Oil of the Week: Sandalwood Essential Oil (Santalum album)

Oil of the Week: Sandalwood Essential Oil (Santalum album)

Sandalwood essential oil is one of the most revered oils in spiritual and healing traditions. With its warm, woody, and grounding aroma, sandalwood is used for meditation, emotional healing, and sacred rituals. Whenever I work with sandalwood, I feel a sense of deep peace and connection — as if the mind, heart, and spirit are finally aligned.

Botanical Background

  • Latin Name: Santalum album (Indian sandalwood)

  • Family: Santalaceae

  • Part Used: Heartwood

  • Extraction: Steam distillation

(Note: Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) and other species exist, but S. album is considered the most traditional and medicinally valued.)

Aroma Profile

  • Scent: Rich, soft, woody, creamy, slightly sweet

  • Emotional Tone: Calming, centering, grounding

  • Energetic Associations: Root and crown chakras, meditation, divine connection, sacred rituals

Therapeutic Actions & Uses

Emotional & Spiritual Support

  • Promotes relaxation, meditation, and emotional balance

  • Reduces anxiety, stress, and overactive thoughts

  • Enhances focus and inner peace

Skin & Body Care

  • Traditionally used for dry, irritated, or inflamed skin

  • Supports wound healing and reduces scars when diluted in carrier oil

  • Gentle enough for sensitive skin in low concentrations

Respiratory Health

  • Historically used in Ayurvedic medicine for coughs, sore throats, and respiratory conditions

  • Inhaled as a steam or diffused to soothe the breath

Safety & Contraindications

  • Generally considered safe when diluted (1–2% in carrier oil)

  • Rarely causes skin irritation, but always patch test

  • Avoid ingestion unless under qualified professional guidance

  • Sustainability is a concern — always source from ethical and sustainable suppliers (many S. album trees are endangered)

Folklore & History

  • In India, sandalwood has been used for over 2,000 years in Ayurveda, temple rituals, and meditation practices.

  • It is considered sacred wood, often carved into malas, incense, and ceremonial tools.

  • In Buddhism, sandalwood incense is used to calm the mind and support spiritual devotion.

  • Traditionally associated with purification, divine love, and longevity.

Practical Ways to Work with Sandalwood Oil

  • Meditation Aid: Diffuse a few drops or anoint pulse points before meditation.

  • Skincare: Add 1 drop to a carrier oil for soothing dry or inflamed skin.

  • Perfume: Use as a natural base note in DIY blends for a warm, grounding aroma.

  • Ritual Use: Anoint candles, malas, or sacred objects to enhance spiritual practice.

✨ My favorite way: blending sandalwood with rose and frankincense in the diffuser for a heart-opening, meditative atmosphere.


Sandalwood reminds us that healing and connection come from stillness. Its soft, grounding aroma guides us inward, creating space for clarity, peace, and spiritual devotion.

References & Further Reading

  • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.

  • Battaglia, S. (2018). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (3rd ed.). Black Pepper Creative.

  • PMC: Sandalwood oil in dermatology and aromatherapy — Link

  • PubMed: Sandalwood oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects — Link

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