Sandalwood

Latin Name
Santalum album / Santalum spicatum

Herb Class/Action
• Nervine sedative
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiseptic
• Aphrodisiac
• Spiritual tonic

Parts Used
Heartwood (steam-distilled into essential oil or powdered)

Flavors
Sweet, woody, warm (used aromatically, not internally)

Energetics
Cooling, grounding, moistening

Traditional Benefits
Sandalwood has been used for over 4,000 years in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Middle Eastern traditions. It is revered for calming the mind, soothing inflammation, purifying the skin, and enhancing spiritual practices. In Ayurveda, it is considered sacred and is often applied to the third eye for inner clarity and devotion.

A Natural Allergy Ally
Sandalwood’s anti-inflammatory and cooling nature can ease allergic skin conditions, soothe irritated nasal passages, and reduce stress-related histamine responses. Its grounding aroma also helps regulate breathing and calm hypersensitive systems.

A Herb for Seasonal Support
Particularly effective in hot, inflammatory conditions or emotionally intense seasons, sandalwood calms pitta-type imbalances, supports restful sleep, and reduces heat-related skin and digestive issues.

How It Works
Sandalwood contains alpha-santalol and beta-santalol, compounds that offer anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and calming effects. These constituents reduce nervous tension, lower stress-related blood pressure, support skin healing, and act as mild sedatives when inhaled or applied topically.

Best Ways to Use It
Tinctures/Extracts: Rarely used internally; traditionally prepared as infused powders or decoctions in Ayurveda.
Herbal teas: Not commonly consumed as tea; better used externally or aromatically.
Topical applications: Use in massage oils, face masks, or essential oil blends for skin healing, relaxation, and spiritual ritual.

Fun Fact
Sandalwood is one of the few essential oils that improve with age. Some Indian sandalwood oils are aged for decades and become more fragrant and valuable over time.

A Herb for Modern Use
Sandalwood remains a timeless healer—ideal for skin clarity, stress relief, meditation, and emotional balance. Whether used in skincare, diffused in sacred spaces, or blended into calming oils, its grounding scent offers peace and beauty in a busy world.