Sandalwood essential oil, whose properties and uses are so controversial, is often put on the same level as cedar and other pine oils. This unique component of an expensive perfume is a powerful antiseptic and aphrodisiac. This combination makes the oriental note of perfume unique, and the aroma itself popular. Complex production technology and the rarity of raw materials explain the high cost on the market, but some characteristics are so interesting that they make the high price the only disadvantage. What is so special about the etherol that everyone hears about? Is it really time to go to the store for such a valuable product or can you find an analogue to save money?
sandalwood trees
Short story
Sandalwood wood, which grows in India, was used thousands of years ago to create images of Gods. Essential oil was used by the Egyptians for embalming the pharaohs, and in its homeland for relaxation.
IMPORTANT. The export of valuable wood and ether from India to other countries of the world began already in the fifth century BC.
Essential oil of sandalwood or santal has been popular for thousands of years, because cultural monuments that, according to preliminary data, are about 4000 years old have survived to this day. Due to the high cost of the product in the middle of the last century, humanity began to look for synthetic analogues that could reduce the cost of perfumes thanks to a cheap base.
During World War II, perfume chemists in Germany and the USSR managed to obtain more than one synthetic analogue. These substances have forced the expensive substance out of the market, but even now there are people who want to use natural cosmetics. For this reason, people’s interest in an expensive but completely natural product does not fade even now, seven decades after the production of synthetic substances with the scent of sandalwood.
In ancient times, the inhabitants of India believed that this woody smell smelled in paradise, and the product expelled evil spirits and cleansed the energy of the house. Later, a scientific explanation appeared - the aroma saturates the room with a sense of celebration and disinfects the air, relaxes and gives vigor.
Man perfumes
Every representative of the stronger sex should try unusual combinations of sea and wood at least once. Bright and strong, they are suitable for those who are confident and calm, for those who are romantic and assertive. You just have to choose the right shade. The perfume compositions are truly unusual. They are refreshing and dizzying.
We offer 5 fresh-sea, spicy and amazing scents, unisex and only for guys:
- Burberry Weekend. Citrus, combined with bergamot, melon and honey.
- Armand Basi Silver Nature. Orange, musky, vanilla and slightly aromatic.
- Angel Schlesser from the unusual Essential. Sicilian bergamot motifs are perfectly heard along with floral-spicy chords.
- Bogart CC By Chevignon. For those who miss green apple and jasmine with cedar.
- Canali Black Diamond. Oriental spicy notes alternate with violet, musk and peach.
What it is
Sandalwood essential oil is a volatile fat that is isolated by prolonged steam distillation of the wood of a plant that has been growing since ancient times in India or other species. There are more than four hundred varieties of the crop, and many of them serve as material for obtaining valuable ether. The quality of the oily liquid depends on the specific type, some of them are interchangeable.
IMPORTANT. Sandalwood oil is also called santhal oil. Not all species with this name smell of a specific aroma and, accordingly, are used to obtain an extract from wood, which is valuable in itself.
Sandalwood, which is called "Pterocárpus santálinus" in Latin, is not related to the plants from the wood of which etherol is obtained and is used in the furniture industry. To make essential oil, Santalum album, also called white sandalwood, is used:
- tree;
- family - Legumes;
- maximum height – up to 9 meters;
- evergreen;
- lifestyle – semi-parasitic;
- trunk – brown-gray;
- branches are smooth and flexible.
To release odorous liquid, wood species older than thirty years are used. The plant leads a semi-parasitic lifestyle: seeds cling to the roots of other crops and draw out nutrients until the intermediate host is completely depleted.
The culture grows in:
- India;
- island states located in the Indian Ocean.
In other countries of the world with tropical climatic conditions (African, Australia, Venezuela, Haiti) plants of other species and families grow. The volatile fat isolated from the wood of these plants differs in properties and smell, but can still serve as a full-fledged, but cheaper analogue.
Sandalwood or Santal oil is valuable due to its stimulating and at the same time relaxing properties, expectorant effect, and ability to suppress fungal microflora.
Description of sandalwood essential oil:
- consistency – viscous;
- shade – yellowish, greenish, brownish;
- The aroma is persistent, woody, with velvety, sweetish, floral notes.
Since 2004, residents of other countries of the world have not had access to sandalwood, which grows in India and nearby states. The fact is that the breed is listed in a document called the “Red Book”. Since then, only rare ether has been available to lovers, which often serves as a component of perfumes intended for both men and women.
