A Look At The Research-Supported Healthy Advantages Of Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood is certainly both a vintage scent and a classic medicine. Used as an aromatic for over 4000 years, and as a medicine in the Ayurvedic system for maybe a millennium, the wood on its own has been tremendously valued by human beings. The essential oil, while only growing popular within the last hundred years, is a truly classic scent, with important science-proven therapeutic medicinal purposes. Whether it be for the body or mind, sandalwood oil can offer effective support.

To begin with just a little history -- sandalwood essential oil is steam distilled from the heartwood connected with the sandalwood tree. Looks pretty simple, until you learn that sandalwood is actually a parasite; it grows only on certain other trees in tropical environments. The tree has to be planted besides the right host tree, already of a specific age, for it to climb up. When harvesting the wood, which is very slow to grow, both trees needs to be cut down. Evidently this presents issues for this important resource.

The harvesting of the wood in India, where the finest specimens are thought to be from, has been halted by the authorities in order to protect the tropical rain forests. In other places in the world, harvesting is controlled 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 rarity alone, the essential oil is a thing to be cherished. However, the oil has some very impressive and important medicinal characteristics that make it even more valuable. One application is a direct derivation of the use of the wood's paste for skin treatment: The essential oil has been proven 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, 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 which were on their way to becoming cancerous. Clearly the essential oil makes a significant therapeutic contribution to skin care formulations.

The aroma is highly regarded for its soothing, 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, 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 peaceful sleep. The essential oil works both when inhaled and when topically applied. One study investigating the effects of inhaling santalol, the most important 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 can see that sandalwood oil has some marvelous, valuable therapeutic activity -- features that everyone can enjoy. The most common are Australian as well as South Pacific, though you may still find some Indian available through specialty resources. You will discover 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 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.

A Look At The Research-Supported Healthy Advantages Of Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood is one of the more popular aromatics in aromatherapy. It's used extensively in natural perfumery, yet has a wealth of medicinal and therapeutic actions validated by scientific research.

How Would You Like To Live Years Longer? You Could If You Try These Natural Inflammation Treatments
Using natural inflammation treatments to control inflammation is the best and safest way to improve your health and fight the ravages of old age.

Naturopathic Health Was Once Popular And Is Today Having A Resurgence As More People Reject Drugs
Naturopathic health care or naturopathy is simply an alternative form of health care which believes in the body's ability to heal itself.

San Ramon Chiropractors Are A Great Option For Patients Suffering From Spinal Disorders
Chiropractic can help reduce the severity of spinal pain and in some cases, cure it altogether. Most cases of common neck and back pain are related to the vertebral joints and surrounding soft tissues. Chiropractic involves improving the mechanical functionality of both of them.

Do You Suffer With Persistent Allergies? Natural Treatments For Allergic Reactions Is A Wonderful Technique That Can Help
Natural remedies for allergies are becoming more sought after due not only to the high price of allergy medications, but also to the fact that those medications simply aren't working for many allergy sufferers. Also, prescription and over the counter remedies can have side effects that do not suit our busy lifestyles.

San Francisco Chiropractors - Using Different Strategies To Achieve Identical Aims Of Pain Reduction And Health Improvement
San Francisco chiropractors are health care specialists who treat conditions involving the spine, adjacent muscles, ligaments and tendons, and joints using primarily manual methods. A minimum of four academic years in an accredited chiropractic college are required to earn the D.C. degree.

The Anticancer Capabilities Related With Essential Oils
Essential oils have been the subject of much scientific research in recent years, with a great many papers being published on their anticancer activity.

What To Do For Whiplash: Household Remedy Available For Small Car Crash Injuries
Whiplash is the term given to a sprain and strain injury to the muscles from a short, sudden impact force like a car collision. It usually affects the muscles of the neck, upper shoulders, and upper back.

Use Of Essential Oils In Various Health Problems
Essential oils are more than just great aromas -- They've been shown in scientific research to have a variety of immune boosting actions. Here's a look at using essential oils to support immune system function.

The Awesome Antiviral Results Of Essential Oils
The greatest benefit to mankind that many aromatherapists consider essential oils can offer is their ability to treat and prevent infectious illness. Here's a review of the science and application of oils for this purpose.

Peppermint And Other Mint Oils In Aromatherapy
The mint family, including peppermint, spearmint and corn mint, are very popular essential oils. Here's a quick look at their applications in aromatherapy and natural medicine.

A New On The Behind The Anti-Tumor Properties And Effects Of Aromatherapy And Essential Oils
The research on essential oils continues to grow. Here's an update on the anti-cancer effects of these oils, discussing new information, and the efficacy of the most researched essential oils as well. These oils certainly warrant further investigation.

Chiropractors San Ramon California Help Local Citizens Find Relief From Injuries By Providing Safe And Sound, Drug-Free Treatment.
Residents of San Ramon California can rely on chiropractors to treat stubborn cases of pain as well as sports and work injuries. The treatment is safe, effective and covered by many insurance plans.

More Articles

Blogroll

Home | Sitemap | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Service

Copyright © 2006 - All Rights Reserved.