A study in the Fall 2005 issue of the Journal of Essential Oil Research extensively compared this oil to the east Indian varieties with very favorable results. The chemical properties were very similar, and their conclusion was that variation from sample to sample of the same variety was perhaps greater than between the two varieties of sandalwood oil overall. We have also found this to be true; we've sampled other Mysore varieties to replace our current out-of-stock oil, and they simply have not been as fine as this Pacific Island sandalwood.

This oil originates from a company that has been growing 7,000 Sandalwood trees a year for the last 9 years. This provides an ecologically sound source of the wood, being grown with the goal of providing the island with a sustainable harvest of trees.

Sandalwood is used extensively in natural perfumery as a wonderful base note and fixative. It also acts to harmonize other aromas without overpowering. We've added this oil to a beautiful Vanilla CO2 essential oil, creating a rich, smooth and elegant blend, our 'Vanilla Island'. Adding a little Sandalwood to your own blends can have a similar effect.

The essential oil is considered useful to meditation and yogic practices for centering and calming the mind. The incense is burned in temples, and malas (or rosaries) used for mantra practice are made from the wood.

Sandalwood Oil has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, traditionally as a skin tonic, and of course for yogic meditative practice. It may be beneficial for both acne and dry skin; it has also been used to treat chronic bronchitis. The aroma of Sandalwood is sedative, with possible antidepressant effects. It has helped improve sleep in laboratory studies, where the oil was topically applied. Sandalwood may also be helpful in cases where depression has lead to sexual difficulties, and can support the nervous system and circulation.