Sandalwood Essential OilBotanical Nomenclature: Santalum album While sandalwood essential oil is sometimes distilled from the wood of a number of trees--some of which aren't even in the sandalwood genus--it's the oil made from Santalum album that is universally considered the "true" sandalwood oil. Now widely cultivated in tropical areas of Asia, sandalwood is a small parasitic tree that can only become established by attaching itself to the roots of other botanicals like bamboo, teak and guava trees. So it may surprise you to learn that the nation of India, from which we get most of our sandalwood, imposes very strict regulations when it comes to harvesting sandalwood trees. Sandalwood essential oil is distilled from the heartwood and largest roots of sandalwood trees that are at least 30 years old. Using younger, smaller trees not only produces a chemically-inferior oil; it also severely compromises the volume of oil produced. As you can imagine, some environmentalists have called for a complete ban on the production of sandalwood oil from these old-growth trees. Today, sandalwood is a major part of rituals in several of the world's major religions. Essential oil of sandalwood is a fairly new addition to the essential oil industry but the use of sandalwood pulp and sawdust as a sacred scent may date back more than 4,000 years.
Characteristics of Sandalwood Essential OilSandalwood is an extremely important oil in the perfume industry. It has virtually no top note and is renowned for its ability to anchor perfume blends with an absolutely rock-steady base note. Unlike wood oils, sandalwood doesn't "age". A good sandalwood should be yellow with a slightly spicy scent that's similar to (but much more subtle than) frankincense. The scent should be slightly sweet and feel wetter to the nose than other wood oils.Psychological AromatherapyPsychological aromatherapists tell us that sandalwood personalities are calm, level-headed folks with a definite long-term plan. Sandalwood has long been associated with meditation and is often diffused to reduce anger, aggression and irritation.Traditional Uses for SandalwoodSandalwood is considered a "cooling" oil and is most often linked to the crown chakra. Aromatherapist Salvatore Battaglia assigns the following actions to sandalwood essential oil:
Scientific Studies on Sandalwood OilAnxietySandalwood has long been associated with meditation but a 2006 pilot study from the UK supports the long-held belief that sandalwood may effectively reduce anxiety in some people. The researchers involved in this study were quick to point out that this was a very small study but they remain optimistic about sandalwood's ability to ease fears and anxiety. One of the most interesting studies on sandalwood was a 2004 study from Thailand that found that topical use of sandalwood caused recognizable physiological and behavioral changes even when inhalation of the oil was prevented through the use of masks. Herpes Simplex 1 & Herpes Simplex 2 A number of essential oils have been found to be anti-viral in laboratory tests and sandalwood is no exception. A 1999 in vitro test of sandalwood found that the oil arrested the replication of the Herpes virus without causing cytotoxicity. How (or if) this will someday help humans fight cold sores and genital herpes has yet to be determined. Skin Cancer Pastes made from sandalwood have been used in India for some time to address various skin conditions. A 1997 study from South Dakota State University found that various preparations, including the essential oil, demonstrated marked chemopreventive activities when used on mice.
References: Battaglia, S. (2005). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Burdock, G., et al. (2007). Safety assessment of sandalwood oil (Santalum album L.). Kyle G. (2006). Evaluating the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing levels of anxiety in palliative care patients: results of a pilot study. An, S., et al. (2005). Fragrance contact dermatitis in Korea: a joint study. Hongratanaworakit, T., et al. (2004). Evaluation of the effects of East Indian sandalwood oil and alpha-santalol on humans after transdermal absorption. Benencia, F., et al. (1999). Antiviral activity of sandalwood oil against herpes simplex viruses-1 and -2. Dwivedi, C., et al. (1997). Chemopreventive effects of sandalwood oil on skin papillomas in mice. Leave Sandalwood Essential Oil & return to Essential Oil Directory page.
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