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One of the oldest incense materials, Sandalwood has been in use
for at least 4,000 years. The sandal tree, botanically known as Santalum Album
belongs to the family Santalaceae. The sandal tree grows
almost exclusively in the forests of Karnataka, followed by Tamil
Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, Timor Islands of Indonesia etc.
The tree reaches its full maturity in 60 to 80 years, the tree is
medium sized 12-15 meters tall. As the tree grows, the
essential oil develops in the roots and heartwood, which requires
at least 15 to 20 years. The core of dark heartwood gradually
develops, which is covered by outer sapwood. The sandalwood tree
is never felled, but uprooted in the rainy season, when the roots
are richer in the precious essential oil. Vietnam and New
Caledonia have well controlled plantations of genuine Sandalwood.
The best quality oil comes from the Indian province of Mysore and
Tamil Nadu where the harvest of Sandalwood trees are protected by
the state government. Sandalwood is a medium sized evergreen
tree with almost drooping branches, dark rough bark and scented
mature wood. It has opposite leaves, shining on the upper surface,
with small dull purplish flowers in small bunches and roundish,
purple black succulent fruits. Today, the Mysore forests are virtually depleted and the
remaining trees too immature to produce quality Sandalwood or
Sandalwood oil. The Indian sandalwood tree has become endangered
in recent years, and in an attempt to curb its possible extinction
the Indian government is trying to limit the exportation of
sandalwood. The tree is already government controlled, and
removal is prohibited whether on private or temple grounds until the
tree is thirty years old. This has not stopped many poachers
from cutting trees down as soon as authorities are not watching. Trade in sandalwood dates back to the beginning of trading in
India. Realizing its value, the Sultan of Mysore declared it a
royal tree in 1792. It continues to retain that place today and no
individual may own a sandalwood tree. Even if the tree grows on
private land it is owned by the government. However, an individual
is entitled to receive seventy five percent of its value as a
bonus for growing and protecting the trees. Due to its high value
and increased demand in internal and external markets, sandalwood
prices have skyrocketed.
Exports to the U.S. are primarily for use in the perfume
industry. The oil is an excellent base and fixative for other high
grade perfumes. By itself it is a mild, long-lasting sweet
perfume, but the industry finds that it can blend well with other
perfumes and does not impart its fragrance when used as a base.
There are several hundred products that use sandalwood oil.
Increase in demand can be attributed to the popularity of
aromatherapy and trends in the cosmetic industry toward natural
products. Legislation by the Indian government to protect the
Sandalwood tree has been inconsistent as the sandalwood trade
represents a significant area of export to the U.S. and Middle East.
Although trade in Indian Sandalwood is officially restricted,
smuggling remains a serious threat to the tree. In May of 1993 the
biggest and costliest manhunt in Indian history was launched to
track down the leader of India's major Sandalwood smuggling ring
lead by Veerapan. Approximately 600 Border Security Force troops
were used to back up a special police task force which has been
combing the jungles of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states. The
notorious Veerapan carries a four million rupee ($132,000) bounty on
his head and has been on the run from the police since killing his
first elephant at the age of fourteen.
Medicinal Properties
Both the Sandalwood and the essential oil obtained after
distillation, have been used as a herbal medicine
for many centuries. The wood is bitter, sedative, cooling and a
cardiac tonic. It arrests secretion or bleeding and promotes the
flow of urine. Sandalwood oil is a stimulant and can be used as an
antiseptic. It has a soothing effect on the skin and mucous
membranes.
Genito Urinary Disorders - Sandalwood powder mixed with milk
or made into pills, as also sandalwood oil, is beneficial in the
treatment of gonorrhoea. Sandalwood oil is used in treating, painful
and difficult urination and inflammation of the bladder. It is taken
in doses of five drops in the beginning and gradually increased to
10 to 30 drops. Its efficacy can be increased by the addition of
ajwain water or infusion of ginger.
Gastric Irritability - Can be used for Gastric
problems
Dysentery - Sandalwood is also beneficial in the treatment of
dysentery. It should be administered as for gastric irritability.
Prickly Heat - Sandalwood paste is a household remedy for
prickly heat. It prevents excessive sweating and heals inflamed
skin. Dry sandalwood powder can be mixed in rose water and applied
over parts where there is profuse sweating.
Skin Diseases - An emulsion or a paste of the wood is a
cooling dressing in inflammatory and eruptive skin diseases such as
an inflammatory disease of the face, and an itchy eruption. The oil
is useful for scabies too. This oil mixed with twice its ` quantity
of mustard oil is used for removing pimples. In summer, regular
application of sandalwood paste on the body, especially for
children, has a refreshing effect, which heals any tiny infected
spots.
Fever - Sandalwood paste applied on the temple relieves
headache and brings down the temperature in fevers.
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