Composition and medicinal properties of the product
Sandalwood oil has a rich composition and is essential. It is usually yellowish in color and viscous in consistency. The smell is quite pronounced, the aroma is woody with herbal notes. The oil consists of 90% santalol, a substance that has a complex therapeutic effect on the body. Additional ingredients included in the product: teresantalol, santalon and santenone.
Sandalwood oil has the following medicinal properties:
- destroys bacteria;
- has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- regulates the menstrual cycle;
- helps to quickly cure bronchitis and other diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, accompanied by a dry cough;
- relieves cystitis and urethritis;
- eliminates swelling;
- stimulates the immune system;
- has a calming effect;
- helps normalize sleep.
Sandalwood oil is a rather expensive product, as it is obtained from the wood of trees that are more than 30 years old through distillation. The cooking process takes up to 72 hours. High-quality oil costs at least 600–700 rubles. for 1 ml.
Sandalwood oil is an expensive product
What does sandalwood essential oil consist of?
Perfume chemists can tell by the structure of a substance exactly what it smells like, and interest in this matter increased in the middle of the last century. Then humanity managed to isolate compounds that smell like sandalwood, but, nevertheless, the natural aroma is distinguished by its chemical composition. This section will tell you exactly how this broadcast differs from others, and therefore deserves no less attention than the others.
The chemical composition is presented in the table:
| Connection group | Characteristics |
| Sesquiterpene alcohols: Alpha santalol (cis isomer, + form) Beta-santalol (cis-isomer, – form) | Gives the aroma a characteristic sandalwood scent with woody and creamy undertones |
| Phenols: Eugenol Isoeugenol | The aroma of cloves has an analgesic and antiseptic effect. An aromatic substance that smells like cloves |
*It is worth taking into account that the composition is given for the species “Santalum album”. The main groups of substances are listed here, and for extracts isolated from wood of other species, you need to pay attention to the data of specific manufacturers.
In addition to the listed substances, the etherol contains aldehydes and ketones; separate groups explain the specific woody aroma with floral, fresh undertones. It is thanks to the presence of santalol that the aroma is unique and inimitable. Phenols make the aromatic mass beneficial for the skin and respiratory system.
Women's perfume with sandalwood aroma
These are oriental overflows that are remembered from the first chords. Elegant and tart, they firmly enter our lives and complement it with an unusual sound. We bring to your attention 8 different unique titles for every mood:
- Allen Shaw - Santal. Uninhibited, oriental, graceful and cardamomy.
- Narciso Rodriguez. The master of oriental fragrances skillfully juggles musky notes, cardamom, ylang-ylang and warm chords.
- Santal Blanc - Serge Lutens. An elegant combination of sandalwood and musk in a chypre image.
- Molecules 04. Pronounced grapefruit is accompanied by mysterious juniper and a velvety note of rose. As an addition - mastic tree.
- Ambre & Santal from the impressive L'Occitane en Provence. If you want thick spicy bouquets with balsamic viscous particles, it’s worth a try. Among other things, it contains figs and bergamot.
- Liquid Gold Euphoria from the world famous strict Calvin Klein. Even the bottle is elegantly designed. This is a sensual combination of orchid and cinnamon, complemented by a sandalwood accord. Just three notes, but mixed in perfect order and form.
- Santal 33 - Le Labo. Papyrus and leather are an unusual symbiosis. In addition, violet, cedar and cardamom are clearly felt.
- Sandal from the unique Amouage. For everyone who needs just sandalwood, without any additions or fragrances.
Finding suitable scents among the variety is quite difficult. If you need help, you can always contact consultants and ask a question. In our store there are many different sandalwood motifs, it is worth studying several to decide whether you like the note.
Properties
We wrote above that sandalwood oil is characterized by a unique combination of components. The unique parameters also hide inconsistency, which lies, on the one hand, in the stimulating effect, and on the other, in the ability of the smell to reduce the emotional background, increasing depression. Let's take a closer look at the prospects for using the product.
Impact on the psycho-emotional sphere:
- soothing;
- increased libido;
- relaxation;
- toning;
- improving sleep, treating insomnia;
- normalization of blood pressure and hormonal levels in women;
The aroma of sandalwood is valued for its ability to impart a note of expensiveness and is known as a powerful aphrodisiac.
Indications: acute respiratory infections, frigidity, fatigue.
