Essential oils are any of a class of volatile oils that give plants their characteristic odors and are used especially in perfumes and flavorings, and for aromatherapy, as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary.  The oil is called essential in the sense that it contains the essence of a plant's fragrance.  They are generally extracted by distillation, often by using steam and are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other products for flavoring food and drink and for adding scents to incense and household cleaning products.  I will be sharing some of my favorite essential oils and why I love them.

Sandalwood Essential Oil Sandalwood is by far my favorite essential oil, my love for this oil started with the scent but I have come to learn that it has an infinite number of benefits.  

It’s a warm, rich, sweet and aromatically ‘woody’ oil. One interesting feature of sandalwood oil is the fact that it takes roughly 50 years for the tree to be mature enough to be harvested which makes this oil very expensive. 

Common Uses: Sandalwood Essential Oil is used by aromatherapists to combat bronchitis, chapped and dry skin, depression, laryngitis, leucorrhea, oily skin, scars, sensitive skin, stress, and stretch marks. It also has historical applications as an aid in meditation for religious ceremonies. As well as believed to be calming and helps the user to focus your mental state while relieving stress. It is believed to create an exotic, sensual mood with a reputation as an aphrodisiac. It also has extensive uses in the perfume industry as a fixative, and use in body care products for the fragrance it provides.  

Medicinal - Many people believe that it can be applied to the genitals to help against urinary infections and digestive issues. 

Cold/Flu - Dry coughs, throat problems, and laryngitis can be relieved when applied directly to the chest. The aroma will help clear sinuses and relieve chest pressure.

Skin - Dry, cracked skin, acne, rashes and flaky skin can be helped when the sandalwood oil is applied directly to the affected surfaces. 

Mental - Depression, anxiety and nervous disorders can be benefits when sandalwood essential oil is regularly inhaled or mixed into a bath/shower.

*Please note: I am not a doctor, nor am I recommending the use of sandalwood essential oil in any of the methods mentioned above.  Always consult your doctor before administering self-treatment.*