Areca catechu / Betelnut / Palmaceae (Palm family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Bettlenut, Paaku, Pinang, Areca nut, Cau (Vietnamese), Supari (Bengali)

Description

A handsome tree cultivated in all the warmer parts of Asia for its yellowish-red fruits the size of a hen's egg, containing the seed about the size of an acorn. For a long time, Betel chewing has been the preferred drug in large parts of Asia, but nowadays, the smoking of Tobacco is becoming increasingly popular among the indigenous populations. A Betel quid traditionally consists of at least three ingredients. The nuts of the Betel palm, together with Lime (Calcium hydroxide) and possibly other ingredients are wrapped in the aromatic leaves of Piper betel, the Betel-pepper.

Contents

Areca Nut contains a large quantity of tannin, also gallic acid, a fixed oil gum, a little volatile oil, lignin, and various saline substances. Four alkaloids have been found in Areca Nut - Arecoline, Arecain, Guracine, and a fourth existing in very small quantity. Arecoline is the primary active ingredient responsible for the central nervous system effects which are roughly comparable to those of nicotine, which has a similar chemical structure. Arecoline is known to be an agonist of muscarinic acetylcholine M1, M2 and M3 receptors.(3)

Historical

Betelnuts have been used for thousands of years. The practice is thought to have started in south-east Asia and there is archaeological evidence to support this view. The Spirit Cave site in Thailand yielded palaeobotanical remains of Areca catechu and Piper betel (traditional consumption is a combination of Areca catechu, Piper betel, and edible lime), since found at the same location, it is circumstantial evidence for the practice of Betel chewing in prehistoric times. These remains are between 7,500 and 9,000 years old. If the dating is accurate, this would make Betel one of the earliest known psychoactive substances to be used in the world.
Printed references related to Betelnut chewing go back to hundreds of years before the common era. In Pali, a story dating from about 500 BCE describes a princess giving a present of Betel to her lover. Somewhere around 430 BCE, Theophrastus described use of the nuts as a component of the Betel morsel. Areca catechu is mentioned in Sanskrit under the name "Guvaka", and in Chinese texts dating from 150 BCE it was called "Pinlang" (a Malayan name). In Persia there were 30,000 shops that sold Betelnut in the capital town during the reign of Khosrau II (King of Persia from 590 to 628). Arabs and Persians who visited the Hindustan area of India in the 8th and 9th centuries found the habit deeply rooted. Ali al-Masudi, an Arab historian who travelled through India in 916, described the chewing of Betelnut as a national custom. There were even those who voluntarily ascended the funeral pyre comforted by Betelnut. People who did not use betel nut were socially isolated.(1)

Today, chewing betel nut is an important and popular cultural activity in many Asian countries. Betelnuts are also used as an offering in Hinduism. In India (the worlds largest consumer of Betelnut), the nuts are cut into small pieces with a special instrument. The practice of using Betelnut is often called Betelnut chewing, but the nuts are not just placed in the mouth and chewed. They are usually dried and broken down into smaller pieces (sometimes into a powder) and mixed with edible lime to aid in the absorption of their active ingredients, arecaine and arecoline. Rather than being chewed, the mixture is put between the cheek and tongue and left there, sometimes overnight.(1)

In addition to the well known stimulant properties, the seed is used medicinally in numerous internal and external preparations. The husks, shoots, buds, leaves, and roots also have local medicinal uses. The fibrous fruit husks stripped from the seed have many uses, including as a home fuel source. The trunks of culled trees are used for crude construction; the fallen fronds are used in making alcohol; the spathes and leaf sheaths are used in wrapping, packing, and as hats and sandals. The inflorescences and flowers are used ceremonially in diverse cultures.(2)

Health Warnings

Betel Nut and chemicals in Betel leaves may cause skin color changes, dilated pupils, blurred vision, wheezing/difficulty breathing, and increased breathing rate. Tremors, slow movements, and stiffness have been reported in people also taking anti-psychotic medications. Worsening of spasmodic movements has occurred in patients with Huntington's disease. Seizure has been reported with high doses. "Cholinergic" toxicity symptoms from Betel use may include salivation, increased tearing, lack of urinary control (incontinence), sweating, diarrhea, and fever. Other problems may include confusion, problems with eye movement, psychosis, amnesia, stimulant effects, and a feeling of euphoria. Long-term users may form a dependence on the effects of Betel, and discontinuing use may cause signs of withdrawal, such as anxiety or memory lapse. Betel chewing has been shown to have a harmful effect on the gums. The nut may cause the teeth, mouth, lips, and stool to become red stained. Burning and dryness of mouth may occur. Regular Betel use may increase the risk of cancers of the liver, mouth, stomach, prostate, cervix, and lung, and type 2 diabetes.(4)

