Sandalwood is a parasitic, evergreen tree and grows to heights of around 29ft. It is native to southern Asia and used widely in India. A mature tree of Sandalwood can produce up to 440 pounds of oil with a life expectancy of forty to fifty years. Sandalwood has a long history in spiritual practices like the burning of it as incense in temples and religious icons as well as for meditation. . Primary Benefits Sandalwood is used for Skin, Hair, Nails, Respiratory, Muscular/Skeletal, Cardiovascular/Lymphatic, Digestive, Genito-urinary/Reproductive and Nervous/Brain and Mind issues.
Emotional Benefits Sandalwood is calming, aids depression, insomnia, nervous tension, neuralgia and stress issues. It helps feelings of isolation, aggression grief and irritation. It is also helpful in cases of obsession and past ties while adding egocentric behavior. It is wonderful in the healing process and is great for meditation. It brings feelings of comfort to the dying and is helpful during times of bereavement.
Complimentary Oils Sandalwood blends well with: bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, frankincense, juniper, jasmine, lavender, patchouli, pine, rose, ylang ylang, vetiver, rosewood, geranium and myrrh. Sandalwood is: non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing and non-phototoxic. **Some suggest that it should be avoided if severely depressed.
As always, Happy AROMARING!
Holistic Notions, Modalities, Herb of The Month, West Coast Institute