Why Sandalwood Is So Expensive | So Expensive

Sandalwood is one of the most expensive woods in the world: One kilogram of Indian sandalwood can cost $200. Its unique, long-lasting aroma makes it extremely sought after. And when that aroma is distilled into oil, a single kilogram can cost $8,000. Today, sandalwood oil is a coveted ingredient for perfumes, soaps, and incense. So what's so special about sandalwood's aroma? And is that why the wood is so expensive?

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Why Sandalwood Is So Expensive | So Expensive

[mihirchitnis]

You guys didn't mention the main reason why government doesn't allow everyone to grow sandalwood, it is because growing sandalwood is very water intensive.

[kingongongo]

We had one Sandalwood tree in our garden. My grandfather planted it. It had a unique aroma, you can smell it from afar. We were out for a day and someone stole it.

[kirtigupta]

Mysore Sandalwood soap is an Iconic soap which if you bathe in will attract a lot of attention due to its long lasting fragrance.
Also, sandalwood incense sticks are common in Indian households.

[ExMeroMotu]

The man separating the different color woods chips needs a raise immediately!

[tdae]

Some households in Karnataka will have a sandalwood block that has been handed down from generation to generation. We have one that is over 50 years old and it still smells nice !

[daniellewis]

This is by FAR the best overview I've found about the sandalwood oil harvesting and process, this for a book I'm writing about 12 species of trees from around the world. I've only been working from textual sources, and wow, a picture is worth way more than a thousand words. Thanks!!!!

[Myumeful]

0:00 Intro
0:44 Background info, origin, history
1:09 How sandalwood is harvested, processed and sold
4:58 Price
5:39 Market expectations and demand & supply, Australian competition
6:56 Age of trees and environment regulations

[chaitanyareddymuthyala]

Another thing that makes it's cultivation hard is, this plant can't grow alone, because it is a parasitic plant, it needs 1 to 2 other trees ( mostly malabar neem ), so you can't plant sandalwood in inter croping, you have to plant it as a main plant, and this is a water intensive crop, and any water or nutrient shortages in initial stages will severely effect the final product

[guy]

I’ve always worn sandalwood bracelets because I like the smell. I’ve wondered why they were so expensive. I never realized how much work goes into it.

[crinklecut]

There is so much in this world that we take for granted without realizing how much effort goes into making.

[katietang]

Going to school for massage therapy, I just learned about aromatherapy. I never used essential oil but after learning about them I find it fascinating! I can't believe it take a lot of rose petals or the heart of the sandlewood tree to extract oil from these plants. I love that they don't waste any of the sandlewood tree & make insense out of them!

[manjunath]

Famous Mysore Sandal soap brand completed 100 years in 2016. In 1916, the war blocked the export of sandalwood from Mysore to major Western countries. The Maharaja of Mysore, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, chanced upon unused sandalwood reserves and ordered the extraction of oil from the aromatic wood. Two years later, after the king received a rare set of sandalwood soap from a foreigner, he asked Dewan Sir M. Visvesvaraya, to map out a plan of action to begin the production of such soaps in Mysore. The government installed the first soap factory at K.R. Circle in the capital city. After a few successful experiments, the soap was introduced in the market for the first time in 1918.

[krrangarajan]

I use Mysore Sandal Soap, Let me just say, The Smell is Heavenly, No other Sopa manufacturer comes close.

[vinaynagendracamala]

Good one. As a Kannadiga, I’m happy to see this process which I ve been eager to all these years.

[rizzuyua]

as an indian, we love sandalwood, my parents use the mysore sandal soap always and i was doing the same since years.

[rustyscrew]

5:08 My man vetted the interviewer/ cameraman and came to conclusion that he is also “common people ”.😂😂

[srikanta]

Thanks for covering Mysore sandal soaps and Karnataka soaps and detergents limited as well. This is iconic company over a 100 years.

[America-evrk]

God bless these guys. I can't have my Creed Original Santal without them!

[IndianGardener]

*fun fact* : *Sandalwood tree needs host tree to survive*

[kushagraverma]

Sandalwood ( or as we call 'Chandan" in Sanskrit) is VERY VERY important in Hinduism. Described in The Vedas written by sages 4000 years ago, used to make medicines and perfumes and even shampoo (originated in India). the sandal is very holy to Hindus and Buddhists and is directly associated and offered to gods and considered a godly tree. The sandal is also an antiseptic tree and can effectively heal cuts and wounds if used properly as described in the Vedas, it can also be used as a skin lotion (totally natural and safe), It effectively reduces anxiety, and sandal oil is applied on the head proves to put you to sleep at ease and you will feel extremely refreshed. It's EXTREMELY fragrant (I cannot even describe it....it smells magical). But sandal oil is Rs per litre (which is VERY expensive, considering how cheap things are in India).