Sleep & stress5 min
A Thin Smear of Sandalwood Paste on the Temples at Night
A dab of ground sandalwood in rose water on the temples as a cooling bedtime ritual. Patch test on the wrist first; not for broken skin.
An old cooling ritual, used lightly
Chandan, or sandalwood paste, is traditionally rubbed on the forehead and temples for a cool, fragrant feeling in hot weather and before sleep. It is a gentle sensory ritual and many people find it calming. It does not cure headache or insomnia.
Grind a little real sandalwood on a stone with a few drops of rose water, or use a clean, pure sandalwood paste. Apply a very thin film. Patch test on the wrist for a day first. Skip it on broken or irritated skin, and near the eyes. Many 'sandalwood' products are synthetic, so check the label.
Ingredients
- A small piece of sandalwood stick and a stone slab
- A few drops of rose water
- A clean cotton cloth
How to prepare
- Grind the stick on the stone with a few drops of rose water to a smooth paste.
- Test a dot on the wrist the day before.
How to use
- Dab a thin film on each temple before bed.
- Wipe off with a clean cloth in the morning.
Helpful habits
- A little goes a long way.
- Buy real sandalwood from a reliable seller.
Precautions
- Patch test first, and skip on broken or irritated skin and near the eyes.
- Check the label, since many products are synthetic.
- A calming ritual, not a treatment for headache or insomnia.
Frequently asked questions
Does sandalwood help sleep?
- It is a calming scent and a cooling ritual, not a treatment.
Can I use sandalwood oil?
- Do not use undiluted essential oil on skin.
Is it safe for children?
- A very thin film of pure paste is traditional, but patch test first.
