Mala Sandalwood 108 beads

Sandalwood is naturally fragrant and exceedingly smooth. Sandalwood has traditionally been regarded as one of the purest substances and is valued for its cooling properties and its medicinal value as well. It is believed to promote tranquillity as an aid to meditation. Turning the sandalwood beads while chanting is supposed to have therapeutic properties that enhance calmness and a positive frame of mind.*
 

The string of beads is mainly used to count repeated mantras. So actually, it serves the same purpose as a rosary. Beads made of semi-precious stones, pearls, bodhi seeds or wood may serve all kinds of goals, like counting any kind of mantras, or other forms of prayer, bows, walk-rounds and such. The cord is the same for every mala, and should be made of nine threads, symbolising the Buddha Vajradhara and the eight Bodhisattvas. The larger bead at the end stands for wisdom, realising emptiness, and the cylindrical bead on top of the large bead symbolises the void itself. Together, they symbolise the triumph over all adversities.

Mala 
A mala originally is a hinduistic and buddhist tool for prayer and meditation. It is used to count mantras during meditation. A mantra is a collection of words, often from Sanskrit, which is repeated several - traditionally 108 - times. While repeating, you focus on the meaning and vibration of the words, possibly combined with the accompanying visualisation. By training in a meditation practice like this, your thoughts come to rest and your body relaxes. Nowadays, a mala is also worn as a fashion accessory.

Why 108?
Malas have 108 beads because this number has great scientific significance in the Hindu and buddhist traditions.  The circumference of the sun times 108 is the distance between the sun and the Earth and the same is true for the moon and Earth.  Also, there are 108 nadis or energy channels in the body.  There are 54 sanskrit letters- both masculine and feminine, totaling 108.  There are 108 Puranas and 108 Upanishads.  The list goes on and on!!  So that same sacred number is used in malas.

*Any healing properties outlined are in no way meant to replace diagnosis or treatment by a qualified therapist or physician. If in doubt about your health, consult a physician.