Sandstouch - Our Indonesian Essential Oils

Our Indonesian Essential Oils

All Sandstouch essential oils are 100% pure and sourced directly from local village distilleries on the islands of Java, Bali, Sumatra, Sulawesi and the Banda Sea.

Cajeput essential oil (melaleuca leucadendron)
The word Cajeput derives from the Bahasa Indonesia words for wood, "kayu" and white, "putih." It is a tall evergreen tree with thick pointed leaves and white flowers and its medicinal properties are held in high regard in Asia, although only the essential oil is used in Western herbal remedies. Sandstouch cajeput oil comes from Java, it is pale yellowy-green, has a penetrating camphoraceous odour and is extracted by steam distillation from fresh leaves and twigs. Cajeput oil is an antiseptic and is used in diffusion to ease bronchitis and sore throat.
Cananga essential oil (Cananga odorata macrophylia)
Cananga is a tall tropical tree native to Indonesia which grows to 30m (100ft) and bears large fragrant yellow flowers which are very similar to the ylang-ylang. Our Cananga essential oil comes from Java. It is obtained by water distillation from the flowers and is produced as a complete greenish-yellow oil which has a tenacious sweet, floral, balsamic scent. Cananga oil is used to treat insect bites, in skin care, to relieve anxiety, depression and stress related illnesses; it is antiseptic, sedative, aphrodisiac and antidepressant.
cardomom essential oil (elettaria cardomomum)

Cardamom is a reed-like herb, native to tropical Asia. The essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the dried ripe seeds. It is a yellow liquid with a sweet, spicy, warming fragrance and is highly effective in treating digestive problems. It is also a mental stimulant and useful to calm nervous tension.
Cinnamon essential oil (cinnamomum burmanii)

The Cinnamon is a tall tropical evergreen native to Southeast Asia. It has shiny green leaves that smell spicy when you rub them between your fingers. Sandstouch cinnamon (Indonesian cassia) essential oil is produced in Sumatra by steam distillation of the dried leaves. It has a distinctive powerful, warm odour. In diffusion, it is very useful in treating nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions and is also has powerful anti-bacterial properties. Cinnamon leaf oil is also a constituent of many soft drinks, including Coca Cola.
CITRONELLA essential OIL (CYMBOPOGON NARDUS var. MP)
Java or Maha Pengiri (MP) Citronella is a tall grass cultivated in Indonesia whose leaves have long been used by many cultures for their aromatic and medicinal qualities. Sandstouch citronella essential oil is produced in a village in Java by steam distillation from fresh dried or part-dried grass. The oil is pale-yellow and has a woody-sweet odour much valued by perfumers. It is a powerful insect repellent and both the principal constituents of citronella oil, geraniol and citronellal, are antiseptics. Citronella has an uplifting effect and is commonly used in diffusion to fight colds and minor infections.
Clove Bud essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum)
The Clove is a slender evergreen native to Indonesia and the original trees came from the legendary Spice Islands in the region we now know as Maluku. Sandstouch clove bud essential oil comes from the forests of Java. It is pale-yellow, has a sweet, spicy odour and is obtained by water distillation of the long red buds that appear every year just before the rainy season. The oil is antiseptic and anti-microbial and is recommended for combatting infection and respiratory ailments.
sweet fennel essential oil (foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel is a herb with feathery leaves and golden yellow flowers. It is native to Europe but is also cultivated in the hills of central Bali. Sandstouch fennel oil is “sweet” fennel and is produced by steam distillation of the crushed seeds. It is a pale liquid and has a sweet, earthy smell similar to anise. In aromatherapy it is used to treat a variety of skin conditions and also problems of the digestive tract.
galangal essential oil (Galangal alpinia)

A member of the Ginger family, this variety, also known as Greater Galangal, is native to Java. Sandstouch galangal essential oil is extracted from the roots of the plant by steam distillation, producing a yellow liquid with a fresh, peppery scent. It has stimulating and anti-bacterial properties and is recommended as a remedy for travel sickness as well as stomach upsets.
Ginger Essential Oil (Zingiber Officinale)

