Aromatherapy A-Z : Sandalwood

An abundant array of small blossoms, ranging in color from red to yellow to pinkish purple, sprout forth from the leathery leaves and the yellowish limbs of the sandalwood tree. This slow-growing evergreen, Santalum album, grows to a height of twenty-four to thirty feet over the course of thirty to sixty-four years. These heavy, somewhat parasitic members of the Santalaceae family obtain much of their nourishment by sending out suckers that tap into roots of other nearby trees.

Pale or golden yellow sandalwood oil emits a sweet, woody, velvety fragrance that is warm, rich and exotic. Steam-distilling twenty-five pounds of crushed heartwood yields about one to one and one-half pounds of thick viscous oil.

Sandalwood is native to tropical Asia; India is the main producer of sandalwood oil. The finest sandalwood comes from the area of Mysore, in southern India. The Indian government now permits the harvesting of only mature trees that are approaching the end of their long lives. Once the trees are felled, ants eat away the outer bark and leave the heartwood exposed. It is the heartwood that contains the essential oil.

Beauty Benefits

Sandalwood oil moisturizes dry, dehydrated and mature skin. It smoothes and softens lines and wrinkles. It can balance either oily or dry skin and benefits any skin type or condition. Sandalwood oil helps to clear acne and blemishes by regulating oil production and fighting bacteria. It calms barber's rash, relieves itching and irritation after shaving and inhibits the growth of bacteria that can cause infection of ingrown hairs. Sandalwood oil is mild enough for even sensitive skin.

Emotional Effects

Sandalwood oil soothes emotions that are exhausted from a hectic lifestyle. It relaxes the body and mind, and relieves stress, elevates spirits and lifts depression. Sandalwood oil also subdues aggression and irritability. It helps to relieve confusion, fear and nervousness. Sandalwood oil promotes compassion, openness and understanding. It can help an introverted person to become more sociable and outgoing. Sandalwood stimulates the senses and clears thought processes. During times of emotional turmoil, sandalwood oil strengthens resolve and is stabilizing. As an aphrodisiac, sandalwood oil helps overcome frigidity and impotence.

Reprinted from Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Beauty by Roberta Wilson with permission of Avery Books, a member of Penguin Putnam Inc. Copyright © 1995 by Roberta Wilson.

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