Sandalwood essential oil in history
Used widely in Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Islamic prayer practice, sandalwood is also a mainstay in Chinese and Japanese religious ceremony. The ancient Egyptians used it for embalming, and it is essential to Ayurvedic healing practice.
Sandalwood essential oil is derived from the wood and roots of the sandalwood tree, which is indigenous to India but also found in Australia, Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Hawaii as well as other tropical locales. Most commonly steam-distilled, the Indian variety is considered to be of the highest quality and purity, which has driven up demand as well as the price. Dwindling forests and unsustainable forestry practices in India have had the unfortunate result of driving the price higher, and some say the genus is almost extinct in that region. Australian sandalwood, on the other hand, is considered the most sustainable and a good alternative if you have any concerns about the environment in the products you use.
Sandalwood oil is highly viscous and has a long-lasting, sweet and woody scent that it gets from santalol, the main aromatic component found in the sandalwood tree. Indian sandalwood oil is much more expensive than other varieties of sandalwood oil due to its diminishing availability.
It takes between forty and eighty years for a sandalwood tree to mature. During this time, the santalol content becomes more and more concentrated. The older the tree, the more intense the santalol; the more santalol, the greater value the oil has for therapeutic purposes.
Sandalwood oil uses
Sandalwood essential oil is prized for its many health benefits, which include some exciting research in which it has proven effective in reducing blood glucose in mice, controlling the spread of skin cancer and reducing inflammation.
Some of the more common benefits and uses of sandalwood oil include:
- Supports mental acuity: when diffused, burned as incense or as a fragrance, sandalwood is known to help focus attention and support clear thinking.
- Combats anxiety and promotes calm: for an instantly calming effect, diffuse or directly inhale sandalwood oil aromas. The combination of mental clarity and calm may help you if you are preparing to write an exam or make an important presentation.
- Aphrodisiac: the aroma of sandalwood boosts both energy and libido in both men and women. An excellent romantic mood enhancer, or to help break the ice on a first date.
- Antiseptic: sandalwood has been proven to prevent the spread of some viruses, and can reduce the symptoms of minor burns or other non-serious skin irritations such as rash, boils or cold sores.
- Anti-inflammatory: sandalwood is known to provide relief from insect bites, sunburn or other mild inflammatory skin irritations.
- Cold and cough remedy: eases the symptoms cold and flu, helps to loosen phlegm in the chest and calm a cough.
- Analgesic: an effective balm for sore, tired or aching muscles. Eases menstrual pain and cramping.
- Anti-aging skin preparation: because it is high in antioxidants, sandalwood oil can help rid your skin of toxins and free radicals, often thought to be the culprits behind aging skin.
- Astringent: soothes, tightens and helps to cleanse your skin of excess oil and impurities. A good addition to your oral hygiene regime.
- Sedative: due to its calming action, sandalwood can be effective in combating insomnia. Promotes a restful night’s sleep.
- Anti-anxiety: helps to ease a worried mind; tempers anxious thoughts and promotes positive thinking.
- Disinfectant: kills bacteria on surfaces around the home, cleanses the air in a sick room.
- Insect repellent: keeps away biting insects such as mosquitoes, and also repels moths in your closet.
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