Sandalwood is a class of woods from trees in the genus Santalum. The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and, unlike many other aromatic woods, retain their fragrance for decades. Sandalwood oil is extracted from the woods for use. Sandalwood is often cited as one of the most expensive woods in the world. Both the wood and the oil produce a distinctive fragrance that has been highly valued for centuries.
Sandalwood is the hard, close grained, light-coloured, sweet smelling heartwood of an evergreen tree found in the east Indies, parts of China, and Australia. Santalum Album is the white sandalwood of Asia; Santalum Sticatum is found in Australia. The trees grow to a height of 20 to 30 feet and produce yellow, red, or lavender pink flowers.
Sandalwood has been used since antiquity is incense and in cosmetics. It is mentioned in the oldest extant Vedic manuscript, which dates back to the fifth century BC. In ancient India and Egypt, it was widely used as incense, perfume, and sacred unguent for anointing rulers and high priests. In the east, many of valuable pieces of furniture and ornaments for temples were made out of sandalwood because of its pleasant scent and capacity for warding off insects. It remains the most popular fragrance in India today.
Now the trees are reserved for the distillation of essence. The oil is rich and gloppy, pale yellow-green in colour, and tastes decidedly bitter. Of all the essences, sandalwood is probably the most valued in perfumery, in its pure form and as a fixative in expensive perfumes. The fragrance is woody, sweet, reminiscent of rose, evocative of the orient, and for many an aphrodisiac.
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Sandalwood has notable antiseptic properties, particularly for treating infections of the genitourinary tract. It has a notable effect on the mucous membranes of the pulmonary as well as the genitourinary system. Its expectorant and antispasmodic properties make it useful for sore throats, chronic coughs, bronchitis, and catarrh. Inhalation of its soothing aroma combats depression and anxiety. However, the heaviness of the oil makes it more sedative than exhilarating.
Sandalwood oil, in cosmetic products or alone, is great for the skin. It is a gentle astringent, alleviating itching, redness, inflammation, and it works as an antiseptic for acne.
Biblically: SANDALWOOD is mentioned twice in Scripture. In 2 Chr 9:11 we see that Solomon used sandalwood to construct the steps of the Temple – representing our approach to God through worship alone! Harps & Lyres were made of this wood – representing ourselves, been called to be ‘living instruments’. Rom 12:3
• gentle astringent and antiseptic
• treats genitourinary infections
• expectorant and antispasmodic
• combats depression and anxiety
• mild sedative
Originally posted 2022-11-20 06:54:44.