Plant Description

Areca catechu is a medium-sized and graceful palm tree growing straight to 20 m tall, with a trunk 20-30 cm in diameter. The leaves are 1.5-2 m long, pinnate, with numerous, crowded leaflets. Yellowish-red fruits the size of a hen's egg, containing the seed about the size of an acorn, conical shape with flattened base and brownish in colour externally; internally mottled like a nutmeg.(5)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland
• Norway

References

(1) Betel Nut Information, a1b2c3.com
(2) Document: Areca catechu (betel nut palm), Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry, George W. Staples and Robert F. Bevacqua
(3) Arecoline, Wikipedia
(4) Betel nut (Areca catechu L.), MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institude of Health
(5) Areca catechu, Wikipedia

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Areca catechu - Wikipedia

Related Products

Edible Lime (Calcium Hydroxide)

Areca catechu / Betelnut / Palmaceae (Palm family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Bettlenut, Paaku, Pinang, Areca nut, Cau (Vietnamese), Supari (Bengali)

Description

A handsome tree cultivated in all the warmer parts of Asia for its yellowish-red fruits the size of a hen's egg, containing the seed about the size of an acorn. For a long time, Betel chewing has been the preferred drug in large parts of Asia, but nowadays, the smoking of Tobacco is becoming increasingly popular among the indigenous populations. A Betel quid traditionally consists of at least three ingredients. The nuts of the Betel palm, together with Lime (Calcium hydroxide) and possibly other ingredients are wrapped in the aromatic leaves of Piper betel, the Betel-pepper.

Contents

Areca Nut contains a large quantity of tannin, also gallic acid, a fixed oil gum, a little volatile oil, lignin, and various saline substances. Four alkaloids have been found in Areca Nut - Arecoline, Arecain, Guracine, and a fourth existing in very small quantity. Arecoline is the primary active ingredient responsible for the central nervous system effects which are roughly comparable to those of nicotine, which has a similar chemical structure. Arecoline is known to be an agonist of muscarinic acetylcholine M1, M2 and M3 receptors.(3)

Historical

Betelnuts have been used for thousands of years. The practice is thought to have started in south-east Asia and there is archaeological evidence to support this view. The Spirit Cave site in Thailand yielded palaeobotanical remains of Areca catechu and Piper betel (traditional consumption is a combination of Areca catechu, Piper betel, and edible lime), since found at the same location, it is circumstantial evidence for the practice of Betel chewing in prehistoric times. These remains are between 7,500 and 9,000 years old. If the dating is accurate, this would make Betel one of the earliest known psychoactive substances to be used in the world.
Printed references related to Betelnut chewing go back to hundreds of years before the common era. In Pali, a story dating from about 500 BCE describes a princess giving a present of Betel to her lover. Somewhere around 430 BCE, Theophrastus described use of the nuts as a component of the Betel morsel. Areca catechu is mentioned in Sanskrit under the name "Guvaka", and in Chinese texts dating from 150 BCE it was called "Pinlang" (a Malayan name). In Persia there were 30,000 shops that sold Betelnut in the capital town during the reign of Khosrau II (King of Persia from 590 to 628). Arabs and Persians who visited the Hindustan area of India in the 8th and 9th centuries found the habit deeply rooted. Ali al-Masudi, an Arab historian who travelled through India in 916, described the chewing of Betelnut as a national custom. There were even those who voluntarily ascended the funeral pyre comforted by Betelnut. People who did not use betel nut were socially isolated.(1)

Today, chewing betel nut is an important and popular cultural activity in many Asian countries. Betelnuts are also used as an offering in Hinduism. In India (the worlds largest consumer of Betelnut), the nuts are cut into small pieces with a special instrument. The practice of using Betelnut is often called Betelnut chewing, but the nuts are not just placed in the mouth and chewed. They are usually dried and broken down into smaller pieces (sometimes into a powder) and mixed with edible lime to aid in the absorption of their active ingredients, arecaine and arecoline. Rather than being chewed, the mixture is put between the cheek and tongue and left there, sometimes overnight.(1)

In addition to the well known stimulant properties, the seed is used medicinally in numerous internal and external preparations. The husks, shoots, buds, leaves, and roots also have local medicinal uses. The fibrous fruit husks stripped from the seed have many uses, including as a home fuel source. The trunks of culled trees are used for crude construction; the fallen fronds are used in making alcohol; the spathes and leaf sheaths are used in wrapping, packing, and as hats and sandals. The inflorescences and flowers are used ceremonially in diverse cultures.(2)

