Sandalwood (Santalum album / spicatum / austrocaledonicum) essential oil benefits
One of the oldest perfume materials and most prized, Sandalwood aroma is deeply calming, relaxing, and perfect for meditation. It is considered one of the best essential oils for mature and dry skin.
Sandalwood is probably one of the oldest fragrances known; we have written records of its use in India and Egypt dating 2000 BC. The finest Sandalwood comes from Mysore, India and it is produced from trees at least 50 years old. As the tree is unfortunately nearly extinct, East Indian Sandalwood sold by Native Essentials is sourced from suppliers under the direct control or owned by the Indian Government, which has been regulating the production since 1916. Under Indian Law, Sandalwood tree removal is prohibited until the tree reaches at least 30 years of age. It is not surprising why this rare oil is very expensive.
Australia also produces a very good quality Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum spicatum) from much younger plants (15 years old) from sustainable and environmentally responsible plantations. Santalum austrocaledonicum or Pacific Sandalwood is a variety similar to spicatum and grown in New Caledonia.
East Indian Sandalwood has up to 3 times more Santalol, making its aroma deeper, more mystical, and very peaceful. Indian Sandalwood essential oil is quite rare and expensive. However, Australian Sandalwood contains Bisabol, making it a much more effective anti-inflammatory oil if compared to its Indian counterpart.
Sandalwood is the oil of meditation and inner peace; it is used to promote calm, serenity, good sleep, harmony, and to soothe the soul. It is a wonderful chest and urinary tract soother. In Skincare, Sandalwood is an invaluable oil used to soothe, cool, re-hydrate and tone mature skin and very beneficial for treating varicose veins and swollen lymph nodes.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you purchase Indian sandalwood, please make sure that the supplier is certified and holds an export licence from the Indian Government.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Botanical Name: Santalum album
Method of Extraction: Steam distillation of the wood chips
Origin: India
Color: Pale yellow
Aroma: rich, dry, balsamic aromatic
Note: base
Blends well with: Lemon, Sweet Orange, Neroli, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Vetiver
Therapeutic properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, decongestant, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, fungicidal, sedative, tonic
HOW TO USE
To calm nerves, promote sleep burn 1-2 drops every 5 hours.
Dilute 1-3 drops every 5 ml of carrier oil for a very relaxing and calming massage and to counteract varicose veins, swollen lymph nodes. Dilute 2-4 drops every 5 ml of carrier oil for pulse points.
Add 1% oil essential oil to face and hand creams
Do not apply undiluted Sandalwood. Being a base note aroma, it will linger for hours so use in small concentration