The Multi-Faceted Indian Sandalwood
There is a poetic symbolism in Santalum album’s (S. album) oil. A romantic would certainly add that, like the agarwood tree, the sandalwood tree is destined to die and resurrect itself in an intoxicating viscous form. Obtaining its oil requires immense patience, as well as a delicate hand at reaching the oil-rich heartwood by surpassing two layers of non-aromatic wood. Once the tree is mature enough, a new life begins for the plant. The chopped wood is steam distilled, resulting in an essential oil that offers itself up to a myriad of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and fragrance applications, while the wood chips are used for its smoke in incense.