Ginger is native to Indonesia, with thick spreading roots that give off a pungent odour. The roots have been used as a domestic spice, as a remedy and as a digestive aid for thousands of years. Sandstouch ginger essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the unpeeled, dried, ground roots in a village in Java. The oil is pale-yellow and has a fresh, woody, spicy scent. Ginger essential oil is used in diffusion to strengthen the immune system, ward off colds and respiratory disorders and combat nausea and travel sickness. It is a key component of many Sandstouch blends.
Jasmine essential oil (Jasminum sambac (L.) Ait.)
Jasmine is native to Southern Asia and is the national flower of Indonesia where it is known as melati putih. Jasmine symbolizes purity, eternal life, nobility and feminine beauty and is widely used in religious and cultural ceremonies in Bali and Java. The flowers are delicate and a large quantity is required to produce a small amount of essential oil. Sandstouch jasmine essential oil is an absolute produced by enfleurage (see "Essential oils, questions and answers",) and is highly concentrated so even a single drop has a powerful impact. Jasmine is effective in fighting stress and depression as it commonly induces feelings of optimism and confidence.
lemongrass essential oil (cymbopogon citratus)
Lemongrass is a fast-growing grass native to Asia and cultivated in Java, where our amber-yellow essential oil is extracted from fresh, chopped and partially dried leaves by steam distillation. It has a fresh citrus scent and an earthy undertone. Because of its antiseptic, anti-microbial, fungicidal and bactericidal properties the oil has long been valued in Indian medicine for treating infectious illness and fever. Lemongrass essential oil is also used in diffusion to combat nervous exhaustion and other stress-related conditions.
Kaffir lime essential oil (citrus hystrix)

The Kaffir Lime is native to Indonesia. It is a bumpy green fruit that grows on a thorny bush. The juice and rind are used in traditional Indonesian medicine, which is why it is also known as jeruk obat (citrus medicine) and the essential oil has strong insecticidal properties. It is extracted by steam distillation of the whole ripe fruit to create an almost colourless liquid with a strong lemony smell. It is energising, uplifting and contributes a feeling of well-being so it is a valuable ingredient of stimulating essential oil blends.
Japanese mint essential oil (mentha arvensis)

Also known as Corn Mint, Japanese mint is native to Europe and North Asia but is now grown in Bali. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the flowering herb; it is a colourless oil with a strong, fresh odour very reminiscent of peppermint. The menthol is a stimulant and is a popular constituent of Sandstouch soaps.
NUTmeg ESSEntial oil (Myristica fragrans)
Nutmeg is native to the islands of Indonesia's Banda Sea, the famed Spice Islands. Sandstouch nutmeg essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the dried nutmeg seed after the starch and fat content of the seed has been eaten away by worms. The oil is very pale yellow with a sweet, warm, spicy scent. Traditionally nutmeg has been used to combat digestive and nervous disorders.
PATCHOULI ESsential OIL (pogostemon cablin)
Patchouli is a bushy herb native to Indonesia extensively cultivated for its oil which is used to scent linen and clothing and is also believed to prevent the spread of disease. The oil is an amber viscous liquid with a sweet, rich, herbaceous, earthy odour widely used by the perfume industry. Sandstouch patchouli oil is of the highest quality, grown on the island of Sumatra and extracted from freshly dried leaves by steam distillation in a village facility very close to the plantation. Patchouli oil is an antiseptic and is useful in fighting stress-related disorders.
Black pepper essential oil (piper nigrum)

Black pepper is a vine, native to south India and grown widely today in Indonesia. Sandstouch black pepper essential oil is produced by steam distillation of dried and crushed whole peppercorns. The oil is dark and, as you might expect, has a crisp, peppery aroma. Its therapeutic effect on aching muscles and poor circulation make it a very effective addition to massage oil. It also has stimulating, anti-bacterial and aphrodisiac properties.
PLAI ESSENTIAL OIL ( Zingiber cassumunar)
The Plai plant is native to Indonesia and a member of the Ginger family. Sandstouch plai essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the roots of the plant to produce a pale amber liquid that has long been known in Asia as one of the most effective ingredients in creams and massage lotions to relieve muscle pain and cool inflammation of the joints.
Papua sandalwood essential oil (santalum mcgregorii)

The Papua sandalwood is a small evergreen tree native to and cultivated in eastern Indonesia. Sandalwood is one of the oldest known perfume ingredients with a recorded history of use over 4000 years. The essential oil is obtained by extraction by steam distillation from the roots and heartwood of the tree. It is pale yellow and slightly viscous with a deep, tenacious, balsamic scent that blends well with many other odours. In aromatherapy sandalwood essential oil is used to cure depression and stress and it is a valuable tool for those with a hectic lifestyle. It is also indicated in diffusion for the treatment of respiratory disorders.
Turmeric essential oil (curcuma domestica)

Native to southern Asia and extensively cultivated in Indonesia, turmeric (also known as Curcuma) is yet another member of the ginger family. The essential oil is obtained from the root or rhizome once it has been boiled, cleaned and left to dry in the sun. It is a yellow liquid with a spicy, fresh, woody fragrance. Turmeric is used to relieve muscular aches and pains and to treat digestive upsets.
Vetiver essential Oil (Vetiveria zizanoides)
Vetiver is a tall scented grass, native to Indonesia, with an extensive, complex root network. It has been used for centuries by many cultures for both ceremonial and therapeutic purposes. Sandstouch vetiver essential oil comes from Java and is extracted from the roots by steam distillation after they have been washed, chopped, dried and soaked. The oil is amber and viscous with a deep smoky, earthy-woody odour. It is an excellent insect repellent and is also much sought after for its soothing, calming and uplifting properties.