One of the most valuable trees in the world! Sounds great, except that due to its high value it has been over-harvested in the wild to point of near extinction.
Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album) is native to the tropical forests of southern India and Southeast Asia.
However, Sandalwood plantations do exist and are slow growing—after about 40 years they can provide a viable crop for oil.
An Australian Sandalwood species has served as a cheaper replacement for many years of the Indian Sandalwood, but it is also now overharvested and expensive.
Sandalwood provides an essential oil that is highly prized in the perfume industry, as an incense, in cosmetics as well as for wellness.
The powdered heartwood is also used in traditional textiles for its fragrance and pest-repellant properties.
In traditional medicine, Indian sandalwood is generally used for its cooling and calming properties. Among its reported uses are skin conditions, fever, digestive issues, and respiratory ailments. The essential oil derived from its heartwood is also used in aromatherapy and as a natural antiseptic.
Scientific investigation has found hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, skin health and antimicrobial activities.
Clinical investigations have found benefits for anxiety and skin disorders. In one study sandalwood oil was found to benefit acne, significantly reducing lesion and improving skin health due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
In India, Sandalwood is also used in worship and has been used in the construction of temples.
Imagine if we could build our homes with fragrant woods!!
hashtag#MedicinalPlants hashtag#Ethnobotany hashtag#biodiversity hashtag#herbalism hashtag#sandalwood hashtag#India hashtag#Australia hashtag#essentialoil hashtag#perfume hashtag#endangered
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Harvested to the point of Near Extinction
