Sandalwood is certainly both a classic scent and a classic medicine. Used as an aromatic for over 4000 years, and in addition as a medicine in the Ayurvedic method for maybe a millennium, the timber by itself has been greatly valued by humankind. The essential oil, while only growing popular in the last hundred years, is a truly classic scent, with vital science-proven beneficial medicinal purposes. Whether it be for the body or mind, sandalwood oil typical offers effective support.

To start with just a little background -- sandalwood essential oil is steam distilled from the heartwood associated with the sandalwood tree. Looks pretty straightforward, until you learn that sandalwood is actually a parasite; it grows exclusively on certain other trees in tropical environments. The tree needs to be planted besides the best host tree, already of a particular age, for it to climb up. When harvesting the wood, which is very slow to grow, both trees must be cut down. Evidently this presents challenges for this important resource.

The harvesting of the wood in The Indian subcontinent, where the top-quality specimens are thought to be from, has been stopped by the government in order to protect the tropical rain forests. In other places in the world, harvesting is controlled to ensure the demise of the rain forests in India does not happen again for this purpose.

It is distinct that for the reasons of uniqueness alone, the essential oil is a thing to be cherished. However, the oil has certain very impressive and important medicinal qualities that make it even more valuable. One application is a direct derivation of the use of the wood's paste for skin treatment: The essential oil has been proven to prevent the occurrence of skin cancer if applied before exposure to UVB light as well as chemo-toxins.

Researchers at South Dakota State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, pointed out "alpha-santalol, a major component of sandalwood oil, works well in preventing UVB-induced skin cancer development." Research workers at the University of Colorado, Denver, noted that the oil triggered apoptosis (normal cell death) of cells that were on their way to becoming cancerous. Clearly the essential oil makes a significant therapeutic contribution to skin care formulations.

The aroma is highly regarded for its soothing, centering qualities, without being sedating. In Vienna, Austria researchers published a study where participants were positively affected in the regions of alertness, attentiveness, calmness, mood, enjoyment and vigor. This correlates to its long-time use as the first preference aromatic in aiding meditation.

Curiously, the oil in addition has been researched for supporting deeper, more restful sleep. The essential oil works both when inhaled and when topically applied. One study investigating the effects of inhaling santalol, the most important natural constituent of the oil, found this component could result in a significant decrease in the time spent awake in sleep-disturbed subjects, and also increased the overall time spent in REM sleep.

So you will notice that sandalwood oil has some marvelous, valuable therapeutic activity -- features that everyone can take pleasure in. The most common are Australian and South Pacific, though you may still find some Indian available through specialty resources. You will discover they have subtly different aromas, and you may have a strong preference for one over another. Once you find an oil you like, purchase some to put away! Sandalwood improves (and more costly) with age -- you'll have an exquisite oil for you and your family to really enjoy now and on into the future.

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