The Ethics of Sandalwood

When I think of the Sandalwood tree, tall, majestic and towering comes to mind. In reality, however, the world’s most hunted tree is small, modest, shrub-like. It’s entirely possible my appreciation of Sandalwood’s ancient spirit, deep reaching psycho-active aromatics, exceptionally slow growth and high commodity value bestows this warped image of physical grandness. Also, unlike Christo who travelled extensively through India and South Western Australia, I have never seen this tree in real life.

Sandalwood trees are root hemiparasites (similar to mistletoes) and need friendly host trees to thrive. In Australia, Sandalwood’s natural companion is the Raspberry Jam Wattle (Mungat), a ‘nitrogen fixer’ that channels nitrogen from the air into the soil around its roots, providing food for surrounding plants.

The Sandalwood family (Santalalceae) includes over 400 species, but it is the tropical Sandalwood (Santalum Album) native to India, and the Santalum Spicatum (also called Quandong), indigenous to the temperate arid plains of Western Australia, which rule the world of aromatic wood.

After decades of whole trees being ripped out roots and all to feed ever increasing global demand, Indian Sandalwood is now an endangered species. Whereas here in Australia, after cattle grazers were banned from cutting the aromatic timber to supplement their income and mass export to Asia and Europe was stopped, regulations for ethical harvesting of Sandalwood were introduced in the 1920s, with micro management of wild harvesting, high penalties for illegal cutting, and strict guidelines for replanting sandalwood plantations.

It’s for this very reason we have thus far only used the lighter, less intense Australian Santalum Spicatum in our compositions, but I am quietly excited to receive my first shipment of sustainably produced, intensely complex Australian Santalum Album. Ridiculously expensive, but rightly so, for this is one mighty tree indeed.

This is a limited micro batch of rare Yuzu and precious Sandalwood hydrosol – permaculture and wild grown, sustainably harvested, and artisan distilled right here in Australia.

Intensely aromatic, beautifully calming, skin and soul refreshing. Just what we all need to ease us into a new and hopeful year. Summer or Winter time, this one’s a truly unique beauty.

Australia’s first steam distilled Yuzu hydrosol is the most beautiful, uplifting thing. It synergises like a dream with Sandalwood to cool heated and sensitive skin, control acne and soothe anxiety.

Charged with Himalayan crystal salt and Ancient Zechstein Magnesium to harmonise skin function and replenish hydration on a cellular level.

COMPOSITION OF CALM YUZU SANDALWOOD MINERAL WATER / Cooling Face + Aura Tonic

YUZU^
Balances heat/cold elements.
Controls acne + stimulates collagen production.
Lifts the spirit.

SANDALWOOD^
Hydrates both dry and oily skin.
Soothes irritated, element exposed skin.
Calms the senses and clears the mind.

HIMLAYAN CRYSTAL SALT^
Provides the skin with 84 vital trace elements.
Anti-viral and anti-bacterial protection.
Recharges the body’s qi (life force).

ANCIENT ZECHSTEIN MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE^ 
Highly therapeutic for psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions.
Promotes quick healing of skin tissue.
Provides the skin’s surface with anti-allergic elements essential for cell metabolism.
Soothes skin, relaxes body muscles and calms nerves.

24 KARAT GOLD”
Improves circulation
Boosts collagen integrity
Receives sun energy, grounds intentions

*Certified organic **certified Demeter biodynamic ^wildcrafted “non-nano.

SHOP NOW! SHOP NOW!

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