Sandalwood
Santalum Spicatum
Sandalwood Oil is a soothing and antiseptic oil which can help to relieve headaches, and stress. It is popularly used in beauty products, as well as candles and diffusers due to its pleasant scent and ability to blend well with other oils on the market.
History of Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood (Latin name Santalum spicatum) is an evergreen tree native to Southern Asia, and mostly grows in India. There are many species of the plant which can also be found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia, too. Sandalwood Oil comes from the chipped wood which has a gorgeous, sweet and slightly smoky scent. The oil itself has been used for centuries, and evidence of the oil's use has been found in ancient Chinese and Sanskrit manuscripts. It was used in religious ceremonies and rituals, as well as the wood itself being used for carvings within religious infrastructure. Ancient Egyptians also used the wood and oils for carpentry and embalming, and Ancient Indian’s used the oil for medicinal purposes, as it was believed to hold many beneficial qualities. Whether it was treating skin conditions or keeping bacteria at bay, Sandalwood Oil was considered an essential in ancient medicine.
The commercialisation of Sandalwood Oil only started to become apparent in the 1800's when it had a truly global reach, and it began to embed itself into the perfume industry due to its versatility with other essential oils - creating complex and desirable fragrances. Today, Sandalwood Oil is a globally accessible essential oil and is incredibly popular across multiple industries. It can be found in candles, perfume, creams, sprays, balms and much more. Arguably, it’s one of the most commercialised essential oils in the world due to how often we see it in shops or in perfumes.
So, why is Sandalwood Oil still so popular today?
Due to its vast history and usage across medicine, perfumery and religious ceremonies, sandalwood had already won the hearts of our ancestors for thousands of years before us. Its versatility and popularity has embedded the oil into multiple industries, and the accessibility of the scent of sandalwood in its many forms has enabled it to be consumed by the masses. Finally, in aromatherapy the oil is still incredibly popular and blends beautifully with a number of other essential oils on the market. Overall it’s an oil which smells wonderful, as well as possessing multiple beneficial qualities which make it desirable for many, even today. However, it’s important to note that although it’s widely accessible, it’s one of the most expensive essential oils in the world. Is it worth it? We’d say absolutely! It may be a stretch for your budget, but the use you’ll get out of it is exponential.
Extracting Sandalwood Oil
Unlike most essential oils on the market, Sandalwood Oil requires a slightly more technical process to extract it from the wood. A popular commercial method of extracting the oil is called hydro distillation, which is where the wood chips are soaked in water and boiled until the oil forms on the top. Another method which is more well-known in the essential oil community is steam distillation, which involves using steam to gently lift the oil from the wood chips, where it’ll later collect on top of the condensed water. It can then be skimmed off and put into bottles. Both methods are implemented on a commercial scale, however the process of yielding Sandalwood Oil is difficult when you look at the price point; it’s one of the most expensive essential oils to make. Many years ago it was oversold, meaning that the harvesting of sandalwood takes a lot longer after the influx took away a large portion of sandalwood trees, particularly in India.
So, can I make the oil at home?
Technically, yes, however you’d need a tree which was at least 10-30 years old to get a considerable yield, and even then you may struggle with the amount due to how long you need the tree to mature. If you do have access to chips as well as a steam distiller you could make the oil at home, however we recommend supporting a supplier and getting a high quality oil which has been harvested and extracted from a tree which is at the right maturity to provide a gorgeous oil.
What do you think of Sandalwood Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? We love to hear from you and find out how you’re getting the most out of your collection. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with the team today.
So, can I make the oil at home?
Technically, yes, however you’d need a tree which was at least 10-30 years old to get a considerable yield, and even then you may struggle with the amount due to how long you need the tree to mature. If you do have access to chips as well as a steam distiller you could make the oil at home, however we recommend supporting a supplier and getting a high quality oil which has been harvested and extracted from a tree which is at the right maturity to provide a gorgeous oil.
