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Sandalwood essential oil - A warm and woody aroma!

Sandalwood essential oil has been used throughout history in spiritual rituals, as well as to promote health and emotional well being.  Sandalwood continues to have an important role in Indian religious practices, and was mentioned as early as the fifth century BC in Nirukta, the oldest Vedic scripture.  In modern times aromatherapists use this aromatic plant essence to aid in healing a range of conditions.  Sandalwood oil, santalum album in Latin, has a rich, balsamic woody fragrance, which is sweet and delicate.  It can cause irritation in sensitive skin, but a few drops added to a bath or vaporized in an aromatherapy diffuser can have therapeutic benefits for several physical and psychological complaints.

Essential oil burners or vaporizers can be used to release the powerful aroma molecules of sandalwood into the air.  Not only does the sandalwood essential oil add a warm fragrance to a room, it can also have a calming effect.  This oil has sedative qualities and is commonly used to ease signs of stress, anxiety and depression, as well as alleviating insomnia.  It is a common ingredient in scented aromatherapy candles and soothing blends of oils designed for use in lamp rings or nebulizers.  Used in steam inhalation, sandalwood aromatherapy oil can soothe sore throats and coughs.

A few drops of sandalwood pure essential oil can be added to hot bath water to have a soothing effect on a number of physical conditions.  It can relieve itching, cracked or inflamed skin.  Used in aromatherapy skin care products,  diluted with a carrier oil, sandalwood can have therapeutic effects on shaving rash, acne and oily skins.  This oil is also used by aromatherapists to help combat urinary infections such as cystitis and urethritis.  Like rose oil and some other plant essences, sandalwood also has aphrodisiac properties.

About The Author:

Caroline Smith is a successful freelance writer and regular contributor to http://www.aromatherapy-essential-oils.ws - A comprehensive online guide to the uses of aromatherapy and essential oils.