Sandalwood Herb

Sandalwood is the name given for the fragrant wood and essential oils of trees in the Santalaceae family. The Sandalwood trees are regularly found in Sri Lanka, Hawaii, India and the South Pacific islands. The best harvesting of Sandalwood for the essential oil that is used in perfumes and incense is from trees that are at least 40 years old; however, 80 years or more produce the best oil. To harvest the oil the entire tree is toppled instead of being cut down at ground level to better utilize the oil from the root as well.

Sandalwood can be added to hot water to create a tea type infusion; however, Sandalwood is not for ingestion and doing so can cause great harm. Instead the �tea� can be used as a wash for the face and hair to cleanse and help treat skin blemishes.

Sandalwood Uses

Sandalwood is used in many spiritual ways including the Hindu rituals and ceremonies, Ayurvedic purposes, Buddhist meditation, as well as Western metaphysical and Wicca ceremonies.

Sandalwood powder or oil can be mixed and made into a paste and is thought to treat many skin ailments, relieve fever or sunburn, skin infections and acne, and balance the circulatory, nervous and respiratory systems.

Sandalwood essential oil is often used in lotions and soaps as well as incense, candles and perfumes and is thought to soothe the mind and relieve stress and tension.

Sandalwood oil when mixed in another carrier or base oil such as jojoba oil can be used to treat acne or blackheads.

The wood of the Sandalwood is often used in carving and woodworking.

Sandalwood Cautions

Sandalwood oil should not be used directly on the skin but should first be added to a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.

Sandalwood is not for internal use.