Sandalwood Essential Oil

For more than 5000 years, India has been the traditional leader of sandalwood oil production for perfumery and pharmaceuticals. The aroma of the oil and the wood is esteemed by people belonging to three major religions of the world –Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. According to Vamana Purana, the wood is recommended for worshiping God Shiva. Goddess Lakshmi is believed to reside in the sandalwood tree (Brahma Vaivarta Purana). The ancient Egyptians imported the wood and used it in medicine, for embalming the dead and in ritual burning to venerate the gods.

Sandalwood oil, distilled from the heart wood and roots of the sandalwood tree, is one of the most valuable essential oils, and is valued for its woody notes. Heartwood and roots are chipped and pulverized to a coarse grind before distillation. The oil yield depends on what plant part is used, the age of the tree, and the environment of cultivation. Roots can give up to 10% oil; heartwood up to 4%. Distillation takes 48 to 72 hours, high pressure steam distillation will give a higher yield and reduced distillation time but will loose some of the delicate notes. Low-pressure distillation, and sometimes water distillation is used to preserve the fragrance. The tree as a whole is used in the harvesting process to create essential oils, incense, and wood chips.

The tree as a whole is used in the harvesting process to create essential oils, incense, and wood chips. Sandalwood oil has a distinctive soft, warm, smooth, creamy, and milky precious-wood scent

Color: Pale yellow, clear

Feel: Has an oily feel when you rub it between your fingers

Blotter test: Does not stain.

Theraputic uses:

Acne

anxiety

bladder infections

cough

cystitis

depression ( which I used in my mood enhancer remedy)

hemorrhoids

herpes

infected wounds

insomnia

low libido

muscle pain

muscle spasm

neuralgia

oily skin

sore throat

stress, and tension.

Properties of Sandalwood:

Antidepressant

Antiseptic

Antitumor

Aphrodisiac

Astringent

Calming

Sedative

Tonic

Active Consituets:

The main Constituent is Santalol, which makes up 90% for the Essential oil. Santalol is a mixture of two primary sesquiterpene alcohols, which are Alpha-santalol and Beta-santalol.

The higher the santalol content in sandalwood the greater value of the oil! The medicinal value of sandalwood is due primarily to the santalol.

Plants that are similar to Sandalwood:

Adenanthera pavonina - sandalwood tree, red or false red sandalwood

Baphia nitida - camwood, also known as African sandalwood

Eremophila mitchellii - sandalwood; false sandalwood (also sandalbox)

Myoporum platycarpum - sandalwood; false sandalwood

Myoporum sandwicense - bastard sandalwood, false sandalwood

Osyris lanceolata - African sandalwood

Osyris tenuifolia - east African sandalwood