Small Wood, Big Calm: Everything You Need to Know About Sandalwood Incense
Short on time, long on stress? This guide shows how sandalwood’s history, aroma, and mindful rituals can bring steady calm into daily life—plus how to choose, blend, and use it well.
Sandalwood is one of the most widely used and recognized incense ingredients in the world. Used by humans for tens of thousands of years, its spread through the world was facilitated primarily from India through the ancient Indian, Arab and Chinese trade routes. Its use is known in ancient civilizations all over the world, widely regarded as a sacred symbol of healing and purity for spiritual ceremonies.
The scientific name for the Sandalwood tree family is Santalum, and is derived from the Sanskrit word Candana or Chandana, meaning “wood for burning incense”. From this, we can see how deeply tied it is with the culture of incense.
It is believed that sandalwood has now been used in China for almost 2000 years. Although it naturally grows in parts of what is now southern China, its use in ancient China was heavily influenced by India and the arrival of Buddhism from there. Some domestic harvesting occurred, but large quantities of sandalwood were imported from India. Sandalwood was known as 白檀香 (bai tan xiang, white tan incense) for an extended period of time in Chinese history. The name “tan” is thought to have derived from the initial letters “Can” of the word Candana. Nowadays people no longer prefix Indian and Australian sandalwood with the word “bai” or white, they are simply referred to as 檀香, tan xiang.
What Does Sandalwood Incense Smell Like?
Good quality sandalwood has a fresh, woody yet warm, milky scent that is gentle and extremely long lasting. It often carries a powdery note. Sandalwood also blends extremely well with a variety of other aromas and acts as a fixative, stabilizing and increasing the longevity of blended scents. This explains its place as a core ingredient in incense and perfumery.
Origins of Sandalwood
Sandalwood trees are semiparasitic, growing on the roots of other trees. They are found in India, Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, and South Pacific islands. Today, most sandalwood products come from plantations in India and Australia.
Sandalwood Heartwood
The essential oils that give sandalwood its scent are concentrated in the heartwood and roots of the tree. It takes 15–30 years before the oils reach harvest quality, with older trees (50–100 years) producing far superior oils.
Indian Sandalwood vs Australian Sandalwood
Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Known as Mysore Sandalwood, this is the most prized type of sandalwood, with higher concentrations of α- and β-santalols. It has a complex, gentle, and long-lasting aroma. Due to overexploitation, Indian sandalwood is now controlled by the government and classified as a vulnerable species. Sustainable plantations in Australia now also grow Santalum album.
Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)
Indigenous to South and Western Australia, this species produces a greener and less gentle aroma, with lower santalol concentration. It is more affordable and sustainably harvested, making it widely used by incense makers and perfumers today.
Aboriginal Australians have used sandalwood for thousands of years in food, medicine, and spiritual ceremonies. In Chinese incense traditions, it is considered “new world” sandalwood, compared to the longer history of Indian sandalwood.
True Sandalwood
“True sandalwood” refers to species in the Santalum genus, primarily Santalum album (Indian) and Santalum spicatum (Australian). Other unrelated fragrant woods are sometimes called “false sandalwood”.
What Is Sandalwood Incense Used For?
Sandalwood has been used in Hinduism, Buddhism, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and by Aboriginal Australians for healing, meditation, ceremonies, and daily life. In medieval China, sandalwood incense was common in homes of scholars and officials, used while reading, writing, painting, and reflecting.
For a broader cultural context of incense practice across dynasties, explore our history reads: Eight Principal Ingredients Through History.
Is Sandalwood Incense Calming?
Many people associate sandalwood’s α- and β-santalols with a calmer mood and improved focus, which helps explain its long history in meditation and prayer. Modern studies explore potential effects on relaxation and attention; you can browse representative research in the references at the end of this article.
Note: The information here supports lifestyle and mindfulness; it is not medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
Potential Benefits of Sandalwood Incense
- Associated with a calmer mood and reduced feelings of stress
- May support relaxation before rest and help with settling into evening routines
- Often used to aid focus for reading, writing, meditation, and prayer
- Common in traditional practices for creating a purified, reflective space
- Blends easily with citrus or mint notes that many find refreshing and alerting
These points summarize common traditional uses and research directions; individual experiences vary.
Blending Sandalwood Incense Sticks
Sandalwood is a classic base for incense and perfumes. Common blending ingredients include:
- Other woods: Aloeswood/Agarwood
- Herbs & Spices: Cinnamon, Lemongrass, Citronella, Patchouli
- Florals: Lavender, Jasmine, Rose
- Resins: Frankincense, Amber, Benzoin, Camphor
Curious about historical ingredients beyond sandalwood? See: Eight Principal Ingredients Through History .
How to Choose Sandalwood Incense Sticks
Choose all-natural incense sticks without artificial ingredients. We prefer Chinese or Japanese styles without a bamboo core, as burning bamboo can interfere with the aroma and sensory experience of sandalwood.
Our recommendations:
- Sandalwood Ensemble – a crafted blend highlighting sandalwood’s milky warmth.
- Four Masters & Palace Rituals – handmade blends with sandalwood as a key ingredient.
- Regular Sandalwood incense sticks – a good quality and affordable option for beginners.
Explore more mindful scents in the Toukson Incense Collection.
A Note on Burning Incense Sticks
- Always use an incense burner/holder
- Never leave burning incense unattended
- Burn in a well-ventilated area
- Place on a fireproof surface
Quick Science & Practice Recap
- Sandalwood’s signature calm is linked to α- and β-santalol (see references below).
- Short, consistent rituals often beat long, occasional sessions for focus and ease.
- Use sandalwood as an “attention anchor” during meditation, writing, or prayer.
For deeper reading, see Frontiers/NCBI/PubMed articles in the reference list.
Do you use sandalwood incense? What do you use it for? What are your favorite blends? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
References
- Google Books: Sandalwood in Sanskrit & Chinese texts
- WA Gov – Sandalwood Establishment Guide
- Secrets of the Sandalwood Trade
- Scientific study on sandalwood
- NCBI – Sandalwood medical benefits
- PubMed – Sandalwood research
- NCBI – Sandalwood essential oils
These sources provide background on history, cultivation, and laboratory/clinical research. Interpret findings with care and consult professionals for medical concerns.