Characteristics of Sandalwood

Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a tree of the genus Santalum and is native to India, Hawaii, Australia. There are over 100 different species of sandalwood and its growth, depending on the variety, ranges from 3 to 9 meters. It is a very hardy tree, produces purple flowers and will be found even in the poorest, clayey and dry soils. It prefers strong sun and is often used to create a hedge landscape
and as a shade tree.
Sandalwood flowers and wood are harvested for the aromatic essential oil between 10 and 30 years old, because natural essential oils increase during this age range.
The growth of sandalwood is favored when it coexists around Acacias, legumes, shrubs or herbs. It is a semi-parasitic tree that sends its roots to neighboring plants or herbs from which it sucks xylene and other nutrients.
The wood of the tree is heavy and retains its aroma many years after it is cut. Its propagation is achieved when male and female trees coexist in close proximity.
The most well-known varieties of Sandalwood are Santalum album, S. ellipticum, S.yasi, S. spicatum, S.paniculatum.

History of sandalwood

Its nomenclature is related to the light it produces when burning “Chadrah” (shines like the moon), as well as from the Sanskrit “Santana” which means “wood for burning incense”.
The cultural and spiritual history of sandalwood is lost in the depths of Asia, thousands of years ago, when during the Vedic era (1500 BC - 600 BC) the great authors of the Ayurvedic texts Charaka and Susruta mention its therapeutic properties and classify it among nature's rare medicines with multiple beneficial properties.

The scent of sandalwood is directly associated with meditation, incense, rituals and offerings to deities, as it is believed to help fulfill prayers. In many Buddhist monasteries, images and meditation equipment are made of sandalwood. Its presence is also mentioned in the Egyptian
history where it was used for the embalming of Kings and in mummification.

Today, sandalwood is cultivated in Asia for commercial and therapeutic purposes, as its oil is used in cosmetology, shampoos, soaps, candle making, and oral hygiene products. In addition to its deep and inspiring aroma, it is anti-inflammatory, accelerates wound healing, is anxiolytic, and improves memory.

Ingredients

Sandalwood essential oil extracted from the inner part of the wood.

Chemical composition of sandalwood essential oil

90% sesquiterpene alcohols of which 50%- 60% tricyclic – a – santalol, b- santalol. Lanceol, santalens, bergamotol, e- farnesol.

Instructions for use

- After shave: Mix calendula oil, lavender essential oil and sandalwood. First apply a few drops to your fingers and then apply to your face.
*Contact our pharmacist for the preparation of the mixture.
- In the manufacture of aromatic sticks, candles and soaps.
- Add a few drops of sandalwood to your favorite cream for added fragrance and hydration.
- Mix sandalwood with almond oil and lightly massage the abdominal area to bring balance to the 2nd chakra – Swadisthana.
- Add a few drops of sandalwood to the ceramic burner for peace of mind and deep meditative inspiration.
- Body mist: In 100 ml of rose water, add 6-8 drops of sandalwood and 3-4 drops of frankincense to attract positive energy and leave a warm woody aroma in your wake.
- It combines well with lavender, ylang ylang, rose, frankincense essential oil.

Chinese medicine - Ayurveda

Sandalwood, known as Chandana, is highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine.
Medicine which classifies it as a pitta fire tranquilizer. It is excellent for
the care of irritated skin and is often combined with sesame oil,
cow's milk, licorice and other ingredients to treat inflammation,
as well as for dry, rough skin.
It is known in China as Tan Hiang, it activates the spleen meridians,
heart, lungs, stomach. Calms the spirit, moves Qi energy, hydrates
and stimulates the lungs and uterus.

Useful tips

- The use of essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by children.
- Essential oils should always be used dissolved in a base oil.
- Avoid direct contact with eyes, nose, mouth and exposure to
sun after use.