Sandalwood is most distinguishable by its woody smell and pressed carvings. It comes from a tree grown in southern Asia. It’s unique in smell and texture making it distinguishable both in a visual and smell. Sandalwood has its roots in India; it’s considered holy. It is bestowed upon women during and after marriage and a sacred gesture during passing. Sandalwood paste is used to decorate Indian deities. It is so delicate that it requires permission to cut and harvest.

Sandalwood takes 40-80 years before its harvested, showing the sanctity of the precious plant. Growing up to 33 inches, sandalwood harvests the roots and nutrients of other plants.  Its scented carvings can be altered into many forms like oil providing many benefits and uses.

Sandalwood’s most important organic compounds are the alpha-santalol and beta-santalol. The beta gives sandalwood the very distinct and powerful fragrance. The alpha gives a therapeutic quality.

Benefits:

• Sandalwood should not be ingested directly unless properly prepared, infused or distilled but it does hold benefits in its natural state.
• Sandalwood is said to increase mental clarity, increase memory, decrease blood pressure and serve as an antiseptic. It is potent. In oil form (diluted with a few drops of water), it can be used to decrease inflammation after a wound.
• Sandalwood is well regarded in the skincare industry as a mechanism to reduce inflammation with rashes, decrease the effects of eczema, and reduce acne.
• Its anti-inflammatory properties help assist both physical and mental ailments. This includes inflammation in the brain, digestive, nervous, circulatory, and excretory systems that result. These can result from fevers, insect bites or wounds.

Uses:

• Relax: add a few drops of sandalwood oil into a humidifier for added relaxation at bedtime. Add 4 or 5 drops of sandalwood into the vent of your car during rush hour.
• Increase focus: smell sandalwood on a perfume roller a few times a day (particularly when your mind is feeling foggy). Smell the scent directly out of the bottle but ensure its held at least an inch from your nose.
• Use for your body: to ingest, sandalwood must be prepared properly. Add one teaspoon of heaped sandalwood with 1 cup of water. Slowly boil for several minutes, ensuring the pot is covered. After, drain the herb and drink 1 or 2 cups of day of this mixture to clear skin from the inside out. Drops of sandalwood can be added to unscented lotion for the extra boost in woody scent.
• Make a face mask: combine face clay, water and one to two drops of sandalwood. Mix together and use as a face hydration mask. Leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes before cleansing with warm water.
• Create a room mist. In a 50ml mist bottle filled with water add 25 drops of oil
• Use as a calm sense during meditation: 5 drops of sandalwood and 4 drops of rose water into a humidifier and smell during meditation.

Sandalwood is sacred in nature and when used correctly can provide benefits both physically and mentally.