Sandalwood (Santalum Album) perfumes

Woody, oriental, powdery, milky, very persistent.

Sandalwood comes from a parasitical evergreen tree with strongly-scented leaves that grows in India and Indonesia, but the best and most valuable variety is produced in the region of Mysore.

Extraction Method

In the past, trees were either cut down or uprooted, and the branches and roots subsequently hacked off. The trunks, left strewn on the ground for months on end, allowed termites to feed off the sapwood, thus exposing the perfumed wood, the only part of the tree that was marketed. Considering the scarcity of the product nowadays, termites will have to look elsewhere for their food! Essential oil is obtained by distilling the roots and core of the sandalwood after drying and reducing it to powder.

Use

Principally used in full-bodied and oriental perfumes.

History

One of the most ancient and best-known natural substances. Despite 4 000 years of existence, the essence only appeared in modern perfumery in the last century. Sandalwood has also played an important part in Hindu and Buddhist religious rites. Medicinal properties Sandal essence is utilized in Chinese medicine to cure stomach pains and skin ailments; it increases longevity and immunity against diseases. Its odor has an effect on the deep inner self, and builds up willpower, ambition and pride.