SANDALWOOD AUSTRALIAN
Santalum album

Planet: Jupiter

History and Mythology
There are many different species of Sandalwood, which grow as partially parasitic tropical trees. The most popular and commercially most in-demand species is Mysore Sandalwood (Santalum album). Alas - its popularity has brought its own demise: due to the high demand both inside India and increasingly throughout the world, this species has become threatened. It is the hardwood that produces the highly prized fragrant components, but Sandalwood is a slow growing tree so it takes many years to mature sufficiently before its hardwood has become rich in essential oils. In India, old trees have become extremely rare, which has caused the government to place strict export quotas on the essential oil - which in turn has given rise to a flourishing black-market economy, complete with gang-type warfare and violent crime. For the Indian Sandalwood trees the situation looked grim until recently, when Australia suddenly remembered that it too had a species of Sandalwood tree, which in the past had been used medicinally. In fact, it is even still â''officialâ'' in the Australian pharmacopoeia. The reason it had been forgotten was because of the advent of antibiotics, which had replaced its use in many conditions that had previously been treated with Australian Sandalwood oil. The only other market would have been the fragrance industry, but here Indian Sandalwood ruled supreme and Australian Sandalwood proved no match. Australian Sandalwood oil contains less santalol, which is the marker for high quality Sandalwood oil, and so has always been deemed inferior. But now things have changed. Indian Sandalwood has become scarce and expensive and may even become extinct unless the voracious fragrance market is willing to seek viable alternatives. Australian Sandalwood is the obvious choice, even though its scent is a little harsher and more resinous than that of Indian Sandalwood. According to scores of doctors who used it before antibiotics became available, Australian Sandalwood is said to be equal to Indian Sandalwood oil for therapeutic purposes. Agronomists are currently conducting research and experiments to find a way to increase the production of hardwood through selective breeding and other modern methods, which in turn would increase the yield of the santalol component in Australian Sandalwood. In time Australian Sandalwood may not just match Indian Sandalwood in terms of therapeutic value, but may rival its fragrance too. The situation at last looks promising for both the endangered Sandalwood trees, which thanks to Australian Sandalwood may get a chance to regenerate, and for perfumers and essential oil fans around the world.

Magical Use:
Australian Sandalwood can be used like Indian Sandalwood for meditation and charka balancing, though its energy is a little less refined and thus it acts more on the lower charkas. It can be used as an aphrodisiac and for tantra oil blends. It is protective and wards off evil influences and negativity. It may be used for grounding and centring.

Scent:
A woody, aromatic, tenacious and somewhat resinous scent, not as sweet and refined as Indian Sandalwood. Blends well with Rose, Violet, Clove Bud, Lavender, Black Pepper, Bergamot, Geranium, Vetiver, Patchouli, Mimosa, Myrrh and Jasmine.

Aromatherapy:
In aromatherapy Sandalwood is mostly used for its emotionally balancing effect. It is helpful for treating psychological problems such as egotism, arrogance, stress related issues, impotence and frigidity. As a remedy it is used for infections of the urinary tract and respiratory conditions, such as sore throat and bronchitis. In aromatherapy skincare it can be used in balancing lotions, especially night crèmes that can be helpful for either dry or oily skin.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AROMATHERAPY SEE OUR SEPERATE PAGE TITLED 'AROMATHERAPY USAGE'

QUALITY AND PURITY
We only supply the finest quality essential oils certified for Aromatherapy use. This assures that during the process of extraction, handling and bottling our oils receive all possible care and attention, and that the highest quality and purity is maintained throughout the preparation process.

SAFETY **
** Pure essential oils are highly concentrated substances that should always be treated with due respect. Organic oils naturally are the purest oils available.

** Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the properties and uses of each individual oil you intend to use and take note of all cautions.

** Never take essential oils internally! *

** Do not apply essential oils neat (undiluted) to the skin. The recommended Aromatherapy standard dilution is 1 - 3%, though certain oils may be used in higher or lower dilutions. Consider each case individually.

** Always adhere to recommended safety standards and recommended dilution ratios.

** If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies test oil blends on a small area of the inner arm prior to general use.

** Keep oils out of reach of children and pets.

** Never allow essential oils to enter the eyes.

** If you are pregnant, consult a qualified aromatherapist for suitability and safety of specific oils. Many oils should not be used during pregnancy, some only need to be avoided for the first 3 - 4 months, others may be helpful during labour, but may pose a risk during the months before.

** If you suffer from serious medical conditions such as (but not exclusively) high blood pressure, cancer, thrombosis, varicose veins or epilepsy, consult a qualified aromatherapist for professional advice on recommended oils and dosages.
** We support the notion of people taking responsibility for their own well being. However, if symptoms persist or re-occur or you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to work with you in exploring natural health alternatives.
*...unless you know better.