The aroma disinfects the air in the room, so it will come in handy during colds. The product is used externally to treat skin infections, but only after consulting a doctor.
Effect on skin:
- soothing;
- relieving irritations;
- tone alignment;
- accelerated cellular regeneration, rejuvenation;
- wound healing;
- improved blood circulation;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiseptic;
- relieving muscle spasms;
- narrowing of pores;
- decreased sebum secretion;
- refreshing;
- antifungal;
- painkiller.
This product is often added to cosmetics for any gender and age; its anti-aging effect is more pronounced.
Indications for cosmetic procedures are stretch marks, wrinkles, scars, wounds, muscle pain.
Ingestion promotes:
- suppression of harmful microflora in the intestines;
- increasing immunity;
- normalization of metabolic processes;
- weight loss;
- normalization of hormonal levels;
- removal of excess fluid (diuretic effect).
The product is used internally with extreme caution and in extreme cases.
Action on hair:
- eliminating dandruff;
- reduction of hair loss;
- increased growth;
- elimination of fragility, section;
- shine, radiance;
- reduction in fat content.
The product enhances the main effect of finished cosmetics.
Sandalwood oil for nails:
- structure regeneration;
- suppression of fungal cells;
- plate shine;
- accelerated nail growth.
Due to its high cost, the product is rarely used in nail care, but even a couple of drops in a nail bath can change the properties of the composition as a whole.
In cosmetology
Brightening face mask with turmeric and sandalwood, 50 g. — Adarisa, Kuwait |
In home cosmetology, this product is also in high demand: it is added to skin, nail, and hair care products. Sandalwood oil has the following positive effects on these structures:
- relieves signs of skin aging;
- smoothes out the network of wrinkles;
- nourishes, moisturizes;
- tightens facial contours;
- refreshes complexion;
- strengthens the structure of the nail plates;
- eliminates dandruff;
- counteracts hair loss;
- strengthens hair follicles;
- with irritation;
- gives hair a luxurious shine.
Application
Areas where sandalwood essential oil is used:
- perfumery;
- cosmetology;
- massage treatments;
- ethnoscience;
- home and life;
- cooking;
- aromatherapy;
- aroma baths;
- soap making;
- repelling insects.
In everyday life, an extract from the most valuable wood can be used as an antimicrobial component, to neutralize insect bites (a solution in any base is applied to the affected area), in cooking - to flavor drinks.
The product is also suitable for aromatizing the air or aromatherapy procedures that allow you to relax and gain strength.
Aromatherapy - up to 6 drops of essential oil are placed in an aroma lamp or on a damp sponge (the sponge is then placed on a radiator) per room of 15 square meters. The first procedures should last no more than 25 minutes, then the time of sessions can be increased. Failure to comply with the prescribed concentrations may cause headache, nausea, and vomiting. If there are small children in the house, it is better to conduct the session in their absence.
Aroma baths will help enhance the relaxing effect. To do this, up to 6 drops are immersed in a glass of warm milk, mixed, and poured into a bath of warm water. Immerse yourself in scented water for 10 minutes, keeping your chest above the water level throughout the procedure.
The procedure promotes relaxation and eliminates pain in joints and muscles.
Massage with this component allows you to relax, and the main area of application is perfumery. This note of perfume is often classified as oriental; it is distinguished by its unprecedented durability and specificity of aroma, suitable for both men and women.
It is worth understanding that the essential oil intended for making soap will be significantly inferior in quality to that suitable for internal consumption.
Sandalwood oil for body and hair
Sandalwood essential oil in cosmetology
We have already written above that the product is actively used in the cosmetic field, and all thanks to its unique ability to soothe irritated skin and restore damaged hair and nails. Methods of use are as follows:
- hair – aroma combing, inclusion in masks, conditioners, shampoos;
- skin around the eyes, face - adding to ready-made creams, gels, oil lotions, sculptural massage, adding to tonics and lotions to expand the range of beneficial properties;
- body – relaxing massage, treatment of scars, scars, acne, prevention and treatment of stretch marks;
- skin of hands and nails - introduction to creams, baths.
For every 10 ml. bases take 1-2 drops of the product. For hair, the fastest results can be achieved by aromatherapy:
- 1 drop is dripped onto the comb;
- distribute evenly along the cloves;
- comb the strands for 5 minutes.
