The fragrant wood known as Sandalwood found in India, Hawaii and islands of the Pacific has been much-sought after not only because of its heady, woody natural fragrance but also because of the many healing properties it is believed to possess.

In ancient India, Sandalwood was widely used in Ayurvedic medicine as a cure for internal and external bodily dysfunction. It's most common uses remain as incense and in making perfumes. However, with Aromatherapy and Ayurveda coming into vogue nowadays, the therapeutic use of sandalwood is becoming more widespread.

Commonly found in most Hindu households, sandalwood sticks are used to make a paste obtained by rubbing them on a rough stone surface. This is known as 'Chandan' in Hindi/Sanskrit. It is applied on the forehead as 'tilak' a mark - usually after worship or religious ceremonies and is known to have a calming and stabilizing effect on the mind. In Ayurvedic medicine, it along with turmeric paste is used as an antiseptic and applied on cuts, wounds, scrapes, bruises and burns - due to its antimicrobial properties.

The oil obtained from the wood - sandalwood essential oil - is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an essential ingredient in herbal drugs for uro-genital disorders. It is also considered effective in treating anxiety.

Sandalwood fragrance is believed to help in enhancing alertness and concentration. It is also good for the nervous system.

The wood also has cleansing properties and its extracts in various forms, when applied on the skin help to keep it germ-free, moisturized and also offer protection from the harmful rays of the sun.

In alternative medicine, it is believed to help in meditation. Aromatherapy experts swear by the efficaciousness of sandalwood oil in treating bronchitis, chapped skin, depression, dry skin, laryngitis, leucorrhea, oily skin, scars, sensitive skin, stress and stretch marks.

Skin Care with Sandalwood

You can make a great paste form 1tsp each of sandalwood powder, milk and turmeric. This is very useful to help you with acne and pimples.

Another remedy for acne is made by mixing sandalwood paste with rosewater. Apply this paste all over your face later rinse it off after 30 minutes.

If you are suffering from skin allergies you can use this remedy. Take 1tsp lime juice with 1 tsp sandalwood paste. Apply this all over your face for 30 minutes. Later wash it with fresh water.

Sandalwood face packs works wonders on your skin if used regularly.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.