SANDALWOOD

Sandalwood is the name of a class of fragrant woods from trees in the genus Santalum. It has a rich history spanning over 3,000 years and is documented in various civilizations. In the 1800s, sandalwood was mainly sourced from India and was referred to as "Old Mountain" by the Chinese. The first shipment of Western Australian sandalwood, exported in 1844, marked the beginning of the "New Mountain" sandalwood industry.

Santalum album, also known as white or East Indian sandalwood, is the species first recognised as sandalwood and it was introduced to South Asia via the Austronesian maritime spice trade. It became naturalised in South India by around 1300 BCE.

Sandalwood's perceived value has driven extensive harvesting, leading to over-exploitation and endangerment. By 1974, it was discovered that Indian sandalwood was on the brink of extinction due to overharvesting. This depletion has led to protective regulations in most countries where sandalwood naturally occurs, promoting plantation cultivation as a sustainable solution.

Sandalwood oil, derived from the heartwood of the tree, consists mainly of α-santalol and β-santalol, which are sesquiterpenes. These compounds are highly valued for their fragrance and therapeutic properties.

Today, sandalwood is cultivated and harvested in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Australia with each oil differing slightly in aroma and properties.

While there are those who do consume the powder orally, it is uncommon to do (I have never done so and have only used it by mixing the powder with water and using it as a paste or poultice.

Health benefits:
• Anti-septic: ulcers, boils, acne
• Anti-inflammatory: insect bites, sprains
• Anti-spasmodic: relaxant, nerves, muscles
• Astringent: gums, muscles, skin
• Scar healing
• Carminative: intestines, abdominal cramps, gas formation
• Insect repellent
• Emollient: cools and refreshes skin
• Hypertension: lowers blood pressure even if used externally
• Sedative