What do you think of Sandalwood Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? We love to hear from you and find out how you’re getting the most out of your collection. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with the team today.
Sandalwood Oil Varieties
Sandalwood Oil Varieties
Sandalwood Oil is native to Southern Asia, and mostly grows in India, although it is also found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia, too.
There are 15 varieties of Sandalwood in the world, but only two species are traded: Australian Sandalwood and Indian Sandalwood. Out of the two, there isn’t one that is considered ‘better’ or more effective than the other - aside from the scent and overall composition, which may make a difference if it was to be used in perfumery and home scenting for example.
So, which variety of Sandalwood Oil should I buy?
In this scenario, your budget will largely dictate which type of Sandalwood Oil you’ll buy. Out of the two main varieties, Indian Sandalwood is the most expensive, however within this variation you may find certain suppliers to be cheaper than others, so if you can afford the expensive variety - then go for it! However, if you are slightly tighter on your budget and don’t want to spend too much, then Australian Sandalwood Oil is cheaper. At Essentially Yours, our main piece of advice when shopping for essential oils is to always check that you’re purchasing an essential or ‘absolute’ oil so you don’t compensate on quality, as oils mixed with alcohols or other ‘fillers’ to pad out the product can often detract from the beneficial qualities of the oil. If you are looking to use Sandalwood Oil in perfumery, however, we would recommend buying the Indian variation due to its quality and scent.
What do you think of Sandalwood Oil? Which variety is your favourite and is it an essential in your collection? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear how you’re getting on with your essential oils. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of the team today.
So, which variety of Sandalwood Oil should I buy?
In this scenario, your budget will largely dictate which type of Sandalwood Oil you’ll buy. Essentially's Sandalwood is grown in Australia and is graded as the highest grade of pure essential Sandalwood oil grown in Australia.
At Essentially Yours, our main piece of advice when shopping for essential oils is to always check that you’re purchasing an essential or ‘absolute’ oil so you don’t compensate on quality, as oils mixed with alcohols or other ‘fillers’ to pad out the product can often detract from the beneficial qualities of the oil.
If you are looking to use Sandalwood Oil in perfumery, however, we would recommend buying the Indian variation due to its quality and scent.
What do you think of Sandalwood Oil? Which variety is your favourite and is it an essential in your collection? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear how you’re getting on with your essential oils. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of the team today.
Benefits of Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood Oil is an ancient essential oil which has been used for thousands of years by the ancient Egyptians, Indians and Chinese in medicine, perfumery as well as religious ceremonies and rituals. Over the centuries it has risen in popularity, and today is a commercially recognised essential oil due to its gorgeous scent and multiple benefits. It is, however, one of the most expensive essential oils in the world - but is still considered a household essential for many essential oil fanatics due to its versatility and beautiful smell.
So, what are the benefits of Sandalwood Oil?
Reduces stress and anxiety
In aromatherapy, Sandalwood Oil is used to boost mood and dispel feelings of stress, anxiety and fatigue. It can be used on its own or blended with other essential oils with similar properties to create a soothing scent which can ultimately reduce stress quickly using natural products.
Boost energy
Along with reducing stress, Sandalwood Oil can help to boost energy and leave you feelings clear-headed and ready for the day. You can either put a few drops in an electric diffuser or add a couple of drops into your body moisturiser to leave you feeling positive and energised.
Improves sleep
Although it can be used to boost energy, Sandalwood Oil has been proven to help those who struggle with insomnia or sleep disorders. Blended with other oils that aid restful sleep (for example lavender) can help to get you to sleep quicker using a natural remedy.
Reduces discomfort with UTIs
Add a few drops to a carrier oil and massage topically into the area that is causing you pain (always external, never internal) and it can help to soothe and alleviate any discomfort. You can also inhale the oil for a similar effect.
Heals wounds
Antibacterial and naturally soothing, Sandalwood Oil acts as a natural wound healer and can be applied with a carrier oil to stop the spread of infection.
