Burning sandalwood incense sticks have been a part of cultural and religious ceremonies for centuries, but it is also becoming increasingly popular in Western countries. Sandalwood incense sticks are made from the wood of the Santalum album tree, which also produces an essential oil that has known therapeutic benefits. While there has not been much research conducted on the health benefits of burning these incense sticks, it can be assumed that they are equal to the benefits of using sandalwood oil as they contain the same healing substances.
Sandalwood incense sticks burning benefits:
Sandalwood incense sticks have numerous benefits, from reducing stress, and helping with relaxation and meditation, to having a calming and centering aroma. It is additionally used in traditional Ayurvedic ceremonies in India as it is thought to offer purifying and spiritual properties that can lift your mood and spirit. In addition to this, sandalwood has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and astringent qualities which make it ideal for treating skin problems like acne.
Here are the sandalwood incense sticks benefits:
1. Reduces Anxiety
Sandalwood incense sticks burning are known to provide a range of benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety. A study published in the journal Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing showed that burning sandalwood incense can have a calming effect on breast biopsy recipients. Not only does sandalwood essential oil provide the same benefits, but using the same plant to make sandalwood incense sticks means you can enjoy these advantages simply through their scent! For even greater stress reduction, try combining sandalwood with lavender incense – research has proven this combination to be highly effective for relieving tension.
2. Improves Sleep Quality
Burning Sandalwood incense sticks bring about many therapeutic benefits and can help you relax and sleep better. Their calming scent is known to have a sedative effect and helps to reduce anxiety and stress. Burning sandalwood incense sticks before bedtime is also a great way to set the tone for a cozy and relaxing environment, helping you drift off to peaceful slumber.
3. Lowers Blood Pressure
The calming scent of sandalwood has been known to lower systolic blood pressure, which, when elevated because of stress, can be dangerous and potentially lead to a wide variety of heart ailments such as stroke or heart attack. Regular use of sandalwood incense sticks may help to reduce your blood pressure when coupled with a balanced lifestyle. Although it won’t be able to resolve the issue on its own, it could potentially be one of many small steps you take in order to naturally alleviate stress and reduce your risk for certain cardiovascular diseases.
4. Heals Wound
Sandalwood incense burning offer more than just an enjoyable aroma; they have healing benefits as well! The scent of sandalwood activates certain olfactory receptors, which in turn can stimulate keratinocyte production, boosting the healing process. This property of sandalwood helps to heal wounds faster. With the help of this traditional scented incense stick, you can now enjoy both its wonderful smell and health benefits.
5. Acts As Natural Air Freshener
Sandalwood incense sticks are valued for their wonderfully fragrant, woodsy smell that can instantly freshen up any space. Burning sandalwood in your home is a much safer alternative to air fresheners sold in stores since they don’t contain potentially harmful chemicals. Additionally, burning sandalwood incense can avoid the environmental pollution caused by synthetic air deodorizers and protect users from unknown health risks associated with altered hormone levels and cancer.
Safety Advice: Ensure that your room has adequate ventilation.
Burning sandalwood incense sticks can be a soothing practice, but it is not without its risks. Inhaling the smoke from these sticks can contribute to poor air quality, especially if ventilation is limited. Regular exposure to the smoke produced by incense has even been linked to weakened lung function. To best protect your health, avoid burning sandalwood incense in enclosed spaces and opt instead for an open and well-ventilated area. Additionally, turning on fans or opening windows can help ensure proper air circulation.
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