What is Sandalwood ?

Sandalwood oil has been used in Ayurveda medicines from thousands of years ago. It has a soothing, relaxing effect and is used in aromatherapy.

Sandalwood furniture or sculptures are mostly engraved, inlaid and veneered to craft beautiful articles.

Many species of plants are traded as "sandalwood". The genus Santalum has more than 19 species. Traders often accept oil from closely related species, as well as from unrelated plants such as West Indian sandalwood (Amyris balsamifera) in the family Rutaceae or bastard sandalwood (Myoporum sandwicense, Myoporaceae). However, most woods from these alternative sources lose their aroma within a few months or years.

Sandalwood oil is used for massaging the body. Massaging with Sandalwood oil relieves stress and has a calming effect.

The instruments employed by the sandalwood carvers are extremely simple, viz. a saw, plane, mallet hone or fine-grained hard stone. Sometimes, an an assortment of various shapes and sizes of chisels, and a few engraving tools are used.

In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine Sandalwood oil is used for curing health conditions such as digestive problems, cough, laryngitis, sore throat, nervous disorders, depression and anxiety.

The procedure is started by either drawing the intended pattern on the smooth or white washed sandal wood, or on a piece of paper pasted over its surface.

The Sandalwood oil is used for skin care to cure dry, cracked or chapped skin, rashes and acne. It is suitable for all types of skins.

The design is then engraved or outlined in detail; the interspaces between the lines are next cut away, thus leaving the pattern in low relief. Lastly the design itself is carved out in the minutest detail keeping the intricacies and subtle light and shade effects, every desired curve, expression and texture is fully portrayed.

Sandalwood's main components are the two isomers of santalol (about 75%). It is used in aromatherapy and to prepare soaps.

Sandalwood Oil is largely used by the perfume industry. Sandalwood Oil acts as a base and helps to blend individual aroma of oils used in making natural perfumes also known as “Attar”.

Certain families of Karnataka and Shimoga and Mysore specialize in the sandalwood art. Handcrafted objects such as lamp shades, combs, jewel cases, walking sticks with rosewood handles et al are made by skilled artists.

Sandalwood Oil blends and preserves the individual smell of each essential oil used to make the perfume. It helps to merge two essential oils together without overpowering the aroma of other essential oils that are used.

Beautiful and detailed sandalwood boxes and jewel cases are much sought after. These boxes have designs that reflect Mughal splendor and its glory. Ornate paper cutters and artifacts for interior décor have traditional and modern designs in incredible detail.

Sandalwood is also used for making meditation beads and Sandalwood paste that is used in many sacred rituals

Sandalwood necklaces used for the purposes of chanting counts in various designs of 108 beads are available. Dancing figurines of women from Rajasthan in sandalwood are carved with detailed designs of their attire.

Sandalwood trees are being cut down in large numbers and are almost extinct in the wild. The Government of India has banned the export of Sandalwood to prevent further cutting down of these trees.

Sandalwood sculptures of musical instruments like the Veena, Tabla and dancing forms of Lord Shiva and Ganesha as decorative objects are a common household decorative item.

Sandalwood must be distilled so that the oil can be extracted from within. Many different methods are used, including steam distillation, water distillation, CO2 extraction, and solvent extractions. Steam distillation is the most common method used by sandalwood companies.

Due to its cooling nature, it can be used in a paste with rosewater for relief from sweating. Also, it is an excellent remedy for sunburn and prickly heat. It has antiseptic properties.

It occurs in a four-step process, incorporating boiling, steaming, condensation, and separation. Water is heated to high temperatures (140-212°F) and is then passed through the wood

In aromatherapy, it can be used for skin problems, genital and urinary infections, digestive and respiratory problems.

The oil is very tightly bound within the cellular structure of the wood, so the high heat of the steam causes the oil to be released.

It has seen an increased use in aromatherapy and is diluted with other aroma oils to be used. It’s warm, woody scent is ideal for the purpose of meditation.

sandalwood pen stands and paper weights; carved furniture, key chains, (temple for home worship), photo frames, a variety of sculpted figures depicting rural life and animals are offered at boutiques for interior décor and at handicraft showrooms.