What is Sandalwood Powder?
Sandalwood powder comes from the sandalwood tree, which is grown in parts of Indian and Australia. The tree is ground into a fine powder which is then used as a very useful product. Sandalwood powder has been known to contain many useful benefits including: reducing rashes, blemished, dark spots, pimples, and acne. Sandalwood powder has also been used as a way to fight the signs of aging, reduce wrinkles, as well as help promote healthier looking skin. There are many sandalwood powders available for your face and skin.
Sandalwood Powder Benefits
Sandalwood Powder for Skin
Sandalwood power has been known to make your skin soft, leaving it with a nice silky feeling. After spending too much time in the sun, your skin and face may become dried out or feel rough to the touch. A sandalwood powder face mask can help solve this issue.
- 4 tablespoons sandalwood powder
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons almond oil
Leave this sandalwood facemask on for 10-20 minutes and then gently wash off. This mixture can be applied to any part of the skin that needs healing.
Sandalwood Powder for Acne
Sandalwood powder has long been known to cure acne and reduce redness and the appearance of acne scars. Many people face acne and this is a simple cure to reduce the appearance of acne. The anti-bacterial properties of sandalwood powder help fight the acne-causing bacteria that grows on your face
- 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder
- 1 tablespoon milk
With these two simple ingredients, you can help fight that stubborn acne. Apply this face mask and leave on for 15-20 minutes before gently washing off.
Sandalwood Powder for Pimples
Sandalwood powder is great for eliminate blackheads that are caused by bacterial growth on your face. The anti-bacterial properties of sandalwood help keep these harmful bacterial at a minimal amount.
- 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder
- 1 tablespoon milk
Apply this sandalwood powder facemask for 15-20 minutes and then gently rise.
Anti-Aging Properties
Constant exposure to the sun can lead to skin aging. The harsh UV rays from the sun breaks down the skin and causes wrinkles, skin sagging, or dry skin. Sandalwood powder has been used for centuries as a way to reduce or reverse the effects of wrinkled skin.
All about Sandalwood Powder
Perhaps you have heard about sandalwood and just wonder what it is all about. Well, sandalwood has been in use for more than 4000 years. Sandalwood powder is an extract from sandalwood tree and is used widely. The tree is characterized by a dark yellow color and is heavier than other woods. It takes up to 80 years to mature and keeps its fragrance for many years. It is known for its amazing capabilities in restoring skin health. It is a remedy for skin problems such as; itchy skin, tan skin, skin odor, acne, sunburns, and many others. Asides skin problems this natural remedy has other health benefits to the body as well. Read along to learn more about sandalwood.
History of Sandalwood
As stated earlier, sandalwood has been in use for more than 4000 years. Indians in particular perceive it as a sacred tree and is used for devotional rituals. Some of its uses include; religious artifacts like staffs, sandalwood paste for skin, and statures. It was also used in early buildings since the hardwood can resist white ants invasion.
Traditional Chinese communities used sandalwood as a therapeutic herb. By 700 B.C it was a trade item and it has been found in early Egyptian embalming formulations. It was also utilized in death rituals. For instance, in India it was used for making coffins for the extremely wealthy. It has also been in use as an ingredient in incense and perfumes for more than 2000 years. The Chinese used and still use sandalwood joss sticks as incense.
Sandalwood gained popularity in America and Europe in 1900s and was utilized for its fixative ability in addition to its fragrance. It is still used in the current age for making fine perfumes and other useful cosmetic products.
The wood of sandalwood tree is still used for making sacred objects, handcrafted ornaments, and sacred objects. In the past it was widely used for making temple doors and pricey furniture. However, it is less utilized for such a purpose since they are expensive and beyond reach for most people.
Sandalwood Powder and Skincare
Sandalwood for skin is one of the most efficient and versatile treatments. It is widely used in the cosmetic industry, utilized in powder form or simply as an oil extract. Some of the products made from sandalwood include; perfumes, facial creams, soaps, masks, powder, and many other skin care products.
Different varieties of sandalwood powder are available and each has its unique capabilities. For instance, Red sandalwood powder is the best for facial creams. It is mostly used as an ingredient in cosmetics. Most manufacturers include it in creams, facial scrubs, and masks since it does a good job when it comes to softening of the skin, removal of blemishes on skin, and acne. Sandalwood powder has a strong aroma. It is utilized by aromatherapy practitioners to relieve anxiety and depression in their clients.
Types of Sandalwood Powder
- Australian Sandalwood-it maintains its fragrance for a long time and hence preferred by aromatherapists.
- Indian Sandalwood-one of the best quality sandalwood. Used as powder and sandalwood oil.
- Coast Sandalwood-has a strong fragrance and thus used mostly for aromatherapy and potpourri.
