A study in the Fall 2005 issue of the Journal of Essential Oil Research extensively compared this oil to the east Indian varieties with very favorable results. The chemical properties were very similar, and their conclusion was that variation from sample to sample of the same variety was perhaps greater than between the two varieties of sandalwood oil overall. We have also found this to be true; we've sampled other varieties to replace environmentally challenging Mysore-sourced oil, and have found tremendous variations in quality ~ with this lovely oil from Vanuatu being a very high quality stand-out.

This oil originates from a company that has been growing 7,000 Sandalwood trees a year for the last 9 years. This provides an ecologically sound source of the wood, being grown with the goal of providing the island with a sustainable harvest of trees.

Sandalwood is used extensively in natural perfumery as a wonderful base note and fixative. It also acts to harmonize other aromas without overpowering. We've added this oil to a beautiful Vanilla CO2 essential oil, creating a rich, smooth and elegant blend, our 'Vanilla Island'. Adding a little Sandalwood to your own blends can have a similar effect.

The essential oil is considered useful to meditation and yogic practices for centering and calming the mind. The incense is burned in temples, and malas (or rosaries) used for mantra practice are made from the wood. More is available on the history of Sandalwood use...

Sandalwood Oil has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, traditionally as a skin tonic, and of course for yogic meditative practice. It may be beneficial for both acne and dry skin; it has also been used to treat chronic bronchitis.* The aroma of Sandalwood is sedative, with possible antidepressant effects. It has helped improve sleep in laboratory studies, where the oil was topically applied. Sandalwood may also be helpful in cases where depression has lead to sexual difficulties, and can support the nervous system and circulation.

Sandalwood has been the subject of university studies for its anti-anxiety, sleep enhancing, and anti-cancer effects. The anti-anxiety and sleep enhancing effects can be easily utilized simply by placing a drop on the wrists and massaging-in. The essential oil will naturally diffuse into the bloodstream, and its aroma will be noticeable for some time. Its anti-anxiety action also supports the immune system; one of the interesting features of immune cells is that they have receptor sites for neurochemicals. This implies that a healthy nervous system ~ generally being considered one that is free from stress ~ can lead to a healthy immune system.

The anti-cancer effect was studied in relation to skin cancer and UVB radiation exposure. The studies indicated Sandalwood oil has a significant effect in reducing the potential of skin cancer development. One study used a 5% topical solution 1 hour prior to exposure to ultraviolet rays to produce this effect.