Sandalwood

Sandalwood from Mysore, India

Today the Indian government owns all the sandalwood trees grown in India to keep them from extinction...

Santalum album

Note: Base

Parts Used: roots and heartwood

Source: water or steam distillation of the roots and heartwood of the small evergreen tree native to tropical Asia. The best oil comes from Mysore in India.

Description and Odor effect: a pale yellow, slightly viscous oil with a warm, soft sweet-woody scent. The fragrance improves as the oil ages. The odor effect is calming and antidepressant; a reputed aphrodisiac.

Nature: uplifting, warming, soothing, balancing

Blends well with: rose, violet, tuberose, clove, lavender, black pepper, bergamot, rosewood, geranium, oakmoss, benzoin, vetiver, patchouli, myrrh and jasmine

Physical Uses: Sandalwood is used extensively in skin care for acne, dry, cracked and chapped skin, aftershave (barber's rash), greasy skin, and as a moisturizer. It is soothing to the breathing passages and used to treat bronchitis, catarrh, coughs (dry, persistent), laryngitis and sore throats. Its calming properties help with bouts of nausea and diarrhoea; its antibacterial properties aid in the treatment of cystitis.

Mental and Emotional Uses: The calming, relaxing scent of sandalwood acts to ease depression, insomnia, nervous tension and stress-related complaints. It encourages dreaming, promotes a restful sleep and is helpful for meditation.

Therapeutic Uses: analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antipruritic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antistress, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, calmative, carminative, cicatrizant, decongestant, deodorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, euphoriant, expectorant, febrifuge, fixative, healing (skin), insect repellent, relaxant, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic

Applications: application, aroma lamp, bath, inhaler, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation, steam room and sauna

Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum): Native to Western Australia, this small tree is now used as a sustainable alternative to Indian sandalwood, which has been overforested, limiting the supply of its essential oil. The essential oil from Australian sandalwood has a similar aroma to Indian Sandalwood, but is lighter, softer and sweeter, with woody notes.

Keyword: Expression

Sandalwood Magic: Sandalwood powder is burned during protection, healing and exorcism spells. When mixed with lavender it makes an incense designed to conjure spirits.

This fragrant wood possesses very high spiritual vibrations and is burned at seances and Full Moon rituals when mixed with frankincense.