Aromatic Wood With Healing Properties
Sandalwood or chandan is an essential aspect of the culture and heritage of India and finds mention in the ancient religious transcripts of the country. But apart from being renowned for its therapeutic properties, sandalwood is also widely used in soaps, perfumes, face washes etc. This wood which has a welcoming and refreshing scent also has many healing properties and benefits. Here’s why sandalwood is one of the most important trees in the country.
Why Sandalwood Is Superior
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Sandalwood has cooling properties and aids in providing relief to the affected areas of the skin. It has also been effective in inflammatory conditions such as high grade fever, infections, insect bites, wounds etc.
Antiseptic Agent
This wood has been known to be antiseptic and anti-microbial. When applied on the skin it prevents boils, acne pimples and sores from becoming septic.
Fast Healer
Sandalwood paste is often used as a skin pack and scars and blemishes over the skin heal faster with its application.
Acts As An Astringent
The oil from sandalwood has astringent properties as it induces mild contractions when applied on the gums, muscles and skin, thereby helping in the strengthening and skin tightening process.
A Super Topical Salve
The sandalwood bark and sandalwood oil are most commonly used as topical agents to reap its many benefits. The sandalwood bark is often mixed with water/milk to develop a paste which Is then applied on Inflamed or Injured areas for faster healing. This is also true for sandalwood oil which is extremely expensive.
Advantages Of Sandalwood Oil
Apart from its use as a topical agent, sandalwood oil is also ingested in some parts of India and around the world due to its ability of curing internal problems. Nevertheless, more research is required to dwell deeper and ascertain these advantages.
Ingestion of sandalwood oil as plain oil or with milk also acts as a diuretic, providing protection against urinary tract infections, preventing bloating and abdominal distension, preventing or gradually treating stomach, throat and esophagus infections along with treating viral infections, It also treats cough, cold and associated lever.
Sandalwood oil may also help improve memory and concentration by keeping stress and anxiety at bay due to its sedative properties that cause relaxation of the mind. And that’s not all, sandalwood oil may also help reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
The ‘Wonder Leaf’ That Heals
Since ancient times, Neem has been used to promote healing and though it tastes bitter, this herb reduces the bitterness of life through its multifunctional benefits. Neem is very commonly available in India and used for medicinal purposes as every part of the neem tree has distinctive therapeutic uses. Here are some of the benefits of neem.
Combats Diabetes
Neem is a boon for diabetics facing problems of poor blood circulation. When the blood sugar rises, blood flow slows down, thus causing damage to the arteries. The consumption of neem leaves improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and enhances insulin receptor sensitivity; a combination of these help in controlling diabetes.
Prevents Viral Infections
Neem leaves extract have anti-viral properties, hence it absorbs and eliminates viruses from the system. The leaves are very effective in treating warts, chicken pox, and small pox by application and can be used for skin ailments like eczema, cold sores etc. Neem leaves can also be used to treat intestinal parasites.
Promotes Cardiac Care
Neem leaves are known to be an effective blood cleanser as it removes toxins from the body and protects against free radical damage. Neem infused water helps to dilate blood vessels and thus decreases elevated blood rates.
Fights Fungal Infections
Neem is known to have anti-tungal properties. Therefore, it benefits the human body in fighting against fungal infections that occur in the lungs, skin, hair, ringworm infections, nails etc.
Treats Malaria
Neem leaves is a popular home remedy for treating malaria. The presence of the component gedunin in neem, is crucial in dealing with malaria.
Combats Cancer
The presence of polysaccharide and liomoinds in neem leaves suppresses the growth of cancer and tumour cells.
Reduces Arthritic Pain
Neem oil massages can reduce arthritic joint pain, muscle cramps, lower back pain etc.
Protects Against Poisoning
In case of some poisonous insects bites, neem leaves is used as an anti coagulant to alleviate the activity of poison in the blood.
Helps Cure Chicken Pox
A neem infused water bath, post the chicken pox condition prevents the microorganism from spreading further.
Boosts Oral Hygiene
Neem eliminates the bacteria that results from cavities and inflammation in the mouth, It also heals gums diseases and thus helps in maintaining overall oral hygiene.
Properties
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-Fungal
- Anti-Viral
- Anti-Bacterial
- Anti-Parasitic
- Anti-Histamine
Skin And Hair Care Benefits
- Moisturizes skin and tights againstpigmentation.
- Reduces hair fall by eliminating scalpinfections.
- Neem oil helps to reduce dandruff.
- Neem is a natural skin toner.
- Beneficial for reducing black headsand large pores.
- Neem packs and oils are very effective for acne and pimples.