Please note that the benefits of essential oils will vary from person to person, and what works for you may not work for someone else. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should not use essential oils on your skin unless approved by your doctor.
Similarly, if you are on any topical or internal medication for skin conditions or medical conditions you should always consult with your dermatologist or doctor before applying to the skin.
Uses of Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood Oil has been used for thousands of years, and the evergreen tree is native to Southern Asia, namely India - however it can also be found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia, too. The scent is sweet and smoky, and although the scent is gorgeous, it also boasts a number of medicinal qualities which has made it beneficial for centuries. The wood was burned in religious ceremonies as well as the oils being used in rituals, and it was also used in perfume, embalming and treating wounds. Today, Sandalwood Oil is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world due to the supply and demand (a good quality oil can take years to make, as the tree needs to reach at least 10 years for it to provide a successful and rich yield).
So, what can I use Sandalwood Oil for?
Aromatherapy
Sandalwood Oil is popular in aromatherapy as it can tackle a number of issues, namely mental health issues such as anxiety and feelings of depression. It can also be used to boost mood and aid restful sleep, particularly if you struggle with insomnia or other disruptive sleep disorders. A blend we like is lavender and sandalwood which can help to combat stress and sleep issues.
Massage
Although Sandalwood Oil isn’t used often as a skincare remedy, it can be used in massage to help with aching muscles and joints, as well as if you’re feeling unwell and need a boost overall. Mix with a carrier oil or moisturiser and thank us later!
Medicine
For thousands of years Sandalwood Oil was used as a medicine. It can be applied on wounds to help prevent excess bacteria from forming, as well as being inhaled on its own or with steam to help with respiratory issues caused by illness, bronchitis being an example of this. It can help to decongest your body and can be used for UTIs, too. Overall it’s a great essential oil to have in the medicine cabinet due to its versatility.
Home fragrance
Whether you want to make your own soaps using essential oils, or you just want to add a few drops to a diffuser or homemade candle, Sandalwood Oil is a gorgeous oil to scent your home. One of our favourite blends is sandalwood and jasmine - perfect for the bathroom, bedroom or front room.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we are passionate about sharing our tips, tricks and knowledge with you - enabling you to get the most out of your essential oil collection. Whether it’s finding the best blends or understanding the benefits of an oil - our website has all the information you’ll need. In this blog we’re going to talk about Sandalwood Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading.
Jojoba Oil
Light and moisturising, Jojoba Oil is another carrier oil which we love as it mimics your skin’s natural oils, making it perfect for those who have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Again, this is great for massage (especially if you don’t like the texture of coconut) but it can also be used to make skincare treatments for your face.
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Coconut Oil
Creamy and nourishing, we love this carrier oil because it’s packed full of vitamins and acids that our body needs. Combined with Sandalwood Oil, this blend is gorgeous as a massage oil, as well as being used topically to treat acute pain and discomfort. Remember, Coconut Oil is solid at room temperature, so you’ll need to warm the mixture before use.
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Jasmine Oil
Fragrant and complex, we love this blend because the delicate floral notes of jasmine combined with the thick woody scent of sandalwood smells great in an electric diffuser or a few drops in a hot bath - soothing and luxurious.
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Lavender Oil
This blend works particularly well if you need something that is going to help you fall asleep and leave you feeling calm right before bedtime. You can put a few drops in an electric diffuser or an oil burner and thank us later!
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Geranium Oil
Complex and herbaceous, this is an excellent blend to mix with Jojoba Oil either to create a perfume or to be put into a homemade candle or soap. It soothes the skin without feeling irritating, whilst leaving it smelling gorgeous.
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Cedarwood Oil
Woody and sweet, these two work well especially if you like complex, earthy, woody scents. Add into a homemade candle or mix with a floral oil like jasmine to create a gorgeous home scent.
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Bergamot Oil
Another citrusy oil, Bergamot Oil works well with sandalwood to create a blend which can soothe pain and discomfort in your joints and muscles. Add to a carrier oil of your choice and massage into the affected area.
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