Repeat the procedure no more than 3 times a week. To restore the hair structure and eliminate signs of dryness, use masks consisting of almond oil. It is forbidden to apply the composition to the scalp if there is no dandruff, since it may increase the oiliness of the curls.
IMPORTANT. To treat acne, papillomas, warts, and herpes, etherol can be used in its pure form. To do this, take a cotton swab, moisten it in an odorous liquid, and carefully apply it to the problem area.
Face masks:
- if you have oily skin, use almond oil;
- combined - with chicken yolk;
- mature – jojoba;
- dry – avocado + sweet orange essential oil.
Simple combinations allow you to cope with existing problems, but you should not overuse them, because it is enough to perform such procedures once a week, two hours before bedtime.
IMPORTANT. In the warm season, it is necessary to take into account the phototoxicity of the product, so it is better to perform procedures in the evening, but not in the morning.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy with sandalwood oil helps get rid of nervousness, lifts your mood and improves performance, and also relieves insomnia. Carrying out aromatherapy:
- In 1 tbsp. l. add 10 drops of sandalwood ether to water and place in the aroma lamp bowl.
- The duration of the therapy session is 20–30 minutes.
The course of procedures is at least 7–10 days.
Aromatherapy can be performed at any time of the day, depending on the underlying problem. To improve sleep and relieve nervous tension, it is better to do this in the evening.
Aromatherapy with sandalwood oil has a calming and relaxing effect
How to choose correctly
On the essential oils market it is quite difficult to find a high-quality, original product obtained from exactly the type of sandalwood that is of particular value. Often, an oily liquid is isolated from plants even from other families. It can replace a more expensive one, but does everyone know that there are pitfalls here too. If the Latin name indicated on the label serves as a guide for conclusions, then the authenticity of the contents of the bottle cannot be guaranteed without a complex gas chromatographic analysis.
If you wish, you can submit a sample to a specialized laboratory, but if you have neither time nor extra funds, you can study the information presented on the label as carefully as possible. Testing on paper in this case will not give a result, since for this you need to know how the original behaves in such conditions.
Information published 10 years ago on the website of one of the companies that produces essential oils applies only to determining possible dilution and does not form the basis for any conclusions. By dropping a drop onto a piece of paper, you cannot judge by the presence of an oily trace the authenticity of any essential oil, since there are volatile fats that contain heavy fractions in their composition.
What to pay attention to:
- Latin name - the most valuable one is obtained from the species “Santalum Album”;
- there is information about the country of origin, importer, method of receipt;
- production method - steam distillation only;
- the expiration date is indicated;
- in the composition write down - “100% natural essential oil of sandalwood or sandalwood”;
- bottle volume – up to 10.0 ml.
Even the presence of all the listed entries does not indicate the authenticity of the content. After opening, the bottle must be hermetically sealed and stored in a cool, dry place, protected from direct light.
After the expiration date, which is written on the label, it is better not to use the composition. The fact is that the manufacturer guarantees its safety with strict adherence to storage conditions only for a specified period. Even if there are no outward signs of damage, destructive processes may already be occurring at the molecular level, which can cause an allergic reaction or headache.
How to use sandalwood oil
The bactericidal properties of sandalwood oil have found use in folk medicine. Methods:
- cough, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders (diarrhea, vomiting, nausea) – 1 drop + 1 teaspoon of honey or jam, 1 time/day;
- bronchitis - chest massage with a mixture of any base;
- frigidity – aromatherapy;
- varicose veins - compresses with a mixture of any base;
- nasal congestion, runny nose - hot inhalations 1 drop/1 glass of boiling water, breathe for 5-10 minutes or cold inhalations - 1 drop. on a napkin, inhale for 5 minutes;
- wounds, irritations, bruises, burns - cold compresses (gauze moistened with a solution of 1 drop/1 glass of water);
- sore throat, stomatitis - rinsing the mouth twice a day with a solution of 1 drop per glass of warm water;
- herpes, papillomas, warts, acne - applied in pure form;
- nail fungus - applied in pure form daily after steaming for three months (full regrowth of the nail plate).
Before use, it is necessary to take into account the contradictory properties of such a valuable and expensive ether: it increases libido, but significantly reduces the emotional background, increasing the depressive state.
Harmful properties of sandalwood oil
Sandalwood oil for hair
Thanks to sandalwood oil, hair will stop falling out, become stronger, begin to grow better, and dandruff will disappear.
Sandalwood oil strengthens hair and stimulates its growth.
