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What Are the Health Benefits of Sandalwood?

By Meshell Powell
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,238
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There are many amazing health benefits of sandalwood, ranging from improving emotional health to providing antiseptic and disinfectant effects. Sandalwood can help to moisturize skin and may provide soothing effects for conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Additional benefits include anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, and diuretic properties. While the various health benefits of sandalwood are immense, a doctor should always be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

Sandalwood is popular for its antiseptic and disinfectant properties. When applied topically to scrapes, sores, or boils, it can help to prevent infection. When taken internally, sandalwood may help to prevent ulcers and other internal wounds from becoming infected. The fragrance of sandalwood helps to repel insects and a variety of microbes that could cause illness.

Maintaining skin health is another of the more popular benefits of sandalwood. In addition to moisturizing and soothing dry skin, it may be beneficial for dermatological conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Sandalwood may also help to soothe the pain caused by sunburn and help to diminish the appearance of scars and blemishes. Due to the pleasant fragrance and other healing properties, sandalwood is often used as a deodorant or incorporated into soaps and lotions.

Also known for its anti-inflammatory properties when taken internally, sandalwood has additional internal health benefits that include diuretic and hypotensive properties. The diuretic properties are especially helpful in relieving inflammation of the urinary system and promoting the natural flow of urine. Those with hypertension, or high blood pressure, may also benefit from using sandalwood.

Other health benefits of sandalwood include its anti-spasmodic and expectorant properties. The anti-spasmodic properties help to prevent spasms in blood vessels, nerves, and muscles. As an expectorant, sandalwood can help treat coughing caused my the common cold or other respiratory illnesses. Sandalwood may also help to rid the body of bacterial and viral infections which lead to the respiratory illnesses associated with coughing.

People who have emotional conditions such as depression or anxiety may benefit from the use of sandalwood, as it seems to have a calming effect on many people. Sandalwood promotes relaxation and an overall positive attitude, helping to relieve a variety of anxiety issues and lessening the effects of depression. These benefits can be a valuable tool in overall emotional health but should not replace any prescription medications the patient is currently taking without the approval of a doctor or other medical professional.

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Discussion Comments
By ysmina — On Sep 12, 2014

I have oily, acne prone skin and use sandalwood paste as a face mask and spot treatment. I just mix some sandalwood powder with rose water to make a paste and apply it on my face. It removes all of the oil and dries out pimples. My face just glows after using it, it looks so much better. It also has a soothing/cooling effect and I enjoy that a lot, especially when the weather is hot. It seems to reduce skin irritation and inflammation in general.

By candyquilt — On Sep 11, 2014

@stoneMason-- Yes, sandalwood incense calms and relaxes but keeps the mind alert at the same time. Many people use it during meditation or religious practices. It's often used in Buddhism but others also enjoy the woody, earth scent. I think it does a lot for the mind and can help relieve stress.

Of course, there are different qualities of sandalwood incense out there. The best ones are made from pure, high quality sandalwood powder and do not have the wooden stick in the center. The stick creates a lot of unhealthy smoke while it burn. Whereas the ones made from just sandalwood powder have more benefits and also smell better.

By stoneMason — On Sep 11, 2014

I use sandalwood incense sticks a lot. Does sandalwood incense also have benefits like other sandalwood products? I use them just because I like the scent. But if it also has health benefits, then that's great.

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