Sandalwood Essential Oil

BOTANICAL NAME

Santalum album (Sandalwood) Oil.

EXTRACTION  METHOD

Steam distillation.

SUGGESTED USE BENEFITS

The part of the tree used to obtain the essential oil is the heartwood (i.e. the wood in the centre of the trunk).  Only trees that are forty years old or more are considered suitable for harvesting.  This longevity of growth is reflected in the price of sandalwood, which is higher than many other essential oils. 

Sandalwood trees of the variety Santalum album originated in India where the essential oil has been revered for its exquisite fragrance in religious ceremonies for over four thousand years.  It has also been prominent in the traditional Indian healing system of Ayurveda.  Santalum album variety is now extremely rare.  Its close relative Santalum spicatum is grown in Australia and provides the majority of sandalwood oil that is available today. 

Because of its exquisite fragrance, sandalwood is best known as a prized ingredient in perfumery and incense.   Outside the world of aromatherapy, its medicinal, therapeutic qualities are less well known, but these include anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, calming the nervous system, soothing the stomach (especially for the treatment of spasms),

In a research study, the use of sandalwood essential oil was found to be effective against several forms of cancer, including breast, cervical, and skin cancer. 

One of the oil’s chemical constituents, sesquiterpenes, stimulates the pineal gland and the production of melatonin – a key ingredient in regulating the sleep cycle.  Together with its antioxidant properties, this creates powerful support for the immune system as it is during sleep that the body is able to regenerate, eliminate toxins and create millions of new cells.  The stimulation of the pineal gland also aids deep relaxation, which is why sandalwood incense is valued as an aid to meditation. 

Sandalwood can be added to blends for treating dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, inflammation, and acne.  For respiratory conditions, inhale directly or using steam therapy. 

• Antioxidant and immune-boosting
• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Astringent
• Bactericide
• Carminative (prevents/relieves gas in the digestive tract)
• Diuretic
• Emollient
• Insect repellent
• Treatment of eczema
• Toning
• Sedative
• Treatment of insomnia
• Treatment of urinary conditions (such as cystitis)

BLENDS WELL WITH 

Lavender, rose, chamomile, tea tree, bergamot, black pepper, myrrh and cypress, ylang-ylang.

PRECAUTIONS

Generally considered safe, subject to the usual precautions.