How to Make Sandalwood Powder
You can purchase sandalwood powder or oil online or from specialty stores. However, it is fun and easy to make your own at home. You can save a few bucks by simply grinding your own powder and making the sandalwood paste or oil. Furthermore, a fresh bottle of homemade sandalwood paste or oil can make an excellent gift to someone. Nonetheless, it is important to note that homemade oil is just as potent as what you buy online or from local stores. You have to exercise the same caution as you would when using purchased oil.
Required
- Sandalwood Chips
Purchase this online. You can buy the sandalwood chips from health stores but if you are unable to get it then buy the sandalwood powder instead. The sandalwood chips have to be broken down into fine powder. Remember the quality of the sandalwood is more important than the type of oil used you will use to make the paste or oil. Choose the best quality sandalwood. You can know this by looking at the price. Cheaper ones are sourced from immature trees but the most expensive ones are of high quality.
- Grinder/Mortar and Pestle
This is needed if you have to break down the sandalwood chips. You can use a grinder which is not needed any longer or which can be spared when damaged.
Procedure
Take the sandalwood chips. Place them on the grinder. Break down the wood chips as small as possible and grind small amounts at a go. The mortar and pestle can help finish the job. Homemade powder might not compare to what is bought but you should try as much as possible to break down the chips to be as small as possible.
The powder can now be used for making sandalwood paste, sandalwood oil, or any other use deemed necessary.
How to Make Sandalwood Paste
Required
- Sandalwood powder.
- Glycerin, almond milk, water, or rosewater.
- Turmeric (not must).
Procedure
Step 1: Ensure you have the right quality of sandalwood powder. You can grind it yourself or buy from Amazon. Take a non-stick bowl and add a teaspoon of sandalwood powder.
Step 2: Choose any of these; distilled water, almond milk, glycerin, or rosewater. What you have chosen will be used for making the paste. Remember what you have chosen will affect the power of the final paste. For instance, glycerin and almond milk will provide moisturizing effects. This will complement the moisturizing capabilities of sandalwood. Rosewater on the other hand hydrates and improves the tone of your skin. You can as well add a little of each of these products if you want to enjoy all the benefits they offer.
Step 3: Mix the ingredients well. You can add more of the liquid depending on the results you desire. Feel free to add a dash of turmeric as well for better results.
Step 4: check the paste carefully for a perfect blend. Ensure there is no unmixed powder or bubbling. Continue mixing if need be and it not you can proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Use an airtight container to store the paste. To apply the product, massage it on your skin and leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse and dry the skin after the 30 minutes is over.
How to Make Sandalwood Oil
Required
- Sandalwood powder.
- Glass container.
- Olive oil.
- Double boiler.
- Cheesecloth or Coffee filter.
- Dark glass bottle.
Procedure
Step 1: Take a jar and place a quarter ounce of the powder in it. Add a cup of olive oil and shake the container.
Step 2: Place the container in a spot where it can get direct light from the sun. Let it stay there for a week but shake it occasionally. Let it sit for a few more weeks and add more olive oil every two weeks.
Step 3: Check the mixture from time to time and when it has soaked well, strain the mixture. When all the mixture has gone through the strainer, use a spoon to extract more oil from the sandalwood powder. When the mixture is strained, the oil extracted is the essential sandalwood oil.
Step 4: if you desire to make stronger homemade sandalwood oil then you should repeat the same process but this time you use the essential oil extracted. Add more sandalwood powder to the oil and repeat the same process. You can do this for as many times as you want. However, remember the more potent the oil is, the greater the risk of irritation. Sandalwood oil should always be diluted even if you made it at home.
Step 5: Transfer the ready sandalwood oil to the dark glass and keep it in a cool dark place.
Make Sandalwood Oil Quickly
If you feel the method above is too slow for you then you should use a method that is faster. Place your mixture in an oven heated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the mixture boil for a minimum of 4 hours while stirring it occasionally. Alternatively, place your mixture in a slow cooker and simmer on low for at least 8 hours. You should also stir the mixture occasionally during this 8 hour duration. Once you are done, strain and store the oil as normal.
Sandalwood oil, irrespective of the method used to make it, should be utilized within 6 months. If you desire to use it for longer then add vitamin E to the oil. This will extend the life of the oil.
Health Benefits of Sandalwood Powder
Skin Moisturizer
Those prone to dry skin will benefit immensely when they use sandalwood. As a matter of fact, companies that manufacture creams and lotions include sandalwood as part of the ingredients since it helps decrease skin dryness. It gives the skin a glossy, young, and smooth look. This is achieved by increased activity of the skin cells resulting in moisture absorption, made possible by sandalwood. This makes the product one of the best to curb acne. It is even used in making aftershave products for men.
Anti-Aging
There is no better way of curbing aging like the use of natural sandalwood. It is the best anti-aging agent, boosting blood circulation in the ideal areas of the skin. This ensures the skin cells within the area are well nourished and dead cells and material waste eliminated. In addition to these, it is a powerful antioxidant that helps eliminate free radicals responsible for creating wrinkles on the skin.
