  Feeling down? Breathe it in directly from your essential oil bottle. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a couple of drops of it on to your handkerchief to sniff on.
• Apply it topically
  Dilute a few drops of sandalwood essential oil with a carrier oil and then apply it to your temples, between your forehead, the soles of your feet or other parts of your body to help you feel grounded and comforted.