top of page

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood (Santalum album) essential oil has a rich history and is derived from the wood of the sandalwood tree, known for its fragrant heartwood. 

 

History

  1. Ancient Use: Sandalwood has a long history of use in various cultures, particularly in India. It is one of the oldest known perfumes and has been used in religious rituals and traditional medicine for over 4,000 years.

  2. Religious and Spiritual Significance: Sandalwood is highly regarded in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions. It is often used in religious ceremonies, meditation, and rituals. Sandalwood paste is applied to idols and used as incense in temples.

  3. Traditional Medicine: In Ayurvedic medicine, sandalwood oil is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including anxious feelings, skin health, and digestive discomforts.

  4. Western Perfumery: Sandalwood has been a prized ingredient in perfumery for centuries. Its warm, woody, and slightly sweet aroma is considered luxurious and is often used as a base note in perfumes.

  5. Endangered Status: The high demand for sandalwood led to overharvesting and illegal logging, which threatened the survival of the sandalwood tree. Efforts have been made to regulate its trade and promote sustainable cultivation.

​

Plant Description

  1. Scientific Name: Santalum album is the scientific name for the sandalwood tree.

  2. Geographical Distribution: Sandalwood trees are native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. They are also cultivated in other regions with suitable climates, such as Australia and Hawaii.

  3. Appearance: The sandalwood tree is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) in height. It has leathery leaves and small, purplish flowers.

  4. Heartwood: The heartwood of the sandalwood tree is where the essential oil is extracted from. The heartwood is yellowish-brown to dark brown in color and is highly aromatic.

  5. Oil Extraction: Sandalwood essential oil is typically obtained through a steam distillation process of the heartwood. It is one of the most valuable essential oils in the world due to its unique fragrance and various uses.

  6. Aroma and Properties: Sandalwood essential oil has a distinctive sweet, woody aroma. It is known for its calming and grounding properties, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy for relaxation and meditation.

​

It's important to note that the sandalwood tree has been threatened by overharvesting, and sustainable cultivation practices are crucial to ensure its long-term survival and the availability of its valuable wood and essential oil.

sandalwood.png
sandalwood

Take a Closer Look

EXTRACTION METHOD

Steam Distillation

 

AROMATIC DESCRIPTION

Woody, Dry, Sweet

 

BOTANICAL FAMILY

Santalaceae (sandalwood)

 

PLANT PART

Wood

​

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

  1. Diffusion:  Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice. 

  2. Internal: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid. 

  3. Topical Use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.

​

RECOMMENDED USES

  • For an at-home spa experience, fill a large bowl with steaming water, then apply 1-2 drops of Sandalwood to your face and cover head with a towel. Place your face above the steaming water. Your skin will feel nourished and rejuvenated. 

  • Apply 1-2 drops to wet hair to help restore moisture and give hair a silky shine. 

  • Inhale Sandalwood directly from palms or diffuse to lessen tension and balance emotions. 

BENEFITS

  • Healthy Inflammatory Response: Sandalwood may help support healthy inflammatory responses in the body. 

  • Skin Care: Sandalwood essential oil is often used in skincare products due to its ability to soothe and moisturize the skin. It may help with dry skin, blemishes, and skin irritations.

  • Astringent: It acts as a mild astringent, which can help tighten and tone the skin, reducing the appearance of pores.

  • Antispasmodic: This oil has antispasmodic properties that can help relax muscles and ease muscle cramps or spasms.

  • Anti-Aging: Sandalwood oil is rich in antioxidants that can help combat free radicals, potentially reducing the signs of premature aging like wrinkles and fine lines.

  • Respiratory Health: Inhaling sandalwood oil may provide healthy respiratory support.

  • Diuretic: Sandalwood oil has diuretic effects, which may help increase urine production and support kidney function, potentially aiding in detoxification.

  • Digestive Aid: When used in aromatherapy or diluted and massaged onto the abdomen, sandalwood oil may help soothe digestive discomfort and promote a healthy digestive system.

​

​​

CAUTIONS

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas.

10 ways to use sandalwood oil

  1. Skincare: Add a few drops of sandalwood oil to your daily moisturizer to help soothe dry or irritated skin. It may also help reduce the appearance of blemishes and irritations.

  2. Massage Oil: Dilute sandalwood oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil, and use it for a calming and relaxing massage. It can help ease muscle tension and promote relaxation.

  3. Aromatherapy: Diffuse sandalwood oil in an essential oil diffuser to create a calming and grounding atmosphere in your home. It's great for meditation and stress relief.

