Sandalwood Incense Benefits: 5 Of The Best
Are you looking for a unique, beloved scent to add to your fragrance collection? Look no further than Sandalwood incense! This distinct fragrance is gaining popularity, and for good reason.
In this article, we will reveal our top 5 favourite benefits of Sandalwood incense, and show you why it should be at the top of your list.
What is Sandalwood Incense?
Sandalwood is a highly prized scent and is considered one of the most expensive woods in the world. Its value can be attributed to its religious significance and rarity, as the native Indian tree is becoming increasingly scarce. Sandalwood incense has been used for thousands of years and is one of the oldest recorded incense scents.
Sandalwood is obtained from trees of the Santalum genus family, typically found in the tropical forests of India, Indonesia, and Australia. When the wood is burned, or processed into incense sticks, cones, or essential oil, it produces a delightful fragrance that is often described as warm and earthy.
Sandalwood growers typically harvest the wood when the trees are at least 40 years old, although they prefer to wait until they are 80 years or older. This extended growth period allows the fragrant oils in the wood to fully develop. Growing Sandalwood is a laborious process that demands extra attention and care, making it a highly prized commodity in many circles.
The use of Sandalwood can be traced back to over 5000 years ago when ancient cultures used to burn Sandalwood incense as a part of their religious ceremonies. People who practice Ayurveda also use Sandalwood as a major part of their rituals. During Ayurvedic ceremonies, the practitioner applies Sandalwood paste on the forehead of the patient, which has been observed to help them connect with the divine realms.
What Does Sandalwood Incense Smell Like?
Burning Sandalwood incense creates a woodsy and earthy fragrance, a grounding aroma with many beautiful benefits. This distinctive scent has the power to foster a warm, welcoming environment.
The scent of the Sandalwood incense lasts for hours, meaning its wonderful benefits can serve you throughout the day.
Top 5 Benefits of Sandalwood Incense
1. Promotes Calm and Peace
Anxiety, poor self-esteem, and stress are common recurring issues in our modern world. However, burning Sandalwood incense can offer relief.
The smoke produced by burning Sandalwood creates a soothing energy for your body, mind, and environment, which can help lower blood pressure, improve confidence, and reduce feelings of stress.
The natural, earthy essence of Sandalwood is also extremely grounding, helping you embrace feelings of abundance, gratitude, and relaxation.
2. Ensures Restful Sleep
If you suffer from insomnia or any other sleep disorder, you might want to try burning Sandalwood incense before going to bed. While we cannot guarantee that it will work perfectly, the woodsy aroma of Sandalwood is known to have a sedative effect.
The calming properties of Sandalwood can help you relax your muscles and mind, making it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. However, please make sure to extinguish the incense sticks safely before going to sleep to avoid any potential hazards.
3. Encourages Positivity
Sandalwood incense has a reputation for bringing positivity and motivation. Its warm, woodsy aroma is also believed to improve concentration, making it an ideal tool for meditation. In addition, it has the ability to dispel negative energy and attract positive energy to any space.
4. Naturally Anti Septic
Ancient civilisations used Sandalwood essential oil for its healing properties on wounds, burns, bites, and rashes. This oil was considered rare, sacred, and highly valued for its health benefits. Even today, Sandalwood is still associated with improving health.
Burning Sandalwood incense is believed to have similar healing effects, as the smoke of the wood carries its beneficial properties. However, further research is needed to confirm these claims.
5. Improves Spiritual Connection
Sandalwood has been traditionally burned during moments of prayer and meditation for centuries. This practice has been followed by people who practised early religions and is still popular in Christianity and Hinduism.
The smoke produced from burning Sandalwood has several benefits. It can help open our Third Eye, enhance intuition, and strengthen our spiritual connection. It also acts as a bridge between the physical plane and the spirit world.
When Should I Burn Sandalwood Incense?
Sandalwood incense can be burned at any time, but it is especially beneficial during meditation, studying, work, relaxation, and exercise sessions, such as yoga and pilates. It is also helpful to burn before going to bed, as it can help to calm the body, mind, and spirit, promoting better sleep.
How to Use Sandalwood Incense To Cleanse Energy
If you are experiencing symptoms of stress or lack emotional and physical balance, burning Sandalwood incense can help. Here's how to burn Sandalwood incense best to cleanse your energy.
Find a place of tranquillity
Simply find a place in your home, somewhere you feel comfortable and relaxed. Take in all factors of comfort: is the temperature right, is the lighting right, is the room right, and would music help me relax?
Get into a meditative state
Start to close your eyes and clear your mind. Focus on your breath, taking deep, long, and steady breaths until you feel calm. If that doesn't work, try focusing on other sensations, like your heartbeat or the natural sounds around you. Remember that meditation can be challenging, so it's important to be kind to yourself and practice patience.
Repeat positive affirmations.
Did you know that the scent of Sandalwood has been scientifically proven to lower your blood pressure, allowing you to feel more relaxed and at ease? This is the perfect opportunity to replace any negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Try repeating words or phrases that are supportive, motivational, and personal to you. Take advantage of the powerful benefits of Sandalwood and unlock your full potential today.
Extinguish and dispose
Burn your Sandalwood incense and meditate for around 10-20 minutes. Then ensure you have put out all the embers and safely dispose of the ash, oil, or wood.
How to Use Sandalwood Incense To Help You Sleep
If you have had trouble drifting off at night, try our method for 'burning incense to help you sleep'.
Create a relaxing environment
Arrange your chosen incense burning room so the ambience is compatible with your idea of what is 'cosy', 'relaxing', and 'safe'. Possibly warm light, cool temperatures, and the sound of the birds outside are how you prefer your comfort, incense-burning space.
Get comfy
It's important to be in a comfortable position while meditating, whether sitting or lying down. However, it's crucial to ensure you don't fall asleep while the incense is lit. I prefer sitting because it helps me stay awake. Utilising mantras and meditation techniques can be helpful in keeping you alert while also reducing feelings of anxiety.
Light your incense
Let the healing Sandalwood smoke wash over you and relieve the stresses of the day. Ensure your incense is lit at a safe distance from you and any flammable object.
Extinguish and dispose
Ensure all embers have been put out and that the ash is disposed of safely.
The Bottom Line
There are many wonderful benefits to Sandalwood incense, perhaps why it was so sacred to our ancestors. Sandalwood's healing and spiritual powers have been a source of calm for many people, including us. We hope you enjoy its relaxing properties as much as we have.