When it comes to essential oils, sandalwood has an almost universal appeal. It’s a subtle fragrance that can be used in many different ways without seeming out-of-place or overpowering other ingredients. The only real problem with this oil is knowing exactly how it should smell when you’re using it. Some people describe it as earthy while others say it tastes sweet. But some have no idea at all how it will come across once they’ve applied it to their skin, hair, home, etc. So, if you don’t happen to fall into either camp, then keep reading! We’ll talk about everything from where you can find good quality sandalwood products to how much you need for everyday use (and even more).
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What is sandalwood?
Sandalwood is more than one tree variety. There are three different types of sandalwoods based on leaf shape, growth habit, and density. They include:
Buddleja – These have rounded heads and narrow stems. Their leaves resemble those of a willow.
Ceiba – With broad glossy green leaves shaped like fronds, these trees typically measure around 30 feet tall.
Pterocarpus – This includes such varieties as African teak, Indonesian Merbau, and South American pyracantha. Pyramidal in appearance, the trunks range between 15 to 40 feet high.
All three share similar characteristics including lightweight, durability, resistance to insects, rot, fire, saltwater exposure, and drought. But each offers distinct advantages over the others. For instance, Pterocarpus features dense foliage while Ceiba provides ample shade. And as previously discussed, both are resistant to most pests and diseases.
But perhaps what sets them apart most is their unique fragrance. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly sandalwood smells like.
What does sandalwood smell like?
Most people associate sandalwood primarily with strong aromas reminiscent of incense or burning charcoal. However, depending upon the age, season, and origin of the plant material, there are many variations. Some even compare its aroma to freshly cut grass, fresh paint, pine sap, tobacco smoke, ginger spice, honey, vanilla, amber, musk, cedar, eucalyptus, bergamot, citrus fruits, cloves, mint, rosemary, carnation, and jasmine.
Its earthy tones make it suitable for meditation and yoga sessions. Because of its rich aroma, it’s often used by perfumers and candle makers.
As noted earlier, sandalwood is native to several countries throughout Southeast Asia. While its roots run deep within certain cultures, it wasn’t until 1824 that John Roxby discovered a small stand of mature sandalwood trees near Calcutta. He was so impressed he decided to import seedlings back home for further cultivation. Today, it accounts for 80 percent of global production.
Where Can You Find Good Quality Scent Products With Sandalwood In Them?
The first thing we’d suggest doing before buying any type of product containing sandalwood is checking the label. There may not always be an ingredient list included, but just because something isn’t listed doesn’t mean that it won’t contain it – especially if it was made overseas. Many manufacturers buy cheap materials from places such as India, China, and Indonesia so they can offer cheaper prices to consumers. These countries have long been known for having poor environmental regulations and hygiene standards which means that you could potentially ingest harmful chemicals through these types of products. If you want safe, high-quality products then try looking up companies that make theirs locally here in North America. Not every company does this, however, so if you still want to look around then do so responsibly by following our tips below.
How Much Do I Need To Use Of A Product With Sandalwood And What Type Should I Be Using?
If you want to create a nice blend of natural fragrances in your room, chances are you aren’t going to want to go overboard and use too much sandalwood per day. However, if you’re trying to get yourself ready for bed each night, you may consider doubling the amount you normally would since it helps promote relaxation. For those wanting to add a little extra oomph to their favorite perfume, adding 2 drops of sandalwood oil can help give it a slightly woodsy aroma. Just remember to avoid spraying directly onto your face though. When applying it anywhere else, be sure to dilute it further if you wish to apply less than 1% concentration.
Another important consideration when choosing whether to purchase pure sandalwood oil or a mixed essential oil blend is price. Pure sandalwood oil tends to be rather expensive compared to blends that include other plant sources. While this cost difference might seem significant to someone shopping online, it adds up over time due to shipping fees. Since you’ll probably be purchasing smaller quantities of individual oils anyway, why pay for delivery charges twice? Plus, you’ll usually receive a better overall experience mixing them yourself instead of relying on another person to mix them properly (which often results in inferior products).
Why Is Sandalwood One Of The Most Popular Essential Oils Around Today?
There are several reasons sandalwood is so popular today. First, if you want to create a nice blend of natural fragrances in your room, chances are you aren’t going to want to go overboard and use too much sandalwood per day. However, if you’re trying to get yourself ready for bed each night, you may consider doubling the amount you normally would since it helps promote relaxation. For those wanting to add a little extra oomph to their favorite perfume, adding 2 drops of sandalwood oil can help give it a slightly woodsy aroma. Just remember to avoid spraying directly onto your face though.
When applying it anywhere else, be sure to dilute it further if you wish to apply less than 1% concentration.
Another important consideration when choosing whether to purchase pure sandalwood oil or a mixed essential oil blend is price. Pure sandalwood oil tends to be rather expensive compared to blends that include other plant sources. While this cost difference might seem significant to someone shopping online, it adds up over time due to shipping fees. Since you’ll probably be purchasing smaller quantities of individual oils anyway, why pay for delivery charges twice?
Plus, you’ll usually receive a better overall experience mixing them yourself instead of relying on another person to mix them properly (which often results in inferior products), it has a very distinct scent that makes it stand out amongst other essential oils. Second, unlike many plants, sandalwood grows naturally throughout Asia and Africa where it thrives under harsh conditions. Being native to tropical areas provides sandalwood with the ability to withstand higher temperatures, humidity levels, and pollution better than other oils can handle.
Finally, it offers excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate pain and stress associated with arthritis, asthma, rheumatism, bronchitis, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. All of these factors combine to form one of the world’s greatest aromatherapy resources.
Is Sandalwood Safe As An Ingredient Used In Other Types Of Food Items Or Household Cleaners?
Yes, although you shouldn’t eat or drink sandalwood itself, it is commonly found in foods such as chutney, wine vinegar, curry pastes, candies and jams, and kinds of toothpaste. Additionally, cleaning products that use sandalwood as an active ingredient include detergents, household cleaners, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, facial cleansers, bath gels, shower gel/soap mixes, baby powders, and lotions. Although the FDA states that “there is insufficient evidence” supporting claims that certain dietary supplements can treat medical issues,” numerous studies show that sandalwood extract can significantly lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
To sum it up, sandalwood is a versatile, easy-to-use oil that works great alone or blended into various other formulas. Whether you prefer to incorporate it into food items or simply dab it onto your body, everyone can benefit from its soothing effects. Now that you understand what sandalwood scent like, hopefully, you’ll feel confident enough to experiment with creating your unique concoctions!
The bottom line
We hope you enjoyed our blog post on sandalwood. We provide some interesting facts as well as a couple of comparisons in this article that may give you a better understanding of what does sandalwood smell like
Many people are already familiar with this popular scent. However, there are a few things that you may not know about sandalwood and its many variations. We would love to hear your thoughts on this popular scent and if you have any questions or comments, we would be happy to hear them!