I love that we’re closing out the year with such a biblically significant Essential Oil. References to Sandalwood, also known as Aloes or Almugwood, are sprinkled all throughout the bible. It was one of the EOs used to anoint Jesus’ body for burial after the crucifixion (John 19:39) and it was one of the precious woods used by Solomon to make the railings in the temple he erected and to make the harps and lyres used in the temple (1^st Kings 10:12). Sandalwood was so precious back in biblical times that it was buried in Alabaster jars in King Tut’s tomb, and when that tomb was robbed later on, the thieves took the oil and left the jars it was in AND the gold! WOW!

Now there are two different types of Sandalwood Essential Oil. Regular Sandalwood also known as Santalum Album usually grown in and around India and Indonesia, and then there’s the Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood also known as Santalum Paniculatum, which is only grown in the Hawaiian Islands. Did you know that the Hawaii is also known as the Sandalwood Islands? Neither did I! And it almost became extinct due to over harvesting once the Hawaiian royal family found out how great the commercial value of the wood was. But they’re making efforts today to help it make a comeback and there’s even 2800 acres devoted to the Sandalwood tree on the Big Island alone. The main difference between the two, and the reason we’re talking about the Royal Hawaiian variety is because it’s therapeutic benefits out way Regular Sandalwood. We’ll get into the details in just a few.

Now, I thought it would be important to note two things about Sandalwood. First, Sandalwood is the most adulterated oil in the world. It is so difficult to distill properly, that many people will either harvest it from immature trees, those having to distill it many times before they can get a usable EO, which does not have health benefits of properly distilled EO or they’ll cut it with something either a cheaper carrier oil or perfume to stretch the amount they have. That is bad news. That is why it is of the utmost importance to find a reputable company to purchase your EOs from. Only 100% therapeutic grade and nothing less. Secondly, while Regular Sandalwood EO is approved by the FDA for internal use, Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood EO is not.

Let’s talk about all the healthful benefits that Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood offers us. Sandalwood EO was just as much of a prized possession as Frankincense back in biblical times for its meditative qualities. Frankincense and Sandalwood, were diffused within the temple by the priests to increase their spiritual connection to God. Much like the chemical composition of Frankincense, Sandalwood, specifically Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, has a high level of Sesquiterpenes. Around 95%, which is right up there with not only Frankincense, but also Cedarwood and Vetiver. Let me give you a quick refresher on Sesquiterpenes. They are the molecule that when it comes in contact with you cellular structure (yes, it’s that tiny) it has the ability to erase the bad data programed into your cells and allows the Monoterpenes to come in and program the correct data. Yes, it is that amazing. They’re using this knowledge to fight brain cancers as we speak. Traditional chemotherapy in most cases of brain cancer is not able to pass through the blood brain barrier where the cancer is. But the terpenes can and they’re showing very promising results. This chemical compound is also extremely beneficial to your emotional health. Also, because of its minute molecular size, it has the ability to enter your Limbic System (the emotional control room of your brain) and directly affect your mood or emotional state.  This is fantastic for people that suffer from PTSD, feelings of terror, dread and co-dependency. You can read more on how EOs directly affect your Emotions here. I would recommend a mixture of equal drops of Sandalwood and any Citrus EO, my fav is Bergamot, in your diffuser whenever you start feeling emotionally overwhelmed or even at night to help prepare your brain for the day ahead. And when in immediate need of emotional support and you don’t have your diffuser, put a drop in your palm, rub your hands together and cup them over your nose. Inhale deeply and do this for around five minutes, or until you feel yourself calming down. This EO is also thought to be good to help with Alzheimer’s Disease. It’s direct effect on the brain function may help to reduce the oxidative damage of the disease and improve it’s thought process.

Next, Sandalwood is wonderfully moisturizing. Not only can you implement it in your skincare routine, but also your hair care routine. For your skin, you can add a drop of Sandalwood to your existing moisturizer or you can use it the way I do and add it to your oil cleansing routine. You can find how to do that in this post. Try a combo of 1 drop each of Patchouli, Geranium, and Sandalwood with a carrier oil of your choice and you’ll notice a visible difference the first time you use them. Need help choosing a carrier oil? Look here. For your hair, it’ so easy to add Sandalwood into your haircare routine, too! You can add 6 drops to your hair conditioner bottle and reap the benefits every time you condition your hair or you could make this simple recipe for a moisturizing hair spritz. You can spray this on before you start your styling routine to help combat the damage all of those styling tools do or you can just spritz it on and let it air dry, and reapply throughout the day as needed.

• 1 cup distilled water
• 10 drops Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood EO
• 10 drops Frankincense EO
• 8 drops Cedarwood EO
• 8 drops Ylang Ylang EO
• 1 tsp. Almond Oil

Mix all of these ingredients in an 8oz spray bottle, then shake, spray and go! It’s as simple as that.

Sandalwood is also great for supporting your cardiovascular system as it supports the walls of your blood vessels and heart. I would recommend a drop or two rubbed right over your heart and lungs. If you have sensitive skin, then add those drops to a dime size amount of carrier oil, then apply.

And lastly, Sandalwood is excellent for helping with sciatic nerve pain and back pain. It helps to calm the inflammation related to the pain. I would recommend a mixture of equal drops Copaiba, Peppermint, and Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood with a carrier oil, then apply directly to the areas that are giving you trouble. If you’re making an on the spot application, use one drop each with a nickel size amount of carrier oil. If you’re making a batch for a roller ball applicator, if it’s a 2oz size bottle, use 8 drops of each oil and fill the rest of the way with carrier oil.

Until the next time, Happy Oiling and have a Happy Oily New Year!!!

Hey, do you have questions about oils and how to use them? Leave me a comment right here and I’ll get right back with you or email me directly at thecurrentoilco@gmail.com.