West Australian Sandalwood Extract

West Australian Sandalwood Extract (Santalum spicatum)

West Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) is one of the world’s most prized and distinctive sandalwood species, native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Western Australia. It has been harvested and traded for centuries — first by Aboriginal Australians, then as a significant export commodity from the 1840s onward, when WA Sandalwood became one of Australia’s most valuable botanical exports to Asian markets, particularly China and India, where it was prized for incense, ceremonial, and medicinal use.

WA Sandalwood is one of the richest natural sources of α- and β-santalol and related sesquiterpene compounds among all Santalum species, and is highly sought after in the global fragrance, cosmetic, and botanical wellness industries.

This extract is wildcrafted from sustainably harvested Western Australian Sandalwood heartwood. 60% alcohol base.

Naturally Occurring Compounds

• Sesquiterpenes — Santalum spicatum is one of the richest natural sources of sesquiterpene compounds among all Sandalwood species; the sesquiterpene content and profile of WA Sandalwood is a key marker of its quality and is one of the primary reasons it is so highly valued globally
• α-Santalol and β-Santalol — the primary sesquiterpene alcohols in Sandalwood; naturally occurring compounds responsible for Sandalwood’s characteristic warm, woody, balsamic aroma; among the most extensively researched naturally occurring sesquiterpene compounds
• Nuciferol and lanceol — naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohols characteristic of Santalum spicatum; present in higher concentrations in WA Sandalwood than in Indian Sandalwood
• Farnesol — a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol present in the volatile oil fraction
• Phenolic compounds — naturally present in the heartwood

WA Sandalwood vs Indian Sandalwood

While Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album) is the most widely known and historically traded sandalwood species, West Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) is increasingly recognised by researchers and industry experts for its distinct and in many respects exceptional phytochemical profile. WA Sandalwood typically contains a higher total sesquiterpene content than Indian Sandalwood, with a unique sesquiterpene composition that includes compounds not found in other species. It is one of the most sesquiterpene-rich botanical extracts available.

Traditional & Cultural Use

Sandalwood has one of the longest and most cross-cultural histories of traditional use of any botanical. In Aboriginal Australian tradition, Santalum spicatum was used for food (the seeds and fruit are edible), as a body preparation, and for ceremonial purposes. In Asian traditional medicine and ceremonial practice, WA Sandalwood was imported and used for incense, meditation, and traditional wellness preparations. In Western herbal medicine, Sandalwood species have a traditional history of use for skin, urinary, and respiratory wellness.

How to Use

Take 20–30 drops under the tongue or in a little juice or water, up to 2–3 times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

Generally well tolerated. Consult your healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a kidney condition. Not recommended for long-term continuous use without practitioner guidance.

Ingredients

Wildcrafted West Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) heartwood, 60% alcohol.

Stack This With

• Gumpii Extract — complementary Australian wildcrafted botanical
• Australia Lancet Extract — complementary Australian wildcrafted formula
• Chamomile Extract — complementary calming and skin wellness herb

Related Wellness Guides

• Wellness Hub — explore all herbal guides

Content provided for informational purposes only. Not medical advice. Not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Consult your healthcare practitioner.