Óleo De Sândalo: Benefícios, Dosagem E Efeitos Colaterais

2024 Autor: Cecilia Ryder | [email protected]. Última modificação: 2023-12-17 14:22

O óleo essencial de sândalo é um importante produto de exportação em diversos países e tem sido utilizado desde a antiguidade por sua fragrância e propriedades medicinais (1).

Diferentes tipos de sândalo são encontrados em diferentes países. O óleo de sândalo das Índias Orientais obtido de Santalum album, em particular, é amplamente utilizado para tratar várias doenças humanas (2).

Tanto a medicina ayurvédica quanto a tradicional chinesa têm usado óleo de sândalo para tratar uma variedade de doenças. O FDA dos EUA o listou como um ingrediente aromatizante natural e a Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration o listou como um medicamento potente (1).

Esses fatos já nos dizem muito sobre o óleo essencial de sândalo. Neste artigo, iremos explicar especificamente porque você deve usar este óleo e como ele pode beneficiá-lo.

Índice

• Quais são as propriedades medicinais do óleo essencial de sândalo?
• Quais são os benefícios do óleo essencial de sândalo?
• Quais são os outros usos conhecidos do óleo essencial de sândalo?
• Quais são os efeitos colaterais do óleo essencial de sândalo?
• Qual é a dosagem recomendada de óleo de sândalo?

Quais são as propriedades medicinais do óleo essencial de sândalo?

O óleo essencial de sândalo é (2), (3):

• Anti-inflamatório
• Antimicrobiano
• Anti-hiperglicêmico
• Antioxidante
• Antineoplásico
• Antiviral
• Anti-bronzeamento
• Anti-envelhecimento
• Suavização da pele
• Contra acne
• Uma solução de calor espinhoso
• Quimiopreventivo

Quais são os benefícios do óleo essencial de sândalo?

1. Pode melhorar a tez

O alfa-santalol, outro constituinte importante do óleo de sândalo, inibe a tirosinase e a colinesterase (enzimas que catalisam a produção de pigmentos de melanina). Devido a essa atividade, o óleo é um ingrediente ativo em diversos produtos para a pele (4).

O óleo essencial de sândalo também é enriquecido com sesquiterpenóides (moléculas que entregam moléculas de oxigênio às células), que atuam como refrigerantes e relaxantes (4).

Alguns acreditam que o óleo de sândalo também pode ajudar a remover manchas escuras, embora não haja pesquisas que apóiem isso.

2. Pode tratar acne

O óleo essencial de sândalo tem propriedades antiinflamatórias, antimicrobianas e antiproliferativas. Portanto, pode ser um tratamento promissor para acne e outros problemas de pele como eczema, psoríase, verrugas, etc. (1).

Adolescentes e adultos com acne facial moderada que usaram óleo de sândalo observaram uma melhora em seus sintomas sem quaisquer efeitos colaterais (1).

Dados de vários estudos afirmam que o óleo de sândalo é bem tolerado e seguro. O óleo passou a ser fabricado de acordo com as Boas Práticas de Fabricação (1) em vigor.

3. Pode estimular o crescimento do cabelo

O óleo de sândalo reduziu o número de mastócitos em estudos com ratos. Essas células estão distribuídas ao redor dos folículos capilares e podem ser responsáveis pelo encurtamento do estágio de crescimento do cabelo (5). O óleo também pode promover o crescimento de pelos em camundongos (5).

Pesquisadores da Universidade de Manchester descobriram que um odorante de sândalo pode estimular um certo receptor (chamado OR2AT4) no corpo, que pode prolongar o crescimento do cabelo (6). Mais estudos são necessários para entender o quão bem este odorante promove o crescimento do cabelo em humanos.

4. Pode promover o sono

Santalol, um componente ativo do óleo, ajuda a reduzir o tempo total de vigília e aumenta a fase total do sono de movimento não rápido dos olhos (NREM) (7).

Santalol é absorvido pelo sangue através da mucosa respiratória e, portanto, é eficaz na promoção do sono. O óleo essencial pode ajudar pessoas que têm dificuldade para adormecer (7).

