Sandalwood oil is one of the valuable and most fragrances wood which are used from the ancient time for various purposes like medicines, relaxation, calming effect, stress relief, worship, etc. It is generally extracted from heartwood, and roots of sandal wood tree.
Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood Oil Santalum album, often known as the East Indian sandalwood tree, yields wood and roots that are used to make essential oil. Undoubtedly, this tree holds significant value globally. Everywhere in the world, people utilize its products. Although they aren’t as readily available now, sandalwood oils from Africa and the West Indies were formerly manufactured.
History of Sandalwood oil
Sanskrit and Chinese writings dating back 4,000 years record the spiritual properties of sandalwood. The oil was employed in religious ceremonies, and the soft wood was utilized to carve numerous gods, temples, and other hallowed objects. The wood was introduced by the ancient Egyptians, who utilized it for religious burnings, medicine, and embalming.
It is regarded in Buddhism as one of the three essential incenses, together with cloves and aloeswood, for Buddhist practice. Sandalwood was said to ameliorate depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness and to encourage spiritual activities, calm repose, transparency, and “grounding.”
Extraction of Sandalwood oil
The most common method for extracting sandalwood oil is steam distillation, which entails running steam over the wood chips of the sandalwood tree. look to be either golden or light yellow in hue. Sandalwood oil is mostly produced and consumed in India.
Refiners in Kupang have traditionally used steam distillation to produce sandalwood oil. Usually, it takes 40–70 hours. When it is projected that the distilled oil will run out and become economically unviable or inefficient, the distillation process is normally terminated.
Chemical composition
The sandalwood oil contains 90% of sesquiterpene alcohol mainly alpha-santalol, beta-santalol.
Sesquiterpenoid
Three isoprene units combine to form the C15 terpenoids known as sesquiterpenes. They are mostly present in higher plants as well as several other living systems, including fungi and aquatic life. They exist in nature in the forms of hydrocarbons or oxygenated compounds such as lactones, alcohols, acids, aldehydes, and ketones.
The chemical composition of oil may be varied depends upon following factors:
- extraction process
- species of sandalwood
- region grown
- age of tree
- Alpha-santalol: It is the most abundant components present in sandalwood oil making up around 50-60% of oil. Generally used for anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, and natural insecticides activity.
- Beta-Santalol: It is the second most abundant components present in sandalwood oil making up 20-25% of oil. Used as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity.
Application of Sandalwood oil
There are various application of sandalwood oil:
- Anti-inflammatory activity
- Antitumor
- Antioxidant activity
- relief stress
- relaxation
- calming effects
- antiviral
- anti-ageing
- cosmetic
- traditional medicine
MCQs/FAQs
What are the benefits o using sandalwood oil?
Its anti-inflammatory qualities might aid in relieving skin irritation and inflammation. Additionally, it functions as a natural astringent to tighten skin and minimize the visibility of pores. Additionally, sandalwood oil may help brighten skin and lessen the appearance of aging.
Different ways to use sandalwood oil
1. Inflammation
2. skincare
3. prevent skin ageing
4. antiseptic
Can sandalwood oil be used for skin care?
Yes, it can be used as skincare.
Is this oil good for hair?
The primary advantages of sandalwood for hair include its ability to promote hair growth, inhibit hair loss, and act as an anti-dandruff remedy.
