Sandalwood Essential Oil (Santalum album)

Overview

Sandalwood may also be referred to as Indian sandalwood. It is typically processed in New Caledonia using steam distilled as a method for extracting oil from the wood.

Summary

Sandalwood oil comes from the wood of Santalum album trees. It has a woody scent. Its effects are soothing and antiseptic.

Sandalwood Essential Oil is a profoundly versatile essential oil for its applications spiritual and emotional applications as well as its applications in perfumery/fragrancing and skin care.

Sandalwood has been used since ancient times as incense for spiritual applications. Sandalwood Essential Oil is deeply grounding and is useful for chakra work.

Essential Facts

  • Aroma Description: Sandalwood Essential Oil smells rich, deep and sweet yet is delicate, woody and floral.
  • Common Name(s): Indian sandalwood
  • Synonyms(s) for Santalum album: Santalum myrtifolium, Santalum myrtifolium, Santalum ovata

  • Botanical Family: Santalaceae
  • Botanical Genus: Santalum
  • Major Compounds: (Z)-a-Santalol, (Z)-B-Santalol, (Z)-Nuciferol, epi-B-Santalol, (Z)-a-trans-Bergamotol
  • Perfumery Note: Base
  • Consistency: Medium - Thick
  • Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium
  • Color: Clear with a Yellow Tinge
  • Countries of Production: New Caledonia
  • Indigenous Country: southern India and Southeast Asia
  • Cultivation: Unsprayed
  • Processing Methods: Steam Distilled
  • Part Typically Used: Wood
  • Shelf Life: 12 years
  • Conservation Status:  [VU] Vulnerable
    IUCN Red List category abbreviations (version 3.1, 2001)
  • Vegan Vegan

Essential Details

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Sandalwood:

Tisserand and Young indicate that although rare, Sandalwood Oil has the potential to cause adverse skin reactions. They recommend a dermal maximum of 2%. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 418-419.]

Safety Precautions for Sandalwood:

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.