5. Pode reduzir a ansiedade

A aromaterapia com óleo de sândalo é eficaz na redução da ansiedade. Em estudos, o óleo de sândalo (junto com outros óleos) pode reduzir a ansiedade em mulheres submetidas a biópsias mamárias e em pacientes em cuidados paliativos (8), (9).

Embora os resultados pareçam apoiar a ideia de que o óleo de sândalo pode reduzir a ansiedade, mais estudos em grande escala são necessários (9).

6. Pode combater a inflamação

O óleo de sândalo inibe as enzimas oxidativas e protege contra o estresse oxidativo. De acordo com a pesquisa, o óleo suprime a produção de várias quimiocinas e citocinas pró-inflamatórias (compostos produzidos durante a inflamação) (1).

7. Pode tratar infecções do trato urinário

O óleo de sândalo também possui propriedades antipiréticas, anti-sépticas e diuréticas e pode ser eficaz no tratamento de doenças do trato urinário (10).

Também se acredita que o óleo de sândalo pode ter uma ação desinfetante que trata infecções do trato urinário. No entanto, mais pesquisas são necessárias aqui.

8. Pode atuar como um agente anti-séptico

O óleo de sândalo tem propriedades anti-sépticas. Pode ser eficaz no tratamento de bronquite, cistite e disúria (10).

Por ser um potente antisséptico e adstringente, pode ser usado no tratamento de doenças inflamatórias da pele como a psoríase (11).

9. Pode aumentar a memória

O óleo essencial de sândalo pode ser usado para promover clareza mental e aumentar a memória (12).

A study conducted using mouse models has demonstrated significant improvement in learning and memory following the use of the essential oil. This was especially true during the growth spurt period (13).

10. May Control Blood Pressure Levels

In a study, different types of sandalwood essential oils could significantly reduce systolic blood pressure. The oil, along with other essential oils, could help in the recovery from stress (14).

Some research shows that a specific type of sandalwood powder contains mildly sedative ganglionic blockers or hypotensive agents that may help lower blood pressure (12).

11. Could Reduce Stress

Aromatherapy using essential oils has been effective in reducing stress.

Researchers investigating the physiological effects of sandalwood essential oil on human beings found that the oil could alleviate the physiological reactions to stress. The oil was also found to ease recovery after being exposed to stress (14).

12. May Help Relieve Menopause Symptoms

Essential oils have specific properties that ease and balance menopausal symptoms. Sandalwood oil contains sesquiterpenols that calm your nervous system down – and this might help ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes (15).

In clinical studies, the oil has also been found to offer relaxing properties (15).

13. May Reduce Body Odor

There is little research here. Some reports suggest that the delightful aroma of sandalwood powder may help rid of body odor that could come from excessive sweating (3).

The oil may also alleviate unpleasant body odor, though research is limited. It is valued highly for its fragrant heartwood and is used in perfumes for its excellent fixative properties (3).

Insufficient Evidence For

14. May Help Relieve Stomach Issues

Sandalwood essential oil is believed to have been used in Chinese medicine to treat stomach pain and vomiting. It is thought that the antiviral and antibacterial activities of the oil help fight against Helicobacter pylori (the leading cause of stomach ulcers).

15. May Boost Immunity

Aromatherapy with essential oils like that of sandalwood is thought to boost your immunity by prompting your body to heal itself. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the oil promotes white blood cell production, fights microorganisms, and also improves immune responses in your body. However, more research is warranted in this aspect.

The benefits are amazing, aren’t they? Sandalwood essential oil has other interesting uses too. Check them out in the following section.

What Are The Other Known Uses Of Sandalwood Essential Oil?

In Massaging

Sandalwood oil has been extensively used in aromatherapy and Ayurvedic massages. The oil has been reported to reduce anxiety in patients under palliative care who were treated with aromatherapy massages (9). Massaging with sandalwood essential oil also makes your skin very soft (3).

In Cosmetics

The cosmetic use of sandalwood essential oil has been described in ancient literature. It has been used to make soaps, perfumes, and aromatherapy products. Its wide range of medicinal properties makes sandalwood essential oil one of the best and most reliable ingredients in cosmetics and beauty products (3).

