Sandalwood (Santalum album) is one of the oldest of all known aromatic materials and has a history that dates back over 4,000 years. Highly revered as a sacred fragrance by many religions around the world such as Buddhism and Hinduism, its wood has been used to make religious artefacts and fragrant incense for a vast range of devotional ceremonies.

The demand for this highly sought-after timber has led to over-harvesting, and over the past 10 years the availability of the heartwood that’s required for extracting the essential oil has diminished significantly. Read more…

The first time I encountered this remarkable fruit was in 1996 whilst lecturing in Japan, and I was immediately intrigued by its distinctive, refreshing fragrance and reputation in folk medicine. The peel of this fruit produces a delightful citrus fragrance with a faint floral overtone which is unique and quite difficult to describe.
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Springtime symbolises rebirth and renewal on many different levels, but it always seems particularly relevant to our state of health. On a mental level we often undertake new beginnings at this time of year by seeking a new career or relationship, or perhaps by making a determination to walk a more spiritual path in life.
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