  4. Bath Soak: Add a few drops of sandalwood oil to your bathwater for a luxurious and relaxing soak. It can help ease muscle aches and promote overall relaxation.

  5. Scented Sachets: Place a few drops of sandalwood oil on a cotton ball or a small fabric sachet and tuck it into your drawers or closets to keep your clothes smelling fresh.

  6. DIY Perfume: Create your own natural perfume by mixing sandalwood oil with other essential oils and a carrier oil. Apply it to your wrists and neck for a subtle and long-lasting fragrance.

  7. Skin Soothing Serum: Make a soothing serum by blending sandalwood oil with aloe vera gel. Apply it to sunburned or irritated skin for relief.

  8. Hair Care: Add a few drops of sandalwood oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner to nourish your hair and scalp. It may help with dandruff and dry scalp.

  9. Yoga and Meditation: Apply diluted sandalwood oil to your pulse points or the soles of your feet before yoga or meditation sessions. It can enhance focus and relaxation.

  10. Candle Making: If you enjoy making candles, incorporate sandalwood oil into your candle-making process to infuse your space with its soothing aroma when you light them.

essential emotions & spirituality

SANDALWOOD - THE OIL OF SACRED DEVOTION

Emotional Benefits

  1. Stress Reduction: Sandalwood oil is known for its calming properties and can help reduce stress and anxious feelings. Inhaling its aroma or using it in aromatherapy can promote a sense of tranquility.

  2. Emotional Balance: Sandalwood oil can help balance emotions by promoting a sense of inner peace and harmony. It's often used in meditation to enhance emotional well-being.

  3. Improved Mood: The sweet, woody scent of sandalwood can uplift your mood and reduce feelings of sadness or irritability. Diffusing the oil in your living space can create a positive atmosphere.

  4. Enhanced Focus: Sandalwood oil's grounding qualities can improve concentration and mental clarity. It can be beneficial when studying or working on tasks that require sustained attention.

  5. Relaxation: When used in massages or added to a bath, sandalwood oil can induce deep relaxation, relieving tension in both the body and mind.

​

Spiritual Benefits

  1. Meditation Aid: Sandalwood essential oil has a long history of use in spiritual practices and meditation. Its calming and grounding properties can help facilitate a deeper meditative state and spiritual connection.

  2. Sacred Rituals: Sandalwood is considered sacred in many cultures and is used in religious ceremonies and rituals. It is believed to purify and cleanse the spirit.

  3. Spiritual Protection: Some people use sandalwood oil to create a protective aura or shield against negative energies and influences. It's thought to provide spiritual protection.

  4. Enhanced Intuition: Sandalwood is associated with the Third Eye chakra, which is believed to enhance intuition and insight. Using sandalwood oil during meditation may aid in accessing higher states of consciousness.

  5. Connection to Higher Self: Sandalwood is often used to deepen one's connection to their inner self or higher consciousness. It can help foster a sense of inner awareness and spiritual growth.


Negative Emotions: Disconnected from God or spiritual Self, emptiness, over-thinking, materialism


Positive Properties: Humility, spiritual devotion, spiritual clarity, stillness, surrender, higher consciousness

essential emotions & spirituality

Affirmations are positive statements that you can repeat to yourself as a form of self-empowerment and motivation. You can incorporate sandalwood oil into your affirmation practice to enhance your sense of calm, focus, and inner peace. Here are five affirmations that can be used in combination with sandalwood oil:

​

  1. I am at peace: Apply a drop of sandalwood oil to your pulse points, take a deep breath, and repeat this affirmation. It can help you find inner tranquility and reduce stress.

  2. I am centered and grounded: Use sandalwood oil in your meditation practice. As you inhale its soothing scent, affirm that you are grounded and centered in the present moment.

  3. I radiate positive energy: Combine sandalwood oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your heart chakra area (the center of your chest). As you do, affirm that you radiate positive energy and love to those around you.

  4. I trust my intuition: Before engaging in activities that require intuition or decision-making, inhale the aroma of sandalwood and repeat this affirmation to strengthen your trust in your inner guidance.

  5. I am worthy of self-care: Add a few drops of sandalwood oil to your bathwater and affirm that you deserve self-care and relaxation. Use this time to nurture your body and mind.

​

Remember to personalize these affirmations to align with your specific goals and intentions. The combination of positive affirmations and the calming aroma of sandalwood can be a powerful tool for self-improvement and self-care.

bottom of page