Ways to use sandalwood oil for hair:
- add to shampoo or hair conditioner (4 drops per 20 g)
- drop oil onto a comb and comb your hair, starting from the roots
Along with your hair, if you use sandalwood oil, your nails will also become stronger.
To improve the appearance of your hair, just add a couple of drops of sandalwood oil to your comb.
Harm and contraindications of sandalwood oil
Sandalwood essential oil, known since ancient times, like other volatile fats, is prohibited from being applied to the epidermis in its pure form. Due to the high biological activity, skin irritation is possible, and before using for cosmetic purposes it would be a good idea to test for an allergic reaction. To do this, you will need to apply a drop of the prepared mixture to your forearm and leave. If after 20 minutes no itching, irritation, rash or other manifestations appear in the area of application, further use is possible.
External use is contraindicated in the presence of individual intolerance, pregnancy, epilepsy, depression, skin infections, deep wounds and severe burns.
IMPORTANT. Do not forget about the phototoxic effect: application to the skin in the sunny season before going outside can cause burns.
The drug is contraindicated for use internally if:
- individual intolerance;
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding;
- children under 6 years of age;
- renal failure;
- depression;
- epilepsy.
Before internal use, you must ensure that the purity of the essential oil allows it. The guideline in this case is the instructions for use.
Aromatherapy procedures are contraindicated in the presence of:
- individual intolerance;
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding;
- children under 6 years of age;
- epilepsy;
- hypotension.
Etherol stimulates uterine contractions, which leads to women's satisfaction with sexual intercourse. But it is absolutely useless during pregnancy, because such an effect can cause premature birth or miscarriages in the very early stages. The ability to normalize blood pressure to a lesser extent, albeit slightly, is useful in the presence of hypertension. But if there is a reduced background, it can cause headaches.
When conducting aromatherapy sessions, you must strictly adhere to the prescribed quantities per square footage of the room. Failure to follow the recommendation may negatively affect your well-being, causing vomiting or headache.
Reviews
Although sandalwood oil is very popular among buyers and most of them are happy with the results obtained, it is worth remembering that it is one of the most expensive volatile oils on the market. A product, by definition, cannot cost 100 or 200 rubles, while users share their impressions of using products in the specified price range.
Considering the fact that in search of high-quality sandalwood oil you will have to be patient, and the presence of all the necessary notes on the product label does not indicate the originality of the contents of the bottle, we will not even provide ratings. On average, a product under the specified trade name is recommended by 90% of buyers.
FAQ
Can I make sandalwood essential oil at home?
Considering the fact that volatile fat is obtained from the wood of a plant that does not grow in our country, and the method has low results, we can say that it is impossible to obtain this product at home without the necessary raw materials.
Is sandalwood essential oil phototoxic?
The exact answer to this question can be found in the specific manufacturer's instructions. But in most cases, the product should not be used an hour before going outside during increased solar activity. Failure to follow this rule may result in skin burns.
Production
The tree grows very slowly - only 30-60 years after planting does it become mature enough to produce oil. The technology is also unusual - when it is cut down, they leave it in the same place and wait several months until white termites eat the bark and young wood. They set aside the central part of the trunk, which will be processed to get what they want.
Modern technologies make it possible to speed up this procedure and mechanically carefully remove excess, making production a little cheaper.
Brief summary
- Sandalwood essential oil, the properties and use of which are limited by a list of contraindications, has been popular for more than a millennium for a reason.
- The ancient peoples of the world used the product for mummification procedures, meditation, and all thanks to its powerful antimicrobial effect.
- This woody aroma with perceptible floral, sweetish, fresh notes hides a powerful aphrodisiac. There is no place for frigidity here, because the smell ignites passion, but at the same time intensifies the depressive state. Such characteristics make the product controversial, but no less unique.
- Etherol is valued for its calming effect on the brain, due to which a protracted cough goes away and blood pressure normalizes. This action comes in handy during colds and weather changes.
- Despite many advantages, there are also contraindications - hypotension, pregnancy, epilepsy and other diseases.
What does sandalwood smell like or smell like?
It is perfectly fixed with the participation of this substance, becoming more noticeable and exotic. All other chords will look intriguing and intricate. The result is an unusual effect of a mixture of musk with oriental motifs and chypre-fougere shades.
It is a rich, slightly sweet aroma with delicate milk particles. A classic of oriental woody notes, it is usually yellow in color with hints of gold.