Health Warnings

Betel Nut and chemicals in Betel leaves may cause skin color changes, dilated pupils, blurred vision, wheezing/difficulty breathing, and increased breathing rate. Tremors, slow movements, and stiffness have been reported in people also taking anti-psychotic medications. Worsening of spasmodic movements has occurred in patients with Huntington's disease. Seizure has been reported with high doses. "Cholinergic" toxicity symptoms from Betel use may include salivation, increased tearing, lack of urinary control (incontinence), sweating, diarrhea, and fever. Other problems may include confusion, problems with eye movement, psychosis, amnesia, stimulant effects, and a feeling of euphoria. Long-term users may form a dependence on the effects of Betel, and discontinuing use may cause signs of withdrawal, such as anxiety or memory lapse. Betel chewing has been shown to have a harmful effect on the gums. The nut may cause the teeth, mouth, lips, and stool to become red stained. Burning and dryness of mouth may occur. Regular Betel use may increase the risk of cancers of the liver, mouth, stomach, prostate, cervix, and lung, and type 2 diabetes.(4)

Plant Description

Areca catechu is a medium-sized and graceful palm tree growing straight to 20 m tall, with a trunk 20-30 cm in diameter. The leaves are 1.5-2 m long, pinnate, with numerous, crowded leaflets. Yellowish-red fruits the size of a hen's egg, containing the seed about the size of an acorn, conical shape with flattened base and brownish in colour externally; internally mottled like a nutmeg.(5)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland
• Norway

References

(1) Betel Nut Information, a1b2c3.com
(2) Document: Areca catechu (betel nut palm), Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry, George W. Staples and Robert F. Bevacqua
(3) Arecoline, Wikipedia
(4) Betel nut (Areca catechu L.), MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institude of Health
(5) Areca catechu, Wikipedia

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Areca catechu - Wikipedia

Related Products

Edible Lime (Calcium Hydroxide)

Juniperus indica / Black Juniper / Cupressaceae (Cypress family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Juniperus indica, Black Juniper, Dhupi, Dhu-pi, Indian Juniper.

Description

Juniperus indica (Black Juniper) is a juniper, native to high altitudes the Himalaya, occurring from the northern Indus Valley in Kashmir east to western Yunnan in China. It is of interest as the highest altitude woody plant known, reported growing as high as 5200m in southern Tibet; the lowest limit being 2600m. As it grows in these regions it is also known in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also used as an incense or as ingredient in incense sticks.

Scent

A fresh, yet warm, rich-balsamic, woody, sweet and pine needle-like fragrance.

Aromatic Properties

Juniperus indica fragrance is used in aromatherapy for relief of anxiety, insomnia and stress.

Contents

Sabinene, beta-thujone, terpinen-4- and trans-sabinyl acetate.

Plant Description

It is a shrub growing to 50-200cm tall, with largely horizontal branching. The leaves are dark grey-green, dimorphic, with adult plants having mostly scale-like leaves 1-3mm long, while young plants have mostly needle-like leaves 5-8mm long, but needle-like leaves can also be found on shaded shoots of adult plants. The leaves are borne in whorls of three on strong stout main stem shoots, and opposite pairs on thinner, slower-growing shoots. It is dioecious, with male (pollen) and female (seed) cones on separate plants. The mature seed cones are ovoid, berry-like, 6-10mm long, glossy black, and contain a single seed; the seeds are dispersed by birds which eat the cones, digest the fleshy cone pulp, and excrete the seeds in their droppings.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Australia

Himalayan Rock Salt

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Black Salt, Himalayan crystal salt, Himalayan rock salt, King’s salt, Rock Salt, Saindhav, Salt of life, White gold.

Description

Also known as the “White gold” or “Salt of life”, Himalayan rock salt is the most beneficial, cleanest salt available on this planet. It contains all the natural minerals and trace elements that are found in the human body. This salt is absolutely pristine and natural, identical to the ancient primal ocean. It is waiting for the moment to have its inherent, stored energy, its bio-photon content, to be set free. Together with pure spring water it offers the complex mineral foundation for life to emerge, to be maintained and sustained.

Himalayan Rock Salt

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Black Salt, Himalayan crystal salt, Himalayan rock salt, King’s salt, Rock Salt, Saindhav, Salt of life, White gold.

Description

Also known as the “White gold” or “Salt of life”, Himalayan rock salt is the most beneficial, cleanest salt available on this planet. It contains all the natural minerals and trace elements that are found in the human body. This salt is absolutely pristine and natural, identical to the ancient primal ocean. It is waiting for the moment to have its inherent, stored energy, its bio-photon content, to be set free. Together with pure spring water it offers the complex mineral foundation for life to emerge, to be maintained and sustained.

