Sandalwood is certainly both a classic scent and a classic medicine. Used as an aromatic more than 4000 years, and as a medicine in the Ayurvedic system for maybe a millennium, the wood on its own has been greatly valued by mankind. The essential oil, while only growing popular in the last hundred years, is an absolutely classic scent, with important science-proven therapeutic medicinal functions. Whether it be for the body or mind, sandalwood oil can offer effective support.

To begin with just a little background -- sandalwood essential oil is steam distilled from the heartwood of the sandalwood tree. Looks pretty straightforward, until you discover that sandalwood is actually a parasite; it grows only on certain other trees in tropical environments. The tree has to be planted adjacent to the right host tree, already of a specific age, for it to climb up. When harvesting the wood, which is very slow to grow, both trees need to be cut down. Evidently this presents challenges for this important resource.

The harvesting of the wood in India, where the finest specimens are thought to be from, has been halted by the authorities in order to protect the tropical rain forests. Elsewhere in the world, harvesting is controlled to ensure the demise of the rain forests in India does not happen again for this specific purpose.

It is clear that for the reasons of rarity alone, the essential oil is a thing to be cherished. However, the oil has some very impressive and important medicinal characteristics that make it even more valuable. One application is a direct derivation of the use of the wood's paste for skin care: The essential oil has been proven to prevent the occurrence of skin cancer if applied before exposure to UVB light as well as chemo-toxins.

Researchers at South Dakota State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, noted "alpha-santalol, a major component of sandalwood oil, is effective in preventing UVB-induced skin cancer development." Research workers at the University of Colorado, Denver, noted that the oil caused apoptosis (normal cell death) of cells which were on their way to becoming cancerous. Clearly the essential oil makes an important therapeutic contribution to skin care formulations.

The aroma is highly regarded for its soothing, centering qualities, without being sedating. In Vienna, Austria researchers published a study where participants were positively affected in the areas of alertness, attentiveness, calmness, mood, relaxation and vigor. This correlates to its long-time use as the first preference aromatic in aiding meditation.

Curiously, the oil has also been researched for supporting deeper, more peaceful sleep. The essential oil works both when inhaled and when topically applied. One study examining the effects of inhaling santalol, the most important natural constituent of the oil, found this component could result in a significant decrease in the time spent awake in sleep-disturbed subjects, and also increased the total time spent in REM sleep.

So you can see that sandalwood oil has some marvelous, valuable therapeutic activity -- features that everyone can enjoy. The most common are Australian as well as South Pacific, though you may still find some Indian available through specialty sources. You will discover they have subtly different aromas, and you may have a strong preference for one over another. Once you find an oil you like, buy some to put away! Sandalwood gets better (and more costly) with age -- you'll have an exquisite oil for you and your family to enjoy now and on into the future.

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