The aromatic sandalwood
Ravi Chandra
When we think of incense, we immediately evoque sandalwood. Originally from India, the sandalwood tree (Santalum álbum), or chandam, in Sanskrit, reaches from four to nine meters in height and live up to a hundred years. The Hindis recognize it as sacred and it can be identified by the bark’s reddish color and the white color of the heartwood.
The Indian government declared it national property to avoid overexploitation and its habitat’s degradation; sandalwood’s wild population is considered an endangered species. The government issues a permit for the felling of sandalwood trees and the commercialization of the lumber, and only when the trees in question are over thirty years old and start decaying.
Ritual and artistic uses
The carvings in sandalwood of divinities such as Ganesha, elephant-headed god; Shiva, lord of yoguis, or Lakshmi, goddess of fortune (of whom we talked in the earlier chapter about holy basil), are greatly valuated. This is due to the fine and regular texture of the Wood, and because of its yellowish color which in time turns to a shade of brown. Also, it dries without cracking and if it wasn’t enough, it’s hard and resists very well the attack of insects and fungi, which is why it’s also used in the manufacture of combs, frames, boxes and other items.
Japamalas (Hindi rosaries) are made out of the delicate sandal seeds, and sandal scented incense is part of innumerable rituals, for it favors spiritual harmony. It’s one of the oldest perfumery elements known today; it has been reported its use has been reported since the 5th century B.C. Nowadays, sandal can be found in several commercial presentations like an essential oil, lotion, ointment, perfume, soap and cosmetics.
Sandal essential oil, recognizable by its strong sweet, woody and balsamic scent, is exclusively obtained from the heartwood and roots.
Therapeutic uses
In Ayurveda, sandal is widely used in the treatment of general weakness, as well as urinary tract, respiratory and digestive infections. Specially in cases of colds, mouth and pharynx inflammation, fever, and liver and vesicle ailments. Thanks to its diuretic and antiseptic properties, sandal infusion is great tonic for one’s kidneys. Sandal essential oil calms down vata and pitta constitutions. A sandal oil massage promotes mental balance and fights off insomnia, anxiety and depression. A forehead massage helps with circulatory problems, stops nose bleeds and alleviates genital herpes. It’s the only forehead applicable oil in case of fever or infection due to its cooling quality. Both sandal essence and incense are recommended to lessen P.M.S. symptoms. Nevertheless, it’s in the treatment of skin ailments where sandal’s effectiveness is faster evidenced.
Chinese traditional medicine uses it to treat stomach aches, nausea and skin problems; modern aromatherapy uses it for health and skin embellishment.
Recent studies show its capacity to lower the sugar level in one’s blood and also mention its antioxidant properties. It contains different substances called santalols, which are responsible for sandal’s medicinal qualities.
Properties
It’s an ally to the skin and hair: it captures free radicals which are responsible for cellular aging and it prolongs the time of growth of the follicle of the hair, extending its life cycle.
Skin infections: its regular application prevents skin infection or easy deterioration, mostly in sensible areas like commissures and elbows. It prevents infection and stinging in small wounds thanks to its antiseptic characteristics.
It vanishes scars and stretch marks: if applied on a daily basis after one’s shower or bath, it will diminish skin marks. Its effectiveness will be evident after only a few days of use.
Fungicide: it eliminates finger and toe nail fungi since it penetrates the nails and works from within them. As an antiseptic, it stops infections.
Emotional regulator: it’s a stimulant and an euphoric, therefore it has an influence on the mood, alleviating depression and anxiety. Its regular use reestablishes normal levels of serotonin.
Relaxing: it induces sleep gradually and efficiently. It regulates blood pressure and hypertension.
Aphrodisiac: It contains nerve regulators which activate the most sensible parts of the body; the ones sensing pleasure, which is why it’s recommended to treat impotence, or if one takes
Contraindications:
Its use is not recommended for children under six, pregnant or lactating women, persons on anxiolytics and persons who’ve presented dermatitis or allergic reactions to other essential oils.