Discovering Sandalwood
A yogi walks into a fragrance shop... and is enveloped in the most heavenly scent. They breathe it in deeply, and suddenly they’re transported to a place of peace and calm. The scent of Sandalwood has that effect—it's calming, grounding, and centering. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of Sandalwood and how you can use it in your yoga practice.
Sandalwood has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and Indian culture. It's one of the oldest known medicinal plants, and it's still used today to promote healing. The scent of Sandalwood is said to be beneficial for the mind, body, and spirit. Here are some of the ways that sandalwood can be used to support your yoga practice:
1. Sandalwood has a wonderful scent that can help to calm and focus the mind during meditation. It is also said to have spiritual properties that can enhance your practice. If you're looking for a way to take your meditation practice up a notch, consider using a sandalwood mala.
2. Sandalwood can be used as an essential oil for aromatherapy. When inhaled, the scent of Sandalwood can help to calm the mind and ease anxiety. It's also said to boost concentration and memory. Add a few drops of Sandalwood oil to your diffuser before your yoga practice or meditation session, or apply it topically to your pulse points.
3. You can also use Sandalwood as an herbal tea infusion. Simply add a teaspoon of dried Sandalwood powder to a cup of boiling water. Steep for 5-10 minutes, then strain and drink. Herbal teas are a great way to relax before bedtime or first thing in the morning. They're also said to be helpful for digestion and detoxification.
4. For a topical application, make a Sandalwood paste by mixing two tablespoons of sandalwood powder with one tablespoon of rosewater (or plain water). Apply the paste to your forehead between your eyebrows—this is said to be the seat of wisdom in Ayurvedic tradition. You can also apply the paste to any areas of tension or stress in the body. Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Sandalwood is a versatile plant with many benefits—it can be used as an essential oil, herbal tea infusion, or topical paste. The next time you're feeling stressed out or anxious, try reaching for sandalwood instead of reaching for another cup of coffee. Chances are you'll find that the calming effects of this ancient plant are just what you need to center yourself and find your inner peace.
