| This pure Sandalwood essential oil is distilled from the only sustainably-cultivated sandalwood trees grown today, on the South Pacific island of Vanuatu. The oil has a rich, warm, woody aroma much like many of the well-known Indian sandalwood oil varieties. The advantage to this oil is it's lack of environmental impact - it's beautiful 'driftwood' aroma and reasonable price belies it's source. The oil contains a slightly higher percentage of 'santalols', the compound that gives the oil its distinct characteristics. This is the from the same species as the New Caledonian Sandalwood tree. It's unique aroma is excellent for it's aromatic and medicinal properties. For a more 'common' sandalwood aroma, the wild Australian variety is highly recommended. A study published in the Journal of Essential Oil Research compared this oil to the east Indian varieties with very favorable results. The researchers found the chemical properties very similar, concluding that variation from sample to sample of the same variety was perhaps greater than between the two varieties of sandalwood oil overall. This oil originates from a company that has been growing seven thousand Sandalwood trees a year for the last 9 years, providing an ecologically sound source of the wood, being grown with the goal of providing the island with a sustainable harvest of trees. (Harvesting in Indian sandalwood forests is now strictly controlled - because sandalwood is a 'parasitic' tree, it's 'host' tree is also taken with it. This has had a significant impact in the rainforests of southern India.)
Sandalwood is used extensively in natural perfumery as a wonderful base note and fixative. It also acts to harmonize other aromas without overpowering. Adding a little Sandalwood to your own blends can have a similar effect; many enjoy it alone as well, and we've found this variety nice suited to wearing in this manner. It's aroma quickly evokes thoughts of driftwood on a tropical island beach. The aroma of the essential oil is considered useful to meditation and yogic practices for centering and calming the mind. It may also be a significant reliever of stress; the oil is listed in Valerie Ann Worwood's 'The Fragrant Mind' in her 'stress kit'. She notes the oil as particularly suited to where stress has lead one to feel a loss of self-worth. The oil has also been noted to possibly enhance deep sleep, and may support the removal of negativity on a cellular level. The aroma is generally considered a relaxing sedative with antidepressant effects.
Sandalwood oil has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, traditionally as a skin tonic, and of course for yogic meditative practice. It may be beneficial for both acne and dry skin; it has also been used to treat chronic bronchitis. Further, sandalwood may also be helpful in cases where depression has lead to sexual difficulties, and can support the nervous system and circulation. 
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