Mysore Sandalwood Oil is natural sandalwood perfume oil extracted from the Santalum album variety of sandalwood tree in the Mysore district of Karnataka, India. The tree species is said to be one of the best varieties in the world. It is nearly colourless to golden yellow viscid oily liquid.
Due to the unique and pleasant climatic condition prevailing in the Mysore and Shimoga district region in Karnataka State, the Sandalwood (santal tree) grown there has special quality, more weight which gives higher yield of sandalwood oil, powerful, pleasant, woody, sweet odour and long lasting property, largely used as an excellent fixative in all the heavy and oriental types of perfumes.
In perfumery it is valued for its non-varying composition and fixative properties and for its persistent heavy sweet, woody scent. The usage of sandalwood oil is part of the world civilisation commencing from cradle to cremation.
Before World War I, sandalwood from the Mysore district was distilled in Germany and sold there. However, when World War I broke out in 1914, this route of extraction had to be closed down, resulting in a loss of revenue to the exchequer.
Due to this closure to the market, the Maharajah of Mysore appointed Alfred Chatterton, the Director of Industries in Mysore to develop the distillation of the oil. Chatterton enlisted the help of Professors J. J. Sudborough and H. E. Watson who extracted the first sample of sandalwood oil in India at the Indian Institute of Science.
Mysore Sandalwood oil factory one of the oldest Sandal Wood Oil Manufacturing units in the country was started in the year 1915 by the Maharaja of Mysore. The sandalwood oil is made of natural sandalwood through distillation.
Sandalwood logs are converted into coarse powder of uniform mesh size by splitting, chipping and disintegration process. This powder is charged into distillation stills and steam is injected slowly. The oil contained in the Sandalwood powder is then carried by the steam.
The vapours of oil and steam pass-through water-cooled condensers, where the condensed vapour is collected. Sandalwood oil being lighter than water floats on the surface of water layer, which is scooped off periodically.
The oil so collected is known as crude oil, which contains traces of moisture and dust particles. This is subjected to vacuum drying and filtration. The purified oil is then packed.
The oil is used in the manufacture of soaps, incense, scents, and cosmetics; it also has several uses in religious rites, skin and hair therapeutic treatments, and in pharmaceuticals.
It is largely used in medicine, beauty aids and cosmetic preparation. It would act as an antiseptic, analgesic, antibiotic etc. Before the advent of sulpha drugs, sandalwood oil was used to treat diseases like syphilis and gonorrhoea.
Rich in antioxidants and toning properties, sandalwood essential oil fights wrinkles, dark circles, and fine lines. It reduces the damage caused by environmental stress and free radicals, thus curbing signs of ageing. Apart from this, it can also prevent oxidative stress and repair damaged skin tissues.
GI Tag Registration Date : 30 January 2006
GI Tag Number : 29
Certificate Number : 23
Geographical Area : Karnataka
Special Cover Release Date : 13 October 2021
Cancellation : Bengaluru 560 001
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : KTK/59/2021
Each cover is numbered and total 3000 covers are issued.
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Thanks for sharing detailed information about sandalwood oil manufacturing process. Just out of curiosity, wanted to know about the use of residual wood powder/pulp after extraction of sandal oil.
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