Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood comes from a type of tree that retains its fragrance for decades, unlike many other aromatic kinds of wood. Indeed, sandalwood oil is sourced from the wood and roots of the Santalum album tree, considered one of the most valuable trees in the world. When it comes to essential oils, sandalwood is probably best recognized as a classic balsamic-fruit fragrance extensively used in perfumes and cosmetics. However, sandalwood also offers very distinct health benefits.

Sandalwood has a long and rich history of use in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dating back roughly 4000 years. These ancient civilizations used sandalwood in many spiritual rituals as well as to treat everything from stomach aches to nausea and vomiting, fever, pain, and strengthening the heart. Today, sandalwood oil remains an integral part of many spiritual and medicinal practices, but should only be applied topically to support any ailments.

From a composition perspective, sandalwood oil is made up of approximately 90% sesquiterpene alcohols α-, β-, and epi-β-santalol and α-exo-bergamotol. These compounds are largely responsible for sandalwood’s characteristic fragrance. Lanceol and α-bisabolol are also present in low concentrations and contribute significantly to the medicinal properties of sandalwood oil.

Benefits of Sandalwood Oil 

• Anti-Aging
• Anti-Inflammatory, Antiviral, & Expectorant
• Helps Soothe Mood-Based Symptoms
• Promotes Mental Clarity
• Relaxing & Calming

Therapeutic Properties of Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood essential oil is known to possess potent antiseptic, astringent, aphrodisiac, calming, disinfectant, diuretic, expectorant, restoring, relaxing, sedative, soothing, stimulant, and tonic properties. It has often been used as a mild anti-depressant to relieve symptoms of low mood and help dissipate anxiety.  

Diluted in a carrier oil, sandalwood can relieve inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis, calm irritated skin, and flatten breakouts. It can be used in diffusion to help protect against the cold, flu, and other viruses such as herpes simplex viruses-1 and -2. It is also frequently used in spiritual practices to promote peaceful relaxation, openness, focus, and concentration. Of course, it's also worth mentioning that sandalwood is excellent for promoting healthy skin aging thanks to its ability to improve microcirculation, reduce enlarged pores and distention, and firm skin. When using Sandalwood oil topically, it's important to mix it with a carrier oil before applying it. If using it for inhalation or in a diffuser, you can either blend it with other essential oils or mix it with water if your diffuser requires it. 

Using Aromatherapy Oils

Suppose you're shopping for sandalwood essential oil. In that case, it's important to know that you can expect to pay a pretty penny, as this is one of the most expensive essential oils in aromatherapy. The best sandalwood oil comes from India and is called Santalum album. Hawaiian and Australian sandalwood may also be found, though they aren’t considered to be of the same quality and purity.