What Is Sandalwood? Uses, Benefits, and Role in Incense

What Is Sandalwood? Uses, Benefits, and Role in Incense

When you think of incense, sandalwood is often the first scent that comes to mind. Smooth, woody, and deeply grounding, sandalwood has been treasured for thousands of years across spiritual traditions, healing practices, and aromatic rituals.

In this post, we delve into the rich history, natural properties, and enduring role of sandalwood in incense-making.

A Fragrance Rooted in History

Sandalwood, particularly Santalum album, is native to India and parts of Southeast Asia. Revered as a holy tree in Hinduism and Buddhism, its wood has been used in ritual fires (homa), temple carvings, religious beads (mala), and incense for centuries.

In Hindu scripture, sandalwood is associated with the divine. It's offered to deities during puja and applied as a paste to the forehead to calm the mind and mark spiritual focus. In Buddhist temples, it’s often burned during meditation to help deepen awareness and reduce distractions.

Ancient traders once considered it more valuable than gold, and today, true Indian sandalwood remains highly sought after, partly due to overharvesting and strict conservation rules.

Properties and Benefits of Sandalwood

The magic of sandalwood lies not only in its scent but also in its natural properties. When ground into powder or distilled into oil, it releases a soft, creamy, woody aroma with slightly sweet undertones that linger in the air.

Here are some of its known benefits:

  • Calming the Mind: Studies have shown that sandalwood oil can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it ideal for meditation and yoga.
  • Anti-inflammatory Effects: In Ayurvedic medicine, sandalwood is used to treat skin inflammation and soothe irritated skin.
  • Spiritual Upliftment: The scent is believed to open the third eye and enhance spiritual insight.
  • Air Purification: Burning sandalwood may help reduce airborne bacteria and create a more tranquil atmosphere.
  • Longevity: Sandalwood’s aroma is remarkably long-lasting, making it perfect as a base in incense blends.


Reference:Subasinghe. et al. (2014). “Essential oil content and composition of Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) in Sri Lanka.” Journal of Forestry Research.

How Sandalwood is Used in Incense

Sandalwood is one of the most versatile incense ingredients. It can be used on its own or as a base note in combination with florals, spices, or resins.

Common forms in incense making include:

  • Powdered wood – blended with makko (natural binder) to form sticks or cones
  • Essential oil – infused into raw incense materials
  • Chips or shavings – burned directly over charcoal in traditional rituals
  • Paste – used in Indian temples for sculpting and moulding sacred shapes

In Japanese Kōdō (the way of incense), sandalwood plays a central role in scent appreciation ceremonies, where rare aged sandalwoods like Kyara are considered sacred treasures.

Final Thoughts

Sandalwood is a rare and sacred gift of nature, revered across continents for its distinctive aroma, energy, and profound symbolism. Whether you’re using it to relax, focus, or connect with something greater, sandalwood incense offers a timeless ritual for presence and peace.

Sandalwood at SomaScents

At SomaScents, we incorporate ethically sourced sandalwood in several of our most grounding incense blends, including:

  • Sandalwood – Blending sandalwood with resins for a deep, golden burn
  • Earth Chant (Cone) – A floral-spice blend grounded in sandalwood for meditative rituals

Every time you light sandalwood incense, you're connecting to an ancient lineage of healing, reverence, and self-awareness. It’s not just a fragrance—it’s an invitation to return to the centre.

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