In perfumes, essential aromatic oils and many other products, the intense scent of sandalwood is often found. It takes us to the mysterious, sensual world of the Orient and 1001 nights.
Occurrence and cultivation of sandalwood
For centuries, sandalwood has been used for fragrance oils, perfumes, incense sticks among other religious rituals and meditations. The name sandalwood (lignum santalinum) stands for various woods of the tree genus Santalum. Under this name exist in the trade woods that come from different trees: red, white and yellow sandalwood. Originally, sandalwood came mainly from India, but today it is also grown in China and Indonesia. Sandalwood trees can grow up to ten meters high and have yellow, pink and red flowers. For centuries, sandalwood has been used for scented oils, perfumes, incense sticks, among other religious rituals and meditations. Genuine sandalwood is very precious because cultivation, trade and storage are subject to strict regulations. The trees may not be grown on private property and must be at least 25 years old, because the precious sandalwood oil is formed only from the age of 25 years. They may not be felled then either, but must be uprooted and processed, because the sandalwood oil is also contained in the roots. Due to the lengthy cultivation and the comparatively low yield, it is precious and expensive.
Effect and application
Sandalwood is an important component of Ayurvedic teachings and also Tibetan and Chinese medicine, especially the sandalwood oil contained in sandalwood. It is whitish-yellow, viscous and exudes a sensual, oriental, spicy fragrance, which is one of the most popular sensual fragrances in perfumes and incense worldwide. Since ancient times, this popular fragrance is a rare treasure, because the difficult conditions of cultivation can not meet the demand by far. The main active ingredient of sandalwood is sesquiterpenols. Oils containing this active ingredient are considered particularly skin-friendly and have a stimulating effect on the soul. The oil must be distilled out of the wood. Sandalwood has an anti-inflammatory effect on various skin problems, relieves itching and helps against cellulite. Because of its hormone-like ingredients, it has a positive effect on menstrual and menopausal symptoms, it promotes hormonal balance. Together with other fragrance oils with hormonal effects such as rose geranium, ylang-ylang, jasmine or clary sage, sensual fragrances with eroticizing effects can be produced. Even in ancient India, sandalwood oil was a popular aphrodisiac because of its stimulating effect. It is especially good for sexual difficulties that have their cause in stress and anxiety. Sandalwood also has a calming effect on feelings of anger, rage and aggression, it strengthens one’s center, frees the soul and calms and strengthens the nerves. Sandalwood also gently balances excessive production of stress hormones and restores balance to the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Spiritually, it helps to bring blocked energies back into flow and free the mind. Sandalwood can be used in many ways. It is an ingredient in many perfume blends, especially men’s fragrances, as the scent is similar to the androstenol in male underarm perspiration. But also many creams, shower gels and body lotions contain sandalwood because of its skin-soothing effect and pleasant fragrance. In addition, it is popularly used as an aroma and massage oil. Red sandalwood has been used for centuries to make incense sticks.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Sandalwood with its warm, sensual fragrance gives our senses a touch of the mysterious scent of the Orient and 1001 Nights. But it is also a popular remedy because of its stimulating, invigorating and at the same time soothing, harmonizing effect. Even a single drop on a handkerchief relieves anxiety and tension, stimulates the mind and promotes self-confidence. Anyone who inhales the pleasant fragrance will immediately feel how tension is released and nervousness subsides. Sandalwood also has a beneficial effect on muscle tension and nerve complaints, menstrual and menopausal problems. Sandalwood penetrates directly into the subconscious and opens the right hemisphere of the brain, which is why it is often used for meditation.Naturopathy uses sandalwood oil for any kind of mucous membrane inflammation. It also has a good complementary effect in foot reflexology massages. It can be massaged into the soles of the feet after reflexology massage. As an aromatic oil, it can also balance a tense mood in a room, for example, in family disputes. In case of sleep disorders, an aroma lamp with sandalwood oil on the bedside table proves its worth. A relaxing bath with sandalwood oil after a stressful day works wonders. It relaxes the body, relieves muscle tension and soothes the soul. Sandalwood oil also unfolds its soothing effect in numerous skin care products, where it not only smells pleasant, but also unfolds its skin-soothing effect. However, people who are sensitive to fragrances should be careful. Aromatic oils are usually highly concentrated and should only be used in diluted form. Other uses for sandalwood include bladder disorders, diarrhea and intestinal problems, eczema, kidney disorders, nervousness, stomach irritation, muscle cramps, dislocations and sprains. For dislocations and sprains, poultices with sandalwood oil prove their worth. However, internal use should always be done in consultation with a doctor. Sandalwood also has its place in the wellness area and is often used for sauna infusions. Regular sauna sessions are a good way to strengthen the immune system and prevent infections.
