Sandalwood refers to wood (heartwood) from tree species belonging to the Santalaceae family and the Santalum genus. Wood from these trees has a characteristic aromatic scent. Many species of trees fall into this genus, the most prominent of which is the East Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) and the Australian sandalwood (S. spicatum). 

Indian Sandalwood

Santalum Album is called Indian sandalwood and is the most valuable of all sandalwood species due to the heartwood’s high oil content and the oil’s high quality. On average, Indian sandalwood contains three times more oil than Santalum Spicatum, which originates from Western Australia and has brought significant export earnings to the state.

The quality of sandalwood oil is determined by its content of santalol. Indian sandalwood oil contains more than 90% santalol, while Western Australian sandalwood contains only 15% santalol. shortening the time needed before harvest is another advantage of the Indian variety. Indian sandalwood, if grown in a tropical environment and on fully irrigated and fertile soils, is ready for harvest within 15 years. 

Sandalwood can be described as a fragrant wood produced by trees of the genus Santalum. The stem grows to a height of 20 to 30 feet, is heavy and straight, and varies in color. It is white when young, and yellow-orange when old. Its oval leaves are covered with a whitish bloom; its small flowers vary in color. The plant species are commonly found in the dry peninsular regions of India, right from the Vindhya peaks to the southern zones of Tamil Nadu and Mysore. It is also found in other states like Madhya Pradesh, Utter Pradesh, Orissa, and Rajasthan. Since ancient times, this species has been used to treat several ailments and diseases. It is very popular as an essential oil and its fragrance is also of great importance. For these reasons, this plant species has been cultivated and traded throughout the ages and the species has been exploited to such an extent that it is almost on the verge of extinction.

History of Sandalwood

Sandalwood was originally used in historic times – probably more than 4,000 years ago. In India, it has been valued for at least 2,000 years as one of the most sacred trees – an important part of religious rituals. Indian Sandalwood or Santalum Album is included in the Santalaceae family. According to various expert studies, it was described by the name Santalum ovatum, used by Robert Brown in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae (1810), as a synonym of this species by Alex George in 1984. Indian sandalwood is a compact tropical tree and a historical source of sandalwood oil. It is inhabitant to South India and Southeast Asia. It is considered sacred in some religions, and some cultures emphasize its aromatic and healing properties. However, the high value of this species has caused overexploitation to the point where the wild population is vulnerable to extinction.

Cultivation of Sandalwood 

Sandalwood can grow in almost any type of soil, climate, and temperature. The sandalwood crop requires a hot atmosphere and grows better in humid climates. Sandalwood cultivation also requires a temperature between 12° and 35°C. It is the ideal temperature for the excellent growth of sandalwood. At altitudes of 600 and 1050 meters above sea level, this sandalwood plant grows well. Red sandy loam soils are also suitable for sandalwood trees and you will get a high-yielding crop. A soil test is necessary to check the nutrient requirements for sandalwood plantations whether they are present in the soil or not. Growing sandalwood requires a soil pH between 6.5 to 7.5 with some alkalinity. A sandalwood tree grows well and matures after 30 years from planting, so it will be ready for harvest. With the latest technology, there are many tree-cutting tools available in the market, so you can use any tool to harvest sandalwood. The heartwood of the sandalwood trees is taken to a mill and the softwood is removed. With the help of some machine, this hard sandalwood is converted into powder. This sandalwood powder is soaked in water for 2 days after it has been used to make oil and other beauty products.

Uses of Sandalwood 

Since its uses are diverse, sandalwood and sandalwood oil can be used in many ways. You can use it topically as a paste or oil, or ingest it as a health supplement. Since the effect of ingesting sandalwood may vary depending on individual physiology, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before consuming sandalwood in any form. 

