One of the most prized essential oils in aromatherapy, sandalwood oil is steam distilled from the fragrant wood of the East Indian sandalwood tree. In aromatherapy, Sandalwood oil:
- Gently instills a sense of tranquility.
- Is a popular soothing meditative aid.
- Helps with quiet contemplation.
What is Sandalwood?
Native to India and other parts of Asia, sandalwood (Santalum album) is a small flowering tropical tree. East Indian sandalwood, also known as white sandalwood, has distinct reddish-brown bark that covers a white to pale green heartwood, as well as long ovate leaves. It was the first sandalwood to be discovered for the species, and is highly treasured across cultures and in aromatherapy.
The wood of this tree was long used as building and carving material; for thousands of years, various ancient civilizations from India to China and Egypt used the wood to carve ornate sacred statues. Buddhist monks prized sandalwood in making incense, and Hindu monks would blend sandalwood with turmeric, jasmine, and patchouli in search of spiritual enlightenment.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Because sandalwood trees can take up to 40 years to mature, and in an effort to conserve this precious plant, sandalwood has seen a decrease in use for purposes outside of aromatherapy. Its essential oil, steam distilled from the wood, is spicy and smoky-sweet, with a rich balsamic note. The scent can be found in many perfumes, colognes, and skin care products, and in aromatherapy the oil is a valued meditative aid to help instill gentle tranquility, ease the nerves, and promote quiet contemplation.
Blending essential oils opens up a world of aromatherapy possibilities! Other oils that complement sandalwood oil’s full fragrance include: bergamot, black pepper, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, coriander, cypress, frankincense, galbanum, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, mandarin, myrrh, rose, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, peppermint, sweet fennel, vetiver, and ylang ylang oils.
Piping Rock's pure Sandalwood Oil is available in 5 mL, ½ oz., & 2 oz. bottles. To experience sandalwood’s aromatherapy benefits at a more affordable cost, we also happily offer our sandalwood blended oil in a soothing base of sweet almond carrier oil. This is available in ½ oz. & 2 oz. bottles.
Directions for Use
Add 3-5 drops of Sandalwood Oil to a diffuser or vaporizer, to a bowl of steaming water or a hot bath to fill a room with its spicy-sweet scent. To use topically, add ~5 drops of Sandalwood Oil to ~10 mL of any Piping Rock carrier oil.
Sandalwood Oil is for external use only and should be diluted in a carrier oil such as sweet almond, jojoba, grapeseed or avocado oil before being used topically. Do not apply to broken or irritated skin. Always consult your trusted physician before adding any essential oil to your regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medications. Discontinue use and alert your doctor should an adverse reaction occur. Keep out of reach of children and away from eyes and mouth. Essential oils are flammable.
