Sandalwood (Mysore)

Product Details

Botanical name

Santalum album

Extraction method / Source

Steam Distillation / Wood

Aroma

Soft, woody, balsamic, earthy, tenacious

Note classification

Base

Odor Intensity

7

Key constituents

Santanols > 85% , santyl acetate, santalenes

Plant description

Botanical family: Santalaceae

Santalum album is a small, slow growing tropical evergreen tree native to India. It grows to a height of 12 to 30 feet, and can live for up to a century. The roots of the tree are parasitic, and feed off the roots of neighboring trees. Sandalwood is a highly fragrant wood that in the past was used extensively for woodworking. Oil from the wood is a prized ingredient in the fragrance industry. As a result, the species has been threatened by over-harvesting, and the Indian government has established laws and programs to help preserve it.

Regions of Production

Australia

Growing Practices

Sustainably managed forest

History / Fun Facts

Sandalwood trees are a partially parasitic species in the same family as mistletoe.

Properties

Anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic,, emollient, expectorant, sedative, tonic (Battaglia, 2003)

Please refer to the Glossary for terms which may be new to you.

Uses / Benefits

Beneficial in treating lymphatic and venous stasis, such as swollen lymph nodes and varicose veins. Eases stress and nervous tension which leads to headaches and insomnia. Helpful in treating bronchitis, respiratory infections, sore throats and chronic dry coughs. Healing and moisturizing to skin, useful for inflammatory and oily skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. Sandalwood is a popular essential oil used in natural perfume making.

Sandalwood essential oil improves with age, if stored in an airtight container away from heat and light.

Fragrant influences

Useful for meditation, promotes dreaming, antidepressant, eases stress and promotes restful sleep. Promotes sensual awareness, aids in overcoming isolation, and connecting with others, supports peaceful social interactions.

Modes of Administration

Topical: massage, compress, skin lotions, creams, balms and ointments.

Inhalation: direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer.

Blends well with

Benzoin, Black Pepper, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Clove, Sweet Fennel, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Myrrh, Neroli, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rose, Ylang Ylang

Safety

Non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing

Notice

This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Although we strive to provide information which is accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

Precautions

Pure essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. Do not use them undiluted, or in the eyes or mucus membranes. If applying an essential oil to the skin, always dilute it with a proper carrier oil and test on a small patch of skin before applying to a large area. Do not take them internally except under the direction of a qualified professional trained in Aromatherapy. Always familiarize yourself with the safety, contraindications and proper preparation of each essential oil before use. Note that when using essential oils for children and the elderly, very low concentrations should be used. Keep all essential oils away from children and pets.

References

Althea Press, Essential Oils: Natural Remedies, 2015. Althea Press, Berkeley, CA.

Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Second Edition, 2003. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia

Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, Aromatherapy: Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate, and Heal, 2002. Prentice Hall Press, New York, NY.

Cooksley, Valerie Gennari, Aromatherapy: A Holistic Guide to Natural Healing with Essential Oils, 2015. Floramed Publishing, The Woodlands, TX.

Falconi, Dina, Earthly Bodies and Heavenly Hair : Natural and Healthy Personal Care for Every Body, 1998. Ceres Press, Woodstock, NY.

Green, Mindy, Natural Perfumes, 1999. Interweave Press, Loveland, CO.

International Fragrance Research Association, http://www.ifraorg.org/en-us/standards (January 5, 2016)

Schnaubelt, Kurt, The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Aromatherapy, 2011. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.

TIMELESS Essential Oils guarantees the purity and quality of all our therapeutic oils. The current Certificate of Analysis is available upon request. All essential oils are best stored in an airtight container away from heat and light.