Sandalwood is an aromatic evergreen tree from the Santalum genus, known for its fine-grained, yellow wood, which has been integral to perfumes, fragrances, and colognes for centuries. Sandalwood oil and powder are extensively used for their impressive beauty and health benefits. It is the second most expensive wood in the world, after African Blackwood, and its unique scent has long been cherished in ancient medicine for its therapeutic properties.
Sandalwood trees are hemiparasites, meaning they cannot survive without being planted near other species, such as neem or Pterocarpus. The Indian variety, Santalum album, is native to South India and thrives in the Western Ghats, Kalrayan, and Shevaroy Hills. Sandalwood trees are cultivated in India, Pakistan, and Indonesia, under government supervision to ensure sustainability. Sandalwood oil is highly prized, with a market price of around 65,000 rupees per kilogram.
The red sander variety of sandalwood is primarily found in regions such as Seshachalam, Veliganda, Lankamala, and Palakonda hill ranges in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka’s Mysore, and Kerala's Marymoor forest, known for producing high-quality red sandalwood.
Sandalwood goes by several names: Chandan in Sanskrit and Hindi, Chandanam in Tamil and Malayalam, Gandham in Telugu, and Srigandha in Kannada.
Uses of Sandalwood
The precious sandalwood oil is extracted from the heartwood of the tree. Known for its gentle, warm, velvety scent, it is a key ingredient in many perfumes. As the wood ages (over 50-60 years), its value and fragrance intensify. Sandalwood is ground into powder and steam-distilled into oil used in soaps, cosmetics, candles, incense, and medicines. It is also used to make beads and religious idols, with its oil playing a significant role in spiritual practices in Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. Sandalwood oil is a primary component in attar, an ancient fragrance.
How to Make Sandalwood Essential Oil at Home
- Obtain sandalwood powder or chips from a store.
- Crush the chips using a mortar and pestle.
- In a glass jar, mix the powder with a cup of virgin olive oil. Let it sit for a week, shaking occasionally.
- Strain the mixture, pressing the powder to extract the oil.
- Store the oil in a dark, cool place.
Homemade sandalwood oil can be as effective as store-bought versions, but it may cause allergic reactions, so always perform a patch test before use.
Ayurvedic Uses
Sandalwood holds a revered place in Ayurveda, with the tree often referred to as "Chandana," or Indra’s Sandalwood, symbolizing purity. In Vedic texts, sandalwood is considered sacred and is used in rituals to purify sacred spaces. Sandalwood oil and powder are believed to balance the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), with sandalwood oil acting as a natural cleanser for all skin types.
Sandalwood powder, when mixed with water, forms a cooling paste that soothes Pitta-related conditions like sunburn, acne, rashes, fever, herpes, and ulcers. The oil also promotes the health of the reproductive, nervous, muscular, and circulatory systems.
Healing Health Benefits of Sandalwood Powder/Oil
1. Promotes Skin Health
Sandalwood oil is a powerful remedy for dry, cracked skin, wrinkles, and skin irritations caused by imbalanced Pitta doshas. It helps restore damaged skin cells, improves complexion, and maintains radiance. Sandalwood’s antiseptic, anti-aging, antimicrobial, and disinfectant properties protect the skin from bacteria, viruses, and fungi, aiding in the healing of wounds, scars, burns, pimples, and preventing infections.
Sandalwood DIY Face Packs
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Acne and Blackhead Removal Pack: Mix 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder, 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel, and 2 teaspoons of curd to form a paste. Apply to the affected areas for 30 minutes, then rinse. This helps combat acne-causing bacteria.
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Suntan and Pigmentation Pack: Combine 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder, 1 teaspoon of curd, honey, turmeric, and lemon juice. Apply to the face for 15-20 minutes, then rinse. This pack reduces suntan, dark spots, and pigmentation.
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Fairer Skin Complexion Pack: Mix 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder, besan flour, turmeric, and rose water into a fine paste. Apply for 15-20 minutes for improved skin texture and glow. Regular use helps brighten the complexion.
2. Hair Health
Sandalwood oil is valuable for treating dandruff and preventing hair fall. Its astringent properties regulate sebum production on the scalp, treating split ends and promoting hair growth and luster. A blend of lavender, cypress, sesame, and sandalwood oils can also help with dandruff.
3. Relaxant
Sandalwood oil acts as a natural relaxant, soothing muscle spasms and calming nerves, blood vessels, and muscles, offering relief from tension and stress.
4. Astringent Property
Sandalwood oil has mild astringent properties that can be used as a disinfectant for the genitourinary, bronchial tracts, and as a stimulant for the muscles and gums, preventing gum disease and tightening the skin.
5. Effective Antiseptic
Sandalwood oil is a potent antiseptic that can help treat conditions like bronchitis, cystitis, dysuria, urinary tract infections, psoriasis, and eczema due to its astringent and antimicrobial properties.
6. Boosts Immune System
Aromatherapy with sandalwood oil can enhance the immune system by stimulating white blood cell production. This helps the body fight off infections, improving overall immunity.
Conclusion
Sandalwood, with its rich history and diverse uses in beauty, health, and spiritual practices, remains a treasured natural resource. Whether used in essential oil form, powder, or incorporated into DIY remedies, its many therapeutic properties make it an invaluable part of Ayurvedic and holistic treatments for skin, hair, and overall wellness.
