Sandalwood is certainly both a classic scent and a classic medicine. Used as an aromatic for more than 4000 years, and in addition as a medicine in the Ayurvedic system for perhaps a millennium, the wood itself has been tremendously valued by human beings. The essential oil, while only growing popular in the last hundred years, is an incredibly classic scent, with vital science-proven therapeutic medicinal applications. Whether it be for the body or mind, sandalwood oil can offer effective support.
First just a little history -- sandalwood essential oil is steam distilled from the heartwood connected with the sandalwood tree. Looks pretty straightforward, until you find out that sandalwood is actually a parasite; it grows exclusively on certain other trees in tropical environments. The tree has to be planted next to the right host tree, already of a certain age, for it to climb up. When harvesting the wood, which is extremely slow to grow, both trees needs to be cut down. Evidently this presents challenges for this important resource.
The harvesting of the timber in The Indian subcontinent, where the finest specimens are considered to be from, has been halted by the government in order to safeguard the tropical rain forests. In other places in the world, harvesting is controlled to ensure the demise of the rain forests in India does not happen again for this reason.
It is distinct that for the reasons of rarity alone, the essential oil is something to be cherished. However, the oil has some very impressive and important medicinal qualities that make it even more valuable. One practical application is a direct derivation of the use of the wood's paste for skin treatment: The essential oil has been proven to prevent the occurrence of skin cancer if applied before exposure to UVB light as well as chemo-toxins.
Research workers at South Dakota State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, pointed out "alpha-santalol, a major component of sandalwood oil, is effective in preventing UVB-induced skin cancer development." Researchers at the University of Colorado, Denver, noted that the oil caused apoptosis (normal cell death) of cells that were on their way to becoming cancerous. Obviously the essential oil makes a significant therapeutic contribution to skin care formulations.
The aroma is highly regarded for its soothing, centering qualities, without being sedating. In Vienna, Austria researchers published a report where participants were positively affected in the regions of alertness, attentiveness, calmness, mood, relaxation and vigor. This correlates to its long-time use as the first choice aromatic in aiding meditation.
Curiously, the oil has also been researched for supporting deeper, more restful sleep. The essential oil works both when breathed in and when topically applied. One study investigating the effects of inhaling santalol, the most important natural constituent of the oil, found this component could result in a significant decrease in the time spent tossing and turning in sleep-disturbed subjects, and also increased the overall time spent in REM sleep.
So you can see that sandalwood oil has some wonderful, valuable therapeutic activity -- features that everyone can enjoy. The most common are Australian and South Pacific, though you may still come across some Indian available through specialty resources. You will discover they have subtly different aromas, and you may have a strong preference for one over another. Once you discover an oil you like, purchase some to put away! Sandalwood gets better (and more costly) with age -- you'll have a wonderful oil for you and your family to enjoy now and on into the future.
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