Santalum album is the scientific name of Indian sandalwood. This oil has been use for more than a thousand years now from perfumes to embalming the dead to building temples. A sandalwood tree can produce the oil only after crossing the age of thirty years. The oil that is derived from sandalwood is very thick, but at the same time it is highly rich and luxurious oil. Following are some of the best uses of sandalwood essential oil.

• It soothes emotions and helps in easing the depression. Sandalwood oil is also used to reduce the anxiety and stress. You should apply it topically or use it in a diffuser so as to obtain the benefits.
• It can be used as a perfume. All you need to do is to just apply a drop to the pulse point. Sandalwood has been used as a perfume for at least 5000 years.
• You can also make use of sandalwood oil as a facial. Just add a couple of drops to 1 teaspoon or tablespoon of the carrier oil. Sandalwood helps to prevent rashes, dryness, flakiness as well as plethora of skin problems.
• You may also apply a few drops of this oil daily on the affected skin or scar. Gradually, you will see the scars diminishing and finally disappearing.
• The constituents that are present in the sandalwood oil works in tandem so as the various systems of the body and at the same time they encourage the cellular communications. This helps in the creation of harmony both mentally and physically and helps a person to balance with the changes that are taking place not only in his body, but also life. The anti inflammatory action of this oil is something which you cannot ignore.
• You should apply a drop to your hair after shower. Not only it will make the scent stay with you but also will prevent the hair falls.
• If any oil can be called marvellous for respiratory systems then it’s the sandalwood oil.  You can apply it directly to your chest or can use it in a diffuser. It helps to ease a cough, soothe sore throat or help you to deal with respiratory infections.
• Men may also use sandalwood oil as an aftershave lotion so as to avoid a shaving rash.
• Epi-beta-santalol, which is major constituent of sandalwood oil, is extremely helpful in interrupting the communication system of the virus. Due to the virtue of this constituent this oil asset the body in fighting against the viral infections.

There are some constituents in sandalwood oil which specifically target the reproductive areas or urinary tract system. They not only tone but also assist in case of induced or virus based tumours. They are helpful in providing the body with the tools that helps to combat cystitis as well as urinary tract infections.

Lastly, you should use essential oils that are 100% pure. The oils that are synthetic may have dangerous side effects and this you should avoid them at any cost.

The use of the essential oils is not only limited throughout the day but these oils are also used a lot to assist us in a good night’s sleep. The reason why these oils are popular as sleep enhancers is that because they are natural with almost nil side effects. Their ready availability also is a big plus for them. The calming herbs comes in diverse forms and range from soothing lavender bath to hot cup of chamomile tea. Apart from the common herbs that you have heard of, there are many others that have got properties that reach your spirit, body and mind.

Aromatherapy or using the diffused oils is almost the most common applications of using these herbs to as to get a good sleep. To attain the benefits of these oils you can also indulge in application on the body, basic inhalation or using them internally. If you want to opt for topical application then you should place 3-4 drops of the oil on your palm and apply it on temple, top of head, soles of feet and stomach etc. As not all the oils can be consumed internally, so just list out the flower essences that can be taken internally.

Among the most common and calming oils are the lavender essential oils. The adults are equally benefitted by this oil as children are. In case you don’t have a diffuser then you can rub a few drops of this oil on your soles. Then all you need to do is to take a deep breath while the oils are airborne and feel the calming nerve. Some of the other essential oils that can be used for this purpose include Valerian, Chamomile and Passion flower etc. Diffusing Frankincense or rubbing 2-3 drops of this oil will help to induce calmness and is used for increasing spiritual strength. You will also find oils that will promote dreams and helps you to stabilize emotions.

Just like a good diet or exercise regimes helps to promote a healthy day and good sleep, essential oils also does the same. Enhancing the energy levels during the daytime will help to reduce the body’s function to drain the adrenaline flank, thus promoting a much more relaxed approach to the tasks that you do during daytime. Many people use at least one essential oil each day based on the aptness to that very specific day. Orange oil is usually used for a more relaxed mood, whereas the peppermint or rosemary oil is usually used for mental alertness.

You should also try experiment with oil after you have gained some basic knowledge about them as it will allow you to exploit their potential even more. You should also note that some of the essential oils or natural oils are highly potent and they might cause irritations to the skin. If such a thing occurs, then you should immediately apply pure vegetable oil to the area for dilution.

Majority of the people have got some essential oil or the other at their homes. Besides, you will also come across people who store a wide range of essential oils at the homes. However, storing essential oils requires a little bit of knowledge of the same. Ideally, you should avoid direct contact with the essential oils as they cause irritation to the skin. It is preferred that you use protective glasses and latex gloves. Also, one should avoid using them internally, whereas in case of application to the skin, dilution with a good quality of carrier oils like olive or jojoba oil is required, that too, in a safe ratio.

You should store the oil away from light, heat as well as moisture. It is highly preferred that the essential oils shall only be sold and stored in a dark glass containers and you must keep them away from moisture, heat as well as light as the prolonged exposure is more likely to degrade the oil. You must keep the bottles tightly closed when they are not in use and should also avoid touching the inside of the lid when using the oils. These bottles shall be kept away from children’s reach. You can purchase them as blends of various essential oils. The major advantage of opting for a blend of essential oil is that you need not have individual essential oils with you. However, the disadvantage of the blended essential oils is that you don’t have any control over the blend as you are not mixing yourself and you have to rely on what the manufacturer is offering.

Even though none of the essential oils does not become rancid, still they can get oxidized and deteriorate so as to lose their beneficial properties with due course of time. The oils like citrus oils are going to oxidize and begin to lose their aroma as well as therapeutic properties in as little as 4-6 months. It is also interesting to note that some of the essential oils like sandalwood and patchouli actually mature with age. After opening the bottle, essential oils become volatile liquids. Deterioration of these oils can occur when they are exposed to air, heat and light etc. The citrus oils are especially vulnerable and have a shelf life anywhere between 6-12 months. The reason why these oils are placed in dark bottles or dark places is to minimize the light sensitivity. Preferably, you must store then in the glass bottles as the oil might react with the plastic of the bottles. As these oils are flammable, you must avoid extreme temperatures.

Nowadays, there are a lot of essential oil containers available in the market. You will find them in many attractive designs and colours. If you are running short of options, look for them in various online stores. They are made up of superior quality material and are priced very reasonably.

My dear viewers ,
Wishing you a Very Happy & Exciting New year 2013
Welcome to my new blog for Herbs