History, virtues and benefits of sandalwood
Although not technically a herb but a wood, sandalwood is a common element in modern pagan rituals. In fact, sandalwood is an entire class of woods belonging to the flowering Santalum family. These dense, aromatic plants are rich in essential oils , which are frequently extracted for use in various religious rituals, aromatherapy , and even medicine. Sandalwood is also widely used in religions for practical reasons, as well as for its perceived spiritual influence.
Santalum Album
Sandalwood or Santalum Album is also called chandan, cendana, East Indian sandalwood, sandal, sandalwood tree, white sandalwood, or chandal.
Sandalwood is a slow-growing plant with different species originating from various regions of the world. It takes at least 15 years for the tree to reach maturity, when it develops its rich, oily heartwood.
Santalum album, commonly known as Indian sandalwood , is a dry, deciduous variety native to China, India, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines. This small tropical tree, which can reach 20 meters in height, has red wood and bark in various dark colors (dark brown, reddish, and dark gray). Because it is strong and durable, Santalum album is primarily harvested for its wood. The fine-grained heartwood of the sandalwood is used for high-quality furniture and carvings. The heartwood and roots also contain sandalwood oil , which is valued for its use in perfumes, incense, cosmetics, soaps, and medicines. The bark contains tannin, which is used for dyeing.
Given that Santalum album is highly valued in India and that uncontrolled harvesting has led to a decline in numbers in recent years, India has imposed an export ban on sandalwood and implemented conservation measures to protect the species within the country. Sandalwood is now cultivated on plantations in Australia . Its status on the IUCN Red List is "vulnerable".
History of sandalwood
Traditionally known for its healing and therapeutic properties , fragrant sandalwood oil is one of the most precious and ancient oils in existence. Prized for millennia, the use of sandalwood dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was used in everything from spiritual rituals to cosmetics and perfumes. In Eastern cultures and traditions such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, sandalwood served as a medicinal oil for treating ailments ranging from mood disorders to respiratory and skin conditions.
Sandalwood has been used for thousands of years in ritual contexts. It appears in Buddhist and Muslim rituals and was one of several fragrant plants used by the Egyptians in embalming rituals. In China and Tibet, its antiseptic properties make it a valuable element of folk medicine. In India, the wood is used for intricate carvings that adorn shrines and homes; figurines and mala beads are also made from sandalwood. In addition, a paste is sometimes made that can be used to anoint the foreheads of devotees in Hindu temples.
One particular species, Indian sandalwood, which grows primarily in Nepal and southern India, is an endangered plant. But most of the sandalwood essential oils sold today in the United States and Europe actually come from Australian sandalwood. About 23 years ago, a rare source of Santalum album seeds was discovered in its native land, Mysore, India. The seeds were transported far away to the tropical region of northern Australia . Through skillful experimentation, growers mastered the growth and reproduction of sandalwood, saving this once-threatened species from extinction.
Sustainability and quality are now the cornerstones of Australian sandalwood production. The trees from which the precious sandalwood oil is harvested are raised, cultivated, managed, harvested, and processed with the utmost care by forestry and agronomy experts. Every part of the tree is used or reused to ensure minimal or no waste.
By carefully selecting seeds for optimal growth and heartwood production, without genetic modification or other artificial means, producers ensure that Santalum album will be available for a long time in the future.
Magic and folklore of sandalwood
Sandalwood has a number of magical applications, which tend to vary depending on the religious group. In many modern pagan traditions, it is associated with healing and purification . In Hindu rites, sandalwood paste is often used to consecrate ritual tools before ceremonies. Buddhists believe sandalwood is one of the sacred fragrances of the lotus and can be used to stay grounded in the material world when the mind wanders during meditation. In chakra work, sandalwood is associated with the seventh chakra, or root chakra, at the base of the spine. Burning the incense can help resolve issues related to self-identity, security and stability, and confidence.
In some neo-pagan traditions, sandalwood is burned as incense , sometimes mixed with other woods or resins, such as myrrh or frankincense. Some forms of folk magic associate it with both business magic and protective magic. You can also use pieces of wood for magic—write your intention on a piece or stick of sandalwood, then place it in a brazier to burn. As the sandalwood burns, your intention or wish is carried to the heavens by the rising smoke.
Spirituality
Throughout history, many people have used sandalwood to guide them on a spiritual path . According to various historical monks, sandalwood bracelets or rosaries offer spiritual benefits. These bracelets also possess a spiritual healing energy that fosters compassion and love.
Sandalwood is spiritually soothing. Wearing a sandalwood bracelet can bring a sense of calm. This technique, combined with meditation, has been used by monks for hundreds of years. Many people around the world believe that sandalwood can bring spiritual good fortune.
Spiritual benefits of sandalwood:
- It brings peace and calm.
- It stimulates awareness.
- Brings good fortune.
- Eliminates the negative energy that surrounds us.
- Concentration aid.
- Relieves stress.
- Improves sleep.
- Control your anger.
- Improves mental state.
- Meditation aid.
- Support for the practice of spiritual yoga.
Sandalwood oil
Studies have shown that Santalum album is an antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative agent. A recent study showed that Indian sandalwood has more antioxidants than vitamin E. It can significantly reduce collagen damage in skin tissues and could serve as a protective and anti-aging ingredient.
Sandalwood oil is one of the main remedies used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Asians and Arabs use it for self-treatment for a wide range of ailments. In Europe, it is mainly used in perfumery and soaps, and it once played a major role in aromatherapy.
While it is generally the flowers that are harvested and used, many parts of the sandalwood plant are used for various purposes. For example, the essential oil is often used in holistic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties, and some researchers are even testing its impact on cancer and other diseases. The wood can be ground into a fine powder and used for beauty treatments—add a little rose oil or camphor and apply it to your skin to cleanse it.
Aroma
Its fragrance is multifaceted... with woody, sweet notes blended with creamy, soft, almost milky notes. A sought-after scent in today's high-end perfumes, sandalwood oil is at the heart of many iconic fragrances like Guerlain's Shalimar. But it's not just its fragrance that makes sandalwood such a popular perfumery ingredient. It acts as a fixative, prolonging the fragrance's longevity on the skin.
See the collection of Sandalwood itemsConclusion
In summary, sandalwood possesses one of the most sacred fragrances, healing properties thanks to its essential oil, and spiritual virtues. Burning sandalwood incense not only provides a delicate aroma but also helps to dispel negative energy. Many people wear sandalwood Buddhist bracelets, whether for religious, spiritual, or simply aesthetic reasons. Whatever the reason, the important thing is that they feel good in their body and mind.
