Use and Origins of Sandalwood
Introduction
Warm scents coming from that sandalwood evokes to us known for 4,000 years, sandalwood is one of the oldest fragrant ingredients used today. From its bark is made a precious essence that has been delighting the nose, body and soul. It’s warm and velvety perfume enriches compositions and brings a woody wake to fragrances. A true olfactory “must-have” that is becoming increasingly rare. From India to the forests of Australia, discover this jewel of perfumery.
In addition to its botanical name santalnum album, sandalwood like cedar, cinnamon wood and rosewood, belongs to the category of aromatic woods called perfume trees. It is a tree about ten meters high with oval evergreen leaves and small odourless yellow flowers with purple shades. But it is neither its leaves nor its flowers that make it so majestic, but its brown bark that protects a pale green or white heart with a velvety scent.
Sandalwood was first used by the Egyptians to embalm their mummies. It was also used by the Muslims of India during funeral ceremonies. They placed a censer containing sandalwood at the feet of the deceased, to allow the soul to rise. This dense and solid wood was also adopted in the construction of temples in Tibet, Nepal and China. The appearance of sandalwood in Europe introduced by the Arabs in later years who used it to perfume the leather of Cordoba in Spain. Sandalwood will also be present in pharmacies in the middle ages, once again introduced by Arab doctors who used it to concoct ointments and plasters. It was not until the appearance of modern perfumery in the 19th century that sandalwood became a raw material of choice and was used in many men’s compositions.
Sandalwood therapeutic benefits
The unique and exquisite aroma of sandalwood essential oil is soothing and calming to an active mind, making the oil the choice for anyone who leads a busy daily life and suffers from the usual stress related issues this can create.
It helps to disperse agitation and aggression which makes it exceptional for creating a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere around the home. Used in skin care its action is soothing, moisturising and softening which makes it perfect for dry, irritated or mature skin.
Sandalwood is an effective antiseptic which can be put to great use, and it effectively calms dry, tickly, unproductive coughs.
The fragrance of this oil appeals to both men and women which accounts for its traditional use as an ingredient in high-class perfumes, colognes and aftershave lotions
When blended with rose oil it creates a beautiful aroma which imparts a deeply relaxing effect that is invaluable with anxiety, stress and insomnia. Sandalwood is also ideal for meditation.
Sandalwood in perfumery
In the past, trees were felled and then the branches and roots were cut down. The trunks were then left abandoned on the ground and fed termites. Today, faced with the scarcity of sandalwood, all parts of the tree are used, without leaving a crumb for the gourmand insects! The chips and the heart of the wood, but also the roots of the tree, are reduced to powder and then dried, to be finally steam distilled. This process makes it possible to produce a precious essence whose quality will depend on the age of the tree.
Sandalwood is one of the most expensive fragrant raw materials. Its essence is often referred to as “liquid gold” and its price can be very expensive. To obtain 45 litres of essential oil, about 1 tonne of wood is needed.
It is a sensual scent that evokes creamy and velvety olfactory sensations. However, its scent is not very powerful, but on the other hand, its tenacity is particularly strong. Sandalwood is widely used in perfumery to enrich an olfactory composition. It is an excellent fixative that will allow lighter notes to be captured. At Hamdah London, you will find the woody notes of sandalwood in the A Walk in the mountains eau de perfume. It gives it a comforting woody wake.