In Ayurveda

Sandalwood oil has been used in Ayurvedic massages and medicines to treat various ailments, such as diarrhea, intrinsic hemorrhage bleeding piles, vomiting, poisoning, hiccoughs, urticaria, eye infections, and the inflammation of umbilicus (12).

In Bath

Sandalwood oil has maintained the original fragrance and properties of soaps intact. The essential oil provides smoothening, hydrating, anti-aging, and moisturizing effects. It also has excellent cleansing, toning, and astringent properties, which make it a prominent ingredient in soaps and creams (3).

Ingestion

Sandalwood essential oil has been long used in food as a flavoring agent. It has no reported adverse effects and is considered safe (16).

In Perfumes

Sandalwood essential oil has a sweet, powerful, and long-lasting fragrance (12). Due to its excellent fixative properties, sandalwood oil has been used to make high-class perfumes (3).

In Aromatherapy

Sandalwood essential oil has been widely used as an aromatherapy agent. Its main component is alpha-santalol, whose antimicrobial properties make it an ideal ingredient in aromatherapy products (3).

The uses of the essential oil are extensive. But we recommend you check the next section as well. The oil might show some adverse effects in some individuals, though they aren’t serious.

What Are The Side Effects Of Sandalwood Essential Oil?

A few possible side effects of the oil could be dermatitis and itching. In animal studies, the oil was also found to be irritating to the skin (17).

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the oil may also cause gastrointestinal distress, although this has not been proven.

Certain oils used in aromatherapy, in general, were also found to be likely to cause seizures, coma, and CNS depression in animals (18). If sandalwood oil would have the same effects is yet to be studied.

Please consult your doctor if you are susceptible to any of these conditions.

What Is The Recommended Dosage Of Sandalwood Oil?

Though the ideal dosage of the oil is not proven yet, some believe taking 1 to 1.5 grams of the oil every day (for a maximum period of six weeks) can help treat urological problems.

As a flavoring ingredient, its recommended dosage is 0.0074 mg of the oil per 1 kg (16).

There is no information on potential drug interactions with the use of this oil.

Conclusion

From being used in perfumes to offering enormous medicinal benefits, sandalwood essential oil has a multitude of uses. It’s no wonder that this oil has been used since time immemorial for its wide range of medicinal properties. However, more research is needed to confirm its health benefits. Hence, it is best to consult your doctor before using this oil.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

What essential oils can you blend with sandalwood essential oil?

You can mix the following essential oils with sandalwood essential oil:

• Bergamot
• Geranium
• Vetiver
• Lavender
• Myrrh
• Ylang-ylang
• Rose

How to make sandalwood essential oil at home?

Purchase sandalwood chips or sandalwood powder online or from health stores. If you have purchased sandalwood chips, use a mortar pestle or a coffee bean grinder to crush them. Mix the powder with a cup of olive oil and let it sit for a week. Keep shaking it occasionally.

Strain the mixture and push down the sandalwood powder to extract as much oil as possible. Store this home-made sandalwood essential oil in a glass bottle (in a cool, dark place). Remember that the homemade oil can be as potent as one that you buy from the store – and it can be strong enough to cause allergic reactions. Thus, exercise caution. Please do a patch test before using it.

Why is sandalwood essential oil so expensive?

O baixo suprimento e a alta demanda de sândalo são os principais motivos pelos quais o óleo essencial é caro. Além disso, leva cerca de 15 anos para uma árvore de sândalo produzir uma quantidade viável de cerne. A colheita leva de 25 a 30 anos.

O óleo essencial de sândalo pode ajudar na perda de peso?

Não há pesquisas afirmando que o óleo pode ajudar na perda de peso.

18 fontes

A Stylecraze tem diretrizes rígidas de abastecimento e depende de estudos revisados por pares, instituições de pesquisa acadêmica e associações médicas. Evitamos usar referências terciárias. Você pode aprender mais sobre como garantimos que nosso conteúdo seja preciso e atualizado lendo nossa política editorial.

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