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A Look At The Research-Supported Healing Benefits Of Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood is definitely both a traditional scent and a classic medicine. Used as an aromatic for over 4000 years, and in addition as a medicine in the Ayurvedic system for maybe a millennium, the wood itself has been considerably valued by mankind. The essential oil, while only getting popular during the past hundred years, is a truly classic scent, with vital science-proven therapeutic 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 of the sandalwood tree. Seems pretty easy, until you learn that sandalwood is actually a parasite; it grows exclusively on certain other trees in tropical environments. The tree has 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 need to be cut down. Obviously this presents concerns for this important resource.
The harvesting of the wood in The Indian subcontinent, where the finest specimens are thought to be from, has been halted by the government in order to safeguard the tropical rain forests. Elsewhere in the world, harvesting is regulated to ensure the demise of the rain forests in The Indian subcontinent does not happen again for this purpose.
It is distinct that for the reasons of rarity 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 care: The essential oil has been shown to prevent the occurrence of skin cancer if put on before exposure to UVB light as well as chemo-toxins.
Researchers at South Dakota State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, pointed out "alpha-santalol, a major component of sandalwood oil, is effective 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 an important therapeutic contribution to skin care formulations.
The aroma is highly regarded for its calming, centering qualities, without being sedating. In Vienna, Austria scientists published a study where participants were positively affected in the regions of alertness, attentiveness, calmness, mood, relaxation 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 examining the effects of inhaling santalol, the primary natural constituent of the oil, found this ingredient could result in a significant decrease in the time spent awake in sleep-disturbed subjects, and also increased the overall time spent in REM sleep.
So you can see 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 sources. You will find they have subtly different aromas, and you might have a strong preference for one over another. Once you find an oil you like, purchase some to put away! Sandalwood gets better (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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