Here is a short list of ways you can add sandalwood to your routine:

1. Massage oil or bath: Add sandalwood to massage oil or bath to get rid of dry and itchy skin and release tension and stress from muscles. Massaging sandalwood oil on the chest or nose can help relieve congestion and reduce coughing.
2. Inhalation: If you’re not into massages or long baths, you can get an oil diffuser or put a few drops of sandalwood oil on a cotton pad (you’ll have close by) for inhalation. This can help reduce nausea and vomiting along with anxiety and stress reduction.
3. Sandalwood Tea: Although the oral use of sandalwood is not as well-known or well-known, it is used in Ayurveda and herbalism to treat various conditions such as gas, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections. Tea can be prepared by adding sandalwood powder to a cup of warm water, which must be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
4.  Paste: Sandalwood paste can be mixed with various other ingredients (oils and herbs) to prepare hair or face masks to reduce signs of re-occurrence and achieve clean and flawless skin or long hair or to eliminate skin problems such as burning and acne.
5.  Sandalwood-based products: Due to the growing awareness and demand for sandalwood, there is a wide range of sandalwood-based beauty and health products that you can easily buy at your local store.

Sandalwood for skin 

• For Moisture- Sandalwood is widely known to combat dry skin by hydrating it, it is a main ingredient in lotions and creams that aim to reduce skin dryness. It improves the activity of skin cells, which helps them draw more moisture, which in turn is {used|must be used} to hydrate the skin, giving it a youthful, smooth and shiny appearance. Sandalwood hydrates the skin without leading to acne. It is a natural emollient that acts as a moisturizer.

• Anti-aging- Sandalwood works as an anti-inflammatory agent that increases blood circulation to areas of the skin, meaning that the skin is nourished with sufficient nutrients and metabolic waste deposited near it can be removed. It also acts as an antioxidant and captures free radicals that create wrinkles on the skin.
• Prevent acne- A powder made from sandalwood has long been used to treat acne in teenagers and adults whose skin is prone to breakouts. It has traditionally been crushed and included with turmeric and has also been shown to be extremely effective in reducing zit breakouts. It is an excellent suggestion for those individuals who have normal pimples. It is characterized by a gentle way of preventing the skin from infection and in addition to healing common skin defects such as ulcers and sores. It fights bacteria that could damage the skin. It helps in the quick healing of wounds and pimples. 

Other medicinal benefits of Sandalwood oil

• Sandalwood oil may be beneficial in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). It has antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria in the urinary tract. It also has a diuretic property that helps flush toxins from the body by increasing the frequency of urination.
• There is not enough scientific evidence to support the role of sandalwood in the treatment of mouth and throat pain. However, gargling with diluted sandalwood oil can help in treating a sore throat
• Fever is a condition that occurs due to an imbalance of pitta dosha that leads to an increase in body temperature. Sandalwood helps control fever due to its Pitta-balancing properties. It also reduces body heat due to its Sita (coolness) properties.
• Sandalwood powder can help treat liver problems due to its hepatoprotective properties. Antioxidants present in sandalwood help fight free radicals and prevent liver cell damage. It also helps in the easy removal of gallstones from the gallbladder and thus manages the problems associated with the gallbladder.
• Sandalwood oil can help with bronchitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Reduces respiratory tract inflammation. It also has an expectorant property that promotes the secretion and removal of sputum from the respiratory tract. Inhaling sandalwood oil can help ease breathing and manage respiratory problems
• Sandalwood oil can help manage anxiety due to its calming properties. It calms the central nervous system and manages the symptoms of anxiety.

For centuries, sandalwood has been cultivated in other countries on the Asian continent (especially in Southeast Asia) to benefit from its wood and essential oils. It currently enjoys protection due to over-harvesting; thus, its export is banned in India. The older the sandalwood, the stronger its scent. It is said that to extract oil from a tree, the tree must be 30 to 40 years old. Sandalwood is primarily safe when taken by mouth, but long-term use of the herb can be harmful. Some of the sandalwood’s most common side effects include itching, blood in the urine due to kidney damage, or skin reactions. You should seek medical attention if you experience any problems after using sandalwood.

Humera Ansari Content writer Intern

22-02-2023