Not only is Sandalwood Essential Oil one of the most widely used of all essential oils around the world, but it is also prized by the perfumery industry for its scent. Both the Chinese, Ayurvedic and Tibetian medicine regard it highly for its therapeutic effects as well as its ability at being able to centre the mind in meditative yoga practices.
Sandalwood essential oil is often distracted from the wood of Sandalwood tree using steam distillation and it is the heartwood of the roots that produces the highest quality of oil all. The Sandalwood is an evergreen tree which grows to about 9m in height, has leathery leaves and small purple flowers bloom on it. It is a native plant of Southern Tropical Asia. Unfortunately the tree is a parasite as it likes to gain its nutrients from other tree species and because it can only be grown in this way and under a set of strict environmental conditions it is very difficult to propagate this tree. Add to this the fact that the tree will need at least 30 years to mature before it will yield any oil that is worth having.
The aroma often associated with sandalwood essential oil is a woody, balsamic, sweet and slightly musky one. It is usually either pale yellow, greenish or brownish in colour and the aroma (tenacity) tends to last for a long time and it has superior fixative properties. There are several varieties of this essential oil available, but the one which is considered the best in respect of its therapeutic qualities is Santalum Album. It is believed that the best quality of the Santalum Album oil comes from the Mysore region of Eastern India, but unfortunately harvesting is beginning to place a strain on the area's natural environment.
Today sandalwood essential oils is considered in aromatherapy to be considered effective in treating dry skin, general skin irritation and acne. It may also help in the treatment of bronchitis, catarrh, dry persistent coughs, laryngitis as well as sore throats. It may also help in to relieve diarrhea, nausea and some cases of cystitis.
However, it is also great as a tonic for a hyper active mind and is considered to be an anti-depressant as it can help to relieve hot, agitated emotional states and relieving people from over thinking and worry.
Also sandalwood is one of the essential oils which improve with age and because of increased demand the price of the oil has begun to increase significantly each year. So it may be wise to purchase more than you think as storing it will only result in it becoming richer over time.
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