Sandalwood: effects, uses and disadvantages of the plant

The sensual scent of sandalwood takes you to oriental worlds. The wood and the oil extracted from it are mainly used in cosmetics and perfumes as well as for incense sticks. The Indian sandalwood tree is considered to be highly endangered.

The name sandalwood describes various woods that are obtained from trees of the genus “Santulum”. Sandalwood is often categorized according to the colors red, yellow and white. Real sandalwood is called “Santalum Album”, a tree that is native to India.

The tree reaches a height of up to ten meters and only develops the essential oil that is responsible for the unmistakable smell after about 25 years. The scent of sandalwood captivates with its sweet note, which is rounded off by an earthy, woody smell.

The unique scent is said to have a stimulating and calming effect on the body, mind and soul. The smell of sandalwood is also said to help in dealing with negative emotions such as anger, tension and nervousness.

The precious wood and the oil extracted from it have been traded for more than 3,000 years. Because real sandalwood is very rare and demand is high, the global demand cannot be met. The wood is therefore a very valuable commodity.

How sandalwood is used

Sandalwood has many uses:

• In its country of origin, India, sandalwood is mainly used for rituals such as weddings or funerals. The purifying scent is also often used in meditation. Red sandalwood is traditionally used to make incense sticks, which are also often lit here.
• The essential sandalwood oil is often used in aromatherapy. Sandalwood is not only considered an important element in Ayurvedic teachings, but also has a high value in Tibetan and Chinese medicine.
• Sandalwood nourishes the skin – that’s why it is often used in cosmetic products in the Western world. It is particularly often used as an ingredient in perfume.
• Sandalwood is also often used in the wellness sector – for example for sauna infusions or as massage oil.

Here’s how you can use sandalwood at home:

• Since the oil is very intense, you should never apply it pure to the skin. It is best to mix it with an odorless carrier oil, such as sunflower oil, before using it. For example, put a few drops of the mixture on your temples or wrists. The scent can help you to focus better or relieve tension.
• If you have trouble sleeping, a scented lamp on your bedside table can help you sleep better. (Available at Avocadostore, for example.)
• Sandalwood is also good for burning incense. The smell is said to release negative vibrations and tension in the room.
• You can bring relaxation and wellness into your home with a soothing aroma bath. Simply mix five to ten drops of essential sandalwood oil into your bath water.

Sandalwood: ingredients and effects

The essential oil of the sandalwood tree mainly contains the following two active ingredients:

• Terpenoid alcohols (Santalol)
• Sesquiterpenols

Sandalwood and its ingredients are said to have many positive effects on the human body:

• A study from 2004 examined the effect of the two substances on healthy people. It found that the study subjects felt physically more relaxed and mentally more stimulated and alert. It was also proven that sandalwood oil lowers blood pressure and thus the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• According to a study from 2017, sandalwood has anti-inflammatory effects. The researchers were also able to determine a positive effect on the skin and various skin diseases such as acne. However, higher concentrations are necessary for the healing effect than those found in commercially available cosmetic products.
• Furthermore, sandalwood is said to have a balancing effect on our hormone levels. That is why it is often used for menopausal or menstrual problems. It is also said to have an antispasmodic effect.
• In many Asian countries, sandalwood is used to treat mucous membrane diseases. The wood is said to have an expectorant effect.
• Especially in India, sandalwood is considered a powerful aphrodisiac. It is even said to help with psychological libido and erection problems.
• In aromatherapy, sandalwood oil is mainly used for relaxation. It is also used to release internal blockages. Because it is said to have a clarifying effect on the mind, it is also often used in meditation. A study from 2023 demonstrated the positive effects of sandalwood in this context.

Sandalwood in the sustainability check

Stock: Because of its unique scent, sandalwood and its oil are in great demand. Unfortunately, this popularity comes at the expense of the trees and the environment. In recent decades, the trees have been heavily overexploited.

The Indian government has now strictly regulated mining and export. Nevertheless, the tree population is considered to be highly endangered.

Processing: The trees only produce the essential oil that is responsible for the warm, exotic scent after around 25 years. The oil also has to be distilled from the wood in a lengthy process. Around 20 kilograms of sandalwood are needed for one liter of oil.

Because of the high labor required for comparatively little yield, the scent of sandalwood is often added synthetically, especially in cosmetic products.

Transport: Originally, sandalwood was only exported from India. Today, sandalwood is also obtained from other trees in the same family. They are grown in Indonesia, China and Vietnam, for example. A relative of the sandalwood tree also grows in Australia. The scent of the trees differs slightly, but most are sold under the name sandalwood.

The mining of sandalwood not only has a negative effect on the environment in the mining areas, but also has a negative impact on your carbon footprint due to the long transport routes.

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Edited by Jennifer Watzek

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