Sandalwood
“Comforting and can soothe anxiety,
tension or stress; restores the spirit”
Latin name: Santalum album
Description of plant: An evergreen semi-parasitic tree, growing slowly to a height of ~13 m. Native to tropical Asia
Nature of oil: Yellow liquid with a soft, sweet balsamic aroma; calming and uplifting; a reputed aphrodisiac
Method of oil extraction: Steam distillation of the roots and heartwood
Blends well with: cedarwood, coriander, cypress, frankincense, juniper berry, jasmine, lavender, patchouli, pine, rose, ylang ylang, vetiver
Specific precautions required: Can cause dermatitis if used without dilution
Stress-relieving properties include: Comforting; soothes anxiety, tension or stress; restores the spirit; relaxing; good for depression and other stress-related disorders
Medical properties include: Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial; good for acne, eczema, respiratory ailments, cystitis, nausea, insomnia, premenstrual tension
Sources
- Wildwood C. Aromatherapy. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 1996.