The short answer: Sandalwood comes from the Santalum album tree and has been prized in Ayurveda and aromatherapy for centuries. Its warm, woody scent is used to promote calm and focus, and in skincare it is a key ingredient in our Soothing range. For sandalwood on skin, read our guide to sandalwood oil benefits for skin.
What is Sandalwood?
The benefits of Sandalwood are numerous. However let us first establish what exactly sandalwood oil is. You can find Sandalwood in many beauty products like soaps and cosmetics. People easily recognise its scent and source it from a tree that is very valuable. The sandalwood tree, also known as the Santalum album or the East Indian sandalwood tree; is one of the most valuable trees. People use its bark and leaves all over the world. The trees roots are used to make Sandalwood oil. People use it as a core ingredient in many forms of aromatherapy. Buddhists value the scent of sandalwood to such a high degree; that they believe that the scent can help one maintain alertness and focus during meditation.The Health Benefits of Sandalwood Oil
Within Ayurveda prizes Sandalwood oil for its ability to treat both mental and physical aspects of one’s health. Within the field of aromatherapy, inhaling the scent of sandalwood or absorbing after topical application to one’s skin; it helps in managing and controlling emotions like anxiety and stress. Sandalwood helps your bodies limbic system in relaying messages to parts of our brain in a way that is constructive and positive. This causes positive emotional and physical responses. An example of how sandalwood helps to do this; can be found in how it is used to help reduce anxiety in hospital ICU patients and in doing so, also lowers the patients’ blood pressure.- Helps Lower Anxiety: Sandalwood oil has been proven to help reduce and manage stress and anxiety. It rather instills within us a sense of calm and acceptance.
- Helps fight Insomnia: Moreover, this oil is an incredible way to help promote a healthier sleep pattern as it helps us fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Increases Mental Alertness: This may seem a bit counterintuitive. However, despite its calming effects, this oil is also known to help enhance mental alertness, functioning and focus.
The Best Products containing Sandalwood Oil
You can use raw sandalwood oil by inhaling it through a diffuser in aromatherapy; or add a few drops to your bath. However, the best and easiest way to incorporate sandalwood oil into your life is to buy products that already contain this super ingredient. Our nourishing and soothing sandalwood range contains many of these products. We suggest you try our soothing day and night creams; for a way to nourish and replenish your skin daily; and as a way to effortlessly feed your skin with sandalwood oil.Frequently Asked Questions
Where does sandalwood come from?
From the Santalum album, or East Indian sandalwood tree. The oil is made from the tree's wood and roots and is one of the most valued oils in aromatherapy.
How do you use sandalwood oil?
Inhale it through a diffuser, add a few drops to your bath, or use skincare that already contains it.
Which Urban Veda products contain sandalwood?
Our Soothing range, including the Soothing Day Cream and Soothing Clarifying Night Cream.
