Characteristics of Sandalwood

Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a tree of the genus Santalum and is native to India, Hawaii and Australia. There are more than 100 different species of sandalwood and, depending on the variety, its height ranges from 3 to 9 meters. It is a very hardy tree, produces purple flowers and can be found even in the poorest, clayey and dry soils. It prefers full sun and is often used to create hedging landscapes
and as a shade tree.
The flowers and wood of sandalwood are harvested for the aromatic essential oil between 10 and 30 years of age, because the natural essential oils increase during this period of life.
The growth of sandalwood is favored when it coexists with acacias, leguminous plants, shrubs or herbs around it. It is a semi-parasitic tree that sends its roots into neighboring plants or herbs from which it draws xylem sap and other nutrients.
The wood of the tree is heavy and retains its fragrance for many years after cutting. Propagation is successful when male and female trees coexist at a short distance.
The best-known varieties of sandalwood are Santalum album, S. ellipticum, S. yasi, S. spicatum, S. paniculatum.

History of sandalwood

Its name is associated with the light it produces when burning “Chadrah” (it shines like the moon), as well as with the Sanskrit “Santana,” which means “wood for burning incense.”
The cultural and spiritual history of sandalwood is lost in the depths of Asia, thousands of years back, when during the Vedic period (1500 BC – 600 BC) the great authors of the Ayurvedic texts Charaka and Susruta mention its therapeutic properties and rank it among nature’s rare medicines with multiple beneficial effects.

The scent of sandalwood is closely associated with meditation, incense, rituals, and offerings to deities, as it is believed to help in the fulfillment of prayers. In many Buddhist monasteries, depictions and meditation tools are made from sandalwood. Its presence is also mentioned in Egyptian history, where it was used for embalming kings and in mummification.

Today sandalwood is cultivated in Asia for commercial and therapeutic purposes, as its oil is used in cosmetology, shampoos, soaps, candle making and oral care products. Beyond its deep and inspiring aroma, it is anti-inflammatory, accelerates wound healing, is anxiolytic and improves memory.

Ingredients

Sandalwood essential oil extracted from the inner part of the wood.

Chemical composition of sandalwood essential oil

90% sesquiterpenic alcohols, of which 50%–60% tricyclic α-santalol, β-santalol. Lanceol, santalene, bergamotol, E-farnesol.

Instructions for use

- After shave: Mix calendula oil, lavender essential oil and sandalwood essential oil. First rub a few drops on your fingers and then apply to the face.
*Contact our pharmacist for the preparation of the blend.
- In the preparation of aromatic sticks, candles and soaps.
- Add a few drops of sandalwood to your favourite cream for extra fragrance and hydration.
- Mix sandalwood with almond oil and gently massage the abdominal area to bring balance to the 2nd chakra – Swadisthana.
- Add a few drops of sandalwood to the ceramic burner for peace of mind and deep meditative inspiration.
- Body mist: In 100 ml rose hydrosol add 6–8 drops of sandalwood and 3–4 drops of frankincense to attract positive energy and leave a warm woody scent in your wake.
- Blends well with lavender essential oil, ylang ylang, rose, frankincense.

Chinese Medicine - Ayurveda

Sandalwood, known as Chandana, is highly valued in Ayurvedic
Medicine, which classifies it as a sedative of the pitta fire. It is excellent for
the care of irritated skin and is often combined with sesame oil,
cow’s milk, licorice and other ingredients to treat inflammations,
as well as dry, rough skin.
It is known in China as Tan Hiang, and activates the spleen,
heart, lung and stomach meridians. It calms the spirit, moves Qi energy,
and moisturizes and tones the lungs and the uterus.

Useful tips

- Essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by children.
- Essential oils should always be used diluted in a carrier oil.
- Avoid direct contact with eyes, nose, mouth and exposure to the
sun after use.