What are the benefits of Sandalwood
Sandalwood powder also known chandan is having many benefits and used in treatment of many diseases. It is among few natural substances that evoke a sense of calm, luxury and spirituality. But