An essential oil obtained from steam-distilling chips and billets from the heartwood of the Santalum album tree, sandalwood oil is popularly used in perfumery, cosmetics, and sacred unguents (soothing or healing salve). But beyond these practical uses are the time-tested calming and therapeutic properties for which it is used in aromatherapy. Learn more about the uses and benefits of sandalwood oil in this article.

What Is Sandalwood Oil?

Sandalwood essential oil is derived from the heartwood of the sandalwood, which is a heiparasitic evergreen that grows by joining the root system of other trees.1 The tree belongs to the Santalaceae family and is also known as East Indian sandalwood.2

Sandalwood oil has been used since over four thousand years ago, making it among the oldest-known materials used for its exotic scent. It has found its way in fragrances, cosmetics and personal care products, and meditative/spiritual practices.

This essential oil is extracted through steam distillation of pieces of wood from matured sandalwood trees that are ages 40 to 80.3 Eighty years old is preferred, because the older the tree, the more oil available and the stronger the aroma.

The oil has a woody, exotic smell that's subtle and lingering. Its color ranges from pale yellow to pale gold. Although expensive, it has many wonderful characteristics that make it useful and beneficial for health and wellness. For one, sandalwood oil creates a calming, harmonizing effect for the mind, helping reduce tension and confusion.4 It is also traditionally used in Ayurveda, India's holistic health system, for the treatment somatic and mental disorders.5

Uses of Sandalwood Oil

As early as 4,000 years back, sandalwood has already been used, with caravans carrying the wood to places like Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Many temples were built from it, while the Egyptians used the oil in embalming. Sandalwood used to be made into furniture and caskets, but as the tree has become nearly extinct, it is only used today for distilling the oil.

At present, sandalwood oil is widely utilized for its calming and relaxing effects.6 It is in demand as incense and is recommended in Swahra yoga for "the union of the senses" and in Tantric yoga for awakening sexual energy. It can be used for depression, daily stress, and states of anxiety, fear, or chronic illness.

This essential oil is well-regarded in skincare, as it tones and relieves itching, inflammation, and dehydrated skin. Rashes, scar tissue, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dandruff are just some of the issues it can assist with.

The Living Earth Beauty blog states that apart from topical application, you can also steam-inhale sandalwood oil – fill a large bowl with steaming water, cover your face and head with a towel, and breathe. This can be a good remedy for respiratory concerns and skin conditions that emerge on the face. You can also dry-condition with the oil, adding a few drops to your dry hair after a shower or during the day to restore moisture.

Remember, though, that I do not recommend using sandalwood essential oil raw on your skin. Mix it with some type of carrier oil, such as jojoba.

The other functions of sandalwood oil include use in:7

• Perfumery products

• Aromatherapy

• Religious rituals (as incense in temples and meditation garlands/beads)

• Gargling

• Vaporizers and burners

• Psychological profile

A study8 shows, too, that sandalwood oil could be an effective chemopreventive agent against chemically induced skin cancer in animal models.

 

 

How Does Sandalwood Oil Work?

The benefits of sandalwood oil can be harnessed different ways.15 In vapor therapy, it can be used as an aphrodisiac, as well as to help address coughs, bronchitis, chest infections, asthma, insomnia, nervous tension, and stress. It can also be blended into a massage oil or added to your bath water. In this form it can assist with bladder infections, chest infections, and relaxation, to name a few.

Sandalwood oil can be diluted and used as a gargle if you have a sore or dry throat. You can also use it in a lotion or cream to improve chapped, dry, or inflamed skin. It can moisturize and hydrate skin, serving as a wonderful addition in your anti-aging skincare regimen.

Essential oils generally blend well with one another, but I believe sandalwood oil is best blended with bergamot, black pepper, geranium, myrrh, rose, lavender, ylang-ylang, and vetivert.

 

Side Effects of Sandalwood Oil

Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to sandalwood or its constituents should avoid using the oil, as there are reports of sandalwood causing dermatitis, and sandalwood oil causing photoallergy. But there are very few reports of sandalwood side effects – of the available literature, there are a few cases of the allergic reactions mentioned above.17

Sandalwood can be used to calm and relax pets,18 but certain oils can be very toxic to cats, so I believe it is necessary to consult your veterinarian first