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The Science-Supported Healthy Benefits Of Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood is definitely both a classic scent and a classic medicine. Used as an aromatic for over 4000 years, and as a medicine in the Ayurvedic technique for maybe a millennium, the wood itself has been considerably valued by humankind. The essential oil, while only getting popular in the last hundred years, is a truly classic scent, with important science-proven remedial medicinal purposes. Whether it be for the body or mind, sandalwood oil can offer effective support.
First just a little backdrop -- sandalwood essential oil is steam distilled from the heartwood associated with the sandalwood tree. Seems pretty straightforward, until you learn that sandalwood is actually a parasite; it grows only on certain other trees in tropical environments. The tree needs to be planted besides the right host tree, already of a certain age, for it to climb up. When harvesting the wood, which is extremely slow to grow, both trees must be cut down. Obviously this presents challenges for this important resource.
The harvesting of the wood in India, where the premium specimens are thought to be from, has been halted by the government in order to safeguard the tropical rain forests. In other places in the world, harvesting is regulated to ensure the demise of the rain forests in India does not happen again for this purpose.
It is clear that for the reasons of uniqueness alone, the essential oil is a thing to be cherished. However, the oil has some very impressive and important medicinal qualities that make it even more valuable. One practical application is a direct derivation of the use of the wood's paste for skin treatment: The essential oil has been shown to prevent the occurrence of skin cancer if applied before exposure to UVB light as well as chemo-toxins.
Researchers at South Dakota State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, noted "alpha-santalol, a major component of sandalwood oil, works well in preventing UVB-induced skin cancer development." Research workers at the University of Colorado, Denver, noted that the oil caused apoptosis (normal cell death) of cells that were on their way to becoming cancerous. Obviously the essential oil makes a significant therapeutic contribution to skin care formulations.
The aroma is highly regarded for its calming, centering qualities, without being sedating. In Vienna, Austria researchers published a study where participants were positively affected in the areas of alertness, attentiveness, calmness, mood, enjoyment and vigor. This correlates to its long-time use as the first preference aromatic in aiding meditation.
Curiously, the oil has also been researched for supporting deeper, more restful sleep. The essential oil works both when breathed in and when topically applied. One study investigating the effects of inhaling santalol, the primary natural constituent of the oil, found this component could result in a significant decrease in the time spent awake in sleep-disturbed subjects, and also increased the total time spent in REM sleep.
So you will notice that sandalwood oil has some marvelous, valuable therapeutic activity -- features that everyone can enjoy. The most common are Australian and South Pacific, though you may still come across some Indian available through specialty resources. You will find they have subtly different aromas, and you may have a strong preference for one over another. Once you find an oil you like, buy some to put away! Sandalwood improves (and more costly) with age -- you'll have an exquisite oil for you and your family to enjoy now and on into the future.
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