Learning About Raw Materials of Incense: Sandalwood

by Nippon Kodo
Sandalwood

What is Sandalwood?

Sandalwood is a flowering evergreen tree, belonging to the genus Santalum. The bark of the Sandalwood tree is an ashy white color and the surface has a smooth texture. The leaves and bark of the tree have almost no smell, yet the center of the trunk is very aromatic, whereas Agarwood has no smell until it ages and goes through an aroma-producing process. Sandalwood has been valued for centuries for its fragrance, religious rituals, woodworking, and medicinal purposes in Asia. In recent years, sandalwood oil has also been used in different forms of products such as perfumes, soaps, lotions, cosmetics, and also as a flavor in foods. Country of origin includes India, Indonesia, Australia, Tonga, and others.


In Japan, this scented wood is called "Byakudan(白檀)," which means, "white scented wood." Products made with sandalwood oil has a soft, sweet, smooth, rich, and woody aroma that lingers for a great length of time. Because the wood is naturally aromatic and antibacterial, it has often been used for religious objects such as Buddha sculptures, Buddhist rosary (juzu), and also folding fan (sensu). The aroma of sandalwood has been known to have a calming effect and to relieve anxiety which is said to help uplift and purify the spirit, bringing the worshipper closer to god.

Although sandalwood incense has been around for centuries for use in religious practices, it is now popularly used for relaxation and clearing mind for various occasions such as during aromatherapy, yoga, meditation, bath time, and sleep time.

Make sandalwood incense part of your daily routine to make your spirit relaxed and refreshed, giving you a positive energy to get your day going.

Recommended Sandalwood Incense: For those who insist on more authentic Sandalwood Scents:




Customer Review on KAYURAGI Sandalwood

6/20/2022 ★★★★★

“Wonderful Incense!! – This sandalwood has to be smelled to be believed! It is heavenly!” –Kathleen Young

 

Customer Review on KAYURAGI Sandalwood from Amazon.com

4/25/2013 ★★★★☆

High quality incense! – Was a bit surprised by the small size of these but after a few burnings, I was not disappointed! These have a great scent, not too powerful, not too smoky! They are delicate and not the longest lasting out there. Also they could be a bit expensive but I tend to rotate these with a lower priced incense so it's nice to splurge on these!” -DB Cooper

 

Customer Review on HERB & EARTH Sandalwood

6/7/2022 ★★★★★

“Favorite incense - Light Sandalwood fragrance. Almost smokeless. Fragrance long lasting. Always complimented on how wonderful my house smells.” – Lisa Michaud

 

Customer Review on MAINICHI-KOH Sandalwood

3/13/2022 ★★★★★

“Amazing – I was gifted this incense from my friend. It’s just wonderful, the scent is so calm and “zen” and spiritual. I will buy this for myself more.” –Mini

 

Customer Review on MAINICHI-KOH VIVA Sandalwood Long Stick

6/30/2022 ★★★★★

“Fine Incense- I have been using this incense for many years and as Zen Priest will continue using it for services and while doing zazen in the privacy of my home.” –Rev. Myoshin Tom Jones

 

Customer Review on MAINICHI-KOH Cherry Blossom & Sandalwood

2/21/2022 ★★★★★

“In love- floral and sweet with a beautiful light musky note. This incense is a very worth-it purchase. I burn several and the scent lingers every time I walk in the room it is an amazing experience. I’m so passionate about this particular incense I can’t help it.” –rin

 

Customer Reivew on MAINICHI-KOH Cherry Blossom & Sandalwood from Amazon.com

6/20/2020 ★★★★★☆

Not a strong scent, but a pleasant one nonetheless- A pleasant mix between woodsy and floral. It is a pretty accurate Sakura scent from what I can recall of real Sakura blossoms. I find that it smells fairly natural, about on par with the yellow box “kyara” aloeswood that Amazon also sells from them. (Spoiler: it’s not kyara but that’s another story). The color definitely hints that there is some kind of additive though.

The only reason that I did not give this five stars is because the incense produces virtually no smoke and significantly less fragrance than the brand’s other offerings. I burn multiple sticks at a time and the scent is still not powerful enough to give my average sized room a hint of it either during or after the burning of the incense.

I’ll probably still buy it again. I still think it’s worth the price if you’re going to burn it close enough to where you plan to enjoy it.” - A Stewart

 

Customer Review on MAINICHI-KOH Selected (Sandalwood)

5/29/2021 ★★★★★

“Amazing incense- This is far my most favorite. The fragrance is just amazing and the scent can last quite long time after incense is burned. Highly recommended!” -Hazel H