The ultimate benefit to the user from the above is a young, glowing young skin. Furthermore, sandalwood serves as a tightening agent on the skin. This restores the flexibility of the skin. This also improves the elasticity of the skin. It can be used on all areas of the body including; hands, legs, face, and other areas.
Sandalwood Powder for Skin Abrasions, Psoriasis, and Eczema
Sandalwood powder is one of the best remedies for these skin conditions. A paste should be formulated using a teaspoon of camphor or rose water blended with the sandalwood powder. Mix this thoroughly to form a paste and apply it on the affected areas on the skin to prevent eczema.
Sandalwood Powder for Acne and Pimples
Ask anyone about sandalwood and they will talk about acne remedy. The product is known best for fighting this common disease and has been in use for many years. It helps with acne in teenagers and also adults that suffer from zit eruption. Individuals with zit eruption experience amazing results when they use sandalwood. It also helps those with pimple breakouts. Besides, it helps keep the skin free from infection and heals skin blemishes such as boils and sores. To eliminate acne or acne scars, mix an equal amount of sandalwood powder, lime juice, and coconut oil. Mix them and apply on the affected areas. Let it remain overnight and wash it off with cold water when you wake up in the morning.
Nerves and Muscles
Those who exercise from time to time may experience muscle contractions and spasms. In some instances one may feel some pain or numb muscles even if they haven’t exercised. This is precisely where sandalwood comes in handy. It is a natural healer of nerves and muscles. Regular use of the product helps relax the muscles and eliminates muscle spasms and contractions. Use sandalwood oil regularly and you will see wonderful results.
Disinfectant
Sandalwood is a natural disinfectant. It also has anti-microbial qualities and that explains why it used for healing and restoring skin health.
Prevent Bad Smell
The cosmetic industry utilizes sandalwood for one reason; long-lasting fragrance. This is one of those products that smell good and retains its aroma for a long period of time. It is therefore used in making perfumes and deodorants that help prevent body odor and keep you fresh the entire day.
Sandalwood Powder for Itchy Skin
Have you been suffering from itchy skin? Well, sandalwood paste will help ease the itchiness. Those who have been stung by insects can ease the pain by applying this natural product. It is also the best remedy for sunburns. It gives instant results and has no side effects as other remedies in the market.
Remedy for Allergic Reactions
Sandalwood has been in use for many years as a natural remedy for allergic reactions. Reactions to insect bites and stings that cause allergic reactions can be countered by applying sandalwood oil or paste combined with lime juice. You can also make a paste of lime juice, sandalwood powder, and turmeric powder and use it to counter itchy skin or allergic reactions on the skin. This helps remove the itchy feeling and the redness on the skin.
Sandalwood Powder for Skin Fairness
Sandalwood paste when applied on the skin continually helps achieve a uniform skin tone. It helps inhibit tans from forming within the skin. The anti-microbial and disinfectant capability of sandalwood helps prevent keloid formation on the skin. This helps keep the skin healthy and balances the skin tone.
Excessive Sweating
If you have ever wondered whether there is a natural cure for excessive sweating, then look no further. Sandalwood paste alongside Rose water when applied to the specific areas prone to sweating will give tremendous results. It gives the best natural way of curbing profuse sweating.
Suntan Remedy
1 tablespoon of Sandalwood powder, when mixed with a tablespoon of cucumber, honey, lemon juice, and curd then combined with potato or tomato juice, will help cure suntan. You can also use four spoons of sandalwood powder blended with 4 spoons coconut oil in addition to 2 spoons almond oil. When this is applied to the face for 15 minutes then washed with warm water, it calms and heals the skin affected by suntan.
Teeth Loss
Sandalwood oil has been tested and proven to strengthen the gums. This helps keep the teeth strong and prevent teeth loss.
Stress Relief
Sandalwood generates a calming and stress-relieving aroma. This is mostly used in aromatherapy as a sedative that helps calm the nerves which is one of the best ways of relieving stress in patients. Next time you visit your aromatherapeutic practitioner ask what product they use and you will notice it is sandalwood. It not only helps calm the skin but it also calms membranes. Furthermore, those with headaches and excessive body temperature experience tremendous improvement after a session with the aromatherapist since sandalwood is one of the best remedies for headaches and high temperatures. You can use it at home whenever you have a headache or too much body temperature, or feel exhausted. Its aroma triggers the feeling of contentment and happiness.
A Final Word on Sandalwood Powder Benefits
Sandalwood has been with us for centuries and its usefulness remains. However, you should not just rush and buy any bottle of sandalwood oil or powder you see online. Exercise a lot of caution when making your purchase since many illegitimate suppliers are available online. It is prudent to buy from a reliable online dealer. Amazon is ideally reliable when it comes to the supply of most online products. Remember to check out client feedback with regard to a manufacturer as well.