Sandalwood

Sandalwood

The sandalwood tree is a small and slow growing evergreen, reaching about 6-9 m in about 20 - 30 years in the forests fo India. It is parasitic, growing upon other trees. Only very mature trees are cut down; the logs are then left for termites to remove the sapwood, leaving the fragrant heartwood.

Common Name:

Sandalwood

Botanical Name:

Santalum album

Family:

Santalaceae

Location:

India.

Direction:

Planet:

Element:

Magical Effects:

Extraction:

Steam Distillation

Parts Used:

Heartwood

Color and Odor:

The essential oil is pale yellow in color and has a very persistent, sweet woody base note with a delicate, spicy, oriental undertone. There are certain individuals who have difficulty smelling this oil.

Background:

Sandalwood has a long history of use in India, being mentioned in the earliest medical texts. It was also widely used as incense in religious ceremonies; the wood would be burned at funerals as it was beleived to help free the soul. It is an important perfume and cosmetic ingredient. As a perfume, sandalwood is very long lasting and used as a fixative for other perfume ingredients. A variety of wooden articles and furniture are made from the fragrant heartwood. The Chinese import large quantities of sandalwood for medicinal use.

Properties:

Tonic, emollient, sedative, anti-inflammatory, expectorant.

Magical Influences:

Uses:

Urinary Sytem—Antiseptic for all urinary disorders.
Respiratory System—Very useful for chronic bronchitis, laryngitis, sore throat, hiccups and dry coughs.
Reproductive Sytem—Good for leucorrhea.
Immune System—Stimulates the spleen, promotes white blood cell production and strengthens the immune system against infection.
Skin—Good for all skin types, especially dry or dehydrated skin
Emotions—Sweet, warm and rich, sandalwood is profoundly seductive and a true aphrodisiac, dispelling anxiety and depression. Casts out cynicism and obsessional attitudes, especially strong ties with the past, effecting a cure in cases of sexual dysfunction. Long used as an aid to meditation to help focus the mind away from distracting chatter and create the right mood. It stills the soul and allows it to reach the deepest states of meditation, helping to induce a sense of religious union and spirituality. Sandalwood comforts and helps the dying to make peace with the world.

Blends:

URINARY	RESPIRATORY	REPRODUCTIVE
Sandalwood 7	Sandalwood 7	Sandalwood 7
Juniper 3	Myrrh 3	Benzoin 3
Bergamot2	Lavender 2	Rose 2

IMMUNE	SKIN	EMOTION
Sandalwood 6	Sandalwood 4	Sandalwood 6
Tea tree 4	Chamomile (R) 2	Rose3
Lavender 2	Geranium 2	Frankincense 2

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