Sandalwood: medicinal properties, contraindications and how to use it

sandalwood characteristics

sandalwood (Santalum album) is a modest treebarely ten meters high, semiparasiticas it absorbs nutrients and minerals from the roots of other trees, and evergreen.

The leaves are thick and glossy.and the flowers, purple or pink corolla, are grouped in dense pyramidal inflorescences. The bark is greyish brown in color and the wooda coloring ocher yellow.

It grows wild on the shores of India.on some islands of Oceania and Australia, but it is also cultivated on a large scale in Southeast Asia and China.

Sandalwood, a very sensual essential oil

To speak of sandalwood is to speak of its valuable essential oil, one of the most appreciated And not just in aromatherapy. Penetrating, musky, dry and sensual, it has been used in the Orient since ancient times, and has been considered a powerful aphrodisiac remedy.

In Ayurvedic medicine it has been used to treat venereal diseases and infertilityas nerve relaxant and to skin conditions such as pimples, bites or chilblains.

In aromatherapysandalwood indicated in case of respiratory and urinary infection, as a stimulant and aphrodisiac. The oil, burned with coal, produces a incense that promotes meditation and the ability to concentrate.

Medicinal properties

For medicinal purposes, the roots and sandalwoodfrom which it is obtained, by aqueous or steam distillation, its rich essential oil.

In phytotherapy, sandalwood essential oil is classified as antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, venous tonic, central nervous system stimulant and mild hypotensive.It is specially indicated on bronchial and urinary infections, in chronic bronchitis, respiratory allergies, mild asthmatic processes, cystitis, and urethritis.For his powerful diuretic effecthelp against kidney stones, fluid retention, edema, excess urea and uric acid, and gout attacks.Also helps to control blood pressure and it is indicated to treat gonorrhea and other venereal diseases.In external usesandalwood oil is applied as a venous stimulant on varicose veins and hemorrhoids, and as a disinfectant on skin and oral wounds.

How to use sandalwood

Sandalwood, diuretic and venotonic, is used together with other plants in decoction as an infusion and in sitz baths. lies the dry log for decoction and essential oil in drops, for internal and external use in baths, massage and incense.

Sandalwood infusion for urinary tract infections

decoction of sandalwood with bearberry and juniper fruits It is indicated for urinary infections. They take between 3 and 5 cups a day, sweetened with honey.

Baths for varicose veins and hemorrhoids

Also sandalwood is mixed with horse chestnut and cypress galbules to apply in the form of baths in varicose veins and hemorrhoids or to clean wounds. Add 4 level tablespoons to a liter of water and boil for 3 minutes. The water is expected to be lukewarm or cold to take a bath.