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Sandalwood is one of the most treasured aromatics by aromatherapy practitioners, and perhaps one of the most treasured by human civilization as well. Recorded use of the wood and its products date back over four millennium, more than any other aromatic plant. Yet while most practitioners make use of the oil for its unequaled scent, few are aware of some of its important science-proven medicinal effects.

For those not so familiar with the source of this wondrous material, sandalwood oil is distilled from the the wood of, of course, the sandalwood tree. Sounds simple enough, but the tree is totally unique -- its a parasite, growing only on other trees. So harvesting the wood involves cutting down both trees. To make matters more challenging, the wood isn't really ready to harvest until its at least 30 years old, and really, the older the better.

The harvesting of the wood in India, where the finest specimens are considered to be from, has been halted by the government in order to protect the tropical rainforests. Elsewhere in the world, harvesting is regulated to ensure the demise of the rainforests in India does not happen again for this purpose. In only a very few locales has viable cultivated (human-planted) sandalwood begun to produce essential oil in commercial quantities.

What could it be about this essential oil that makes it so highly coveted? For starters, the wood has been pulverized and made into a paste used on the skin for centuries in India -- both for ritual and medicinal activities. It turns out that, under laboratory research, the essential oil significantly reduces the development for skin cancer significantly when applied to skin before exposure to ultraviolet rays. Further, it also prevented cancers from developing from contact with carcinogenic chemicals -- a very interesting therapeutic activity indeed.

Researchers have gone on to elucidate the ways the oil prevents cancers from forming on a microscopic level, noting the effect is a result of the primary natural chemical constituents of sandalwood essential oil. The important point is that this constituent is found in the essential oil from the three primary commercial sources: India, Australia and certain islands in the South Pacific. There are even sources where trees have been specifically selected for "high santalol content" which you can find from some aromatherapy companies. Including sandalwood essential oil in your skin care formulas is an excellent way to potentially make use of this wonderful benefit.

The aroma is highly regarded for its calming, centering qualities, without being sedating. Researchers in Vienna, Austria published research indicating study participants were positively affected in the areas of alertness, attentiveness, calmness, mood, relaxation and vigor. This correlates to its long-time use as the first choice aromatic in aiding meditation. It is reputed to quiet mental chatter, again while bringing the awareness to a singular focus.

Interestingly, while the oil heightens awareness, it actually supports deeper, more restful sleep. Research on the inhalation of the aroma showed that study participants usually challenged to get a good rest spent much less time awake, and the total time spent in "rapid eye movement" sleep was also increased. The affect was attributed to the oil's action in the bloodstream after inhalation, not on the sensing of the aroma. So a gentle massage with the oil may be just as effective as using a diffuser for improved sleep with the oil.

So you can see that sandalwood oil has some wonderful, valuable therapeutic activity -- features that everyone can enjoy. When shopping for the essential oil, you'll find several varieties available. The most common are Australian and South Pacific, though you may still find some Indian available through specialty sources. Chemically, they are fairly close in their profile; the key individual constituents are present in significant quantities in each variety. You will also find is they have subtly different aromas, and you may have a strong preference for one over another. The Indian has beautiful, soft character, whereas the South Pacific is bold and masculine, and the Australian can be somewhere in between. Once you find an oil you like, buy 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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The author, manager of The Ananda Apothecary, regularly employs pure essential oils and flower essences in her professional wellness practice.

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