Himalayan Rock Salt

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Black Salt, Himalayan crystal salt, Himalayan rock salt, King’s salt, Rock Salt, Saindhav, Salt of life, White gold.

Description

Also known as the “White gold” or “Salt of life”, Himalayan rock salt is the most beneficial, cleanest salt available on this planet. It contains all the natural minerals and trace elements that are found in the human body. This salt is absolutely pristine and natural, identical to the ancient primal ocean. It is waiting for the moment to have its inherent, stored energy, its bio-photon content, to be set free. Together with pure spring water it offers the complex mineral foundation for life to emerge, to be maintained and sustained.

Himalayan Rock Salt

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Black Salt, Himalayan crystal salt, Himalayan rock salt, King’s salt, Rock Salt, Saindhav, Salt of life, White gold.

Description

Also known as the “White gold” or “Salt of life”, Himalayan rock salt is the most beneficial, cleanest salt available on this planet. It contains all the natural minerals and trace elements that are found in the human body. This salt is absolutely pristine and natural, identical to the ancient primal ocean. It is waiting for the moment to have its inherent, stored energy, its bio-photon content, to be set free. Together with pure spring water it offers the complex mineral foundation for life to emerge, to be maintained and sustained.

Santalum album / Sandalwood / Santalaceae (Sandalwood family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Sandalwood, White Sandalwood, Sandal.

Description

The value of Sandalwood lies in its lovely fragrance. This aspect of the Sandalwood represents the divine qualities found in godly people or Gurmukhs. Being one of the oldest incense materials, Sandalwood has been in use for at least 4,000 years. According to mythology, Sandalwood originally grew only in heaven’s gardens. Temple gates and religious statues are carved from the wood because of this spiritual association and because of the exquisite scent. Sandalwood scent is believed to transform one's desires and maintain a person's alertness while in meditation.

Scent

Sandalwood essential oil provides perfumes with a striking wood base note. Sandalwood smells not unlike other wood scents, except it has a bright and fresh edge with few natural analogues. When used in smaller proportions in a perfume, it is an excellent fixative to enhance the head space of other fragrances.

Aromatic Properties

Sandalwood is balancing and stimulating to all of the Yin meridians in the body. It can be used for protection. It stimulates greater concentration in any activity. Sandalwood fragrance is believed to bring about calmness and serenity. Some traditional uses: to lift melancholy, enhance meditation, heal the skin, help breathing, for calming and reducing stress, restful sleep. Emotional profile: to relieve possessiveness, lack of forgiveness, cynicism, insecurity, loneliness, nightmares, dwelling on the past.
It is said that individuals who use any form of touch to heal will increase their ability to channel energies through the hands by anointing the palms with a drop of sandalwood oil.

Contents

Chemical constituents: 3% to 6% essential oil, resin, tanins. The essential oil contains high amounts of alpha- and beta-santalol.

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with: Cypress, Frankincense, Lemon, Myrrh, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Spruce

Historical

In Hinduism, sandalwood is often used for rituals or ceremonies. Its use as an embalming paste is used in temples on idols. A vast majority of hindus wear a small mark of this paste on their forehead right above the middle of the eyes. It is supposed to keep cool the body and the mind. Sandalwood is considered in alternative medicine to bring one closer with the divine. Sandalwood essential oil, which is very expensive in its pure form, is used primarily for Ayurvedic purposes. It is said to have been used for embalming the corpses of princes in Ceylon since the 9th century. In Buddhism, Sandalwood are considered to be of the Padma (lotus) group and attributed to the Bodhisattva Amitabha. Sandalwood scent is believed to transform one's desires and maintain a person's alertness while in meditation. Sandalwood is also one of the more popular scents used for incense used when offering incense to the Buddha. Sandalwood, along with agarwood, is the most popular and commonly used incense material by the Chinese and Japanese in worship and various ceremonies. It is also used extensively in Indian incense, religiously or otherwise. Firekeeping priests, who have maintained sacred fires for centuries, accept Sandalwood twigs from Zoroastrian worshippers as their contribution for sustaining the fire.
Sandalwood oil is used in rituals for converting to Wicca.

Plant Description

It is a small evergreen tree with slender drooping branches, the sapwood is white and odourless, the heartwood yellowish brown and strongly scented. Leaves elliptic lanceolate, sub-acute petioles 1-1.3 cm long slender, flowers brownish red, inodourous, in terminal and axillary cymes shorter than leaves. The fruit is a drupe.

References

Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda: Vol.3., Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (Govt. of India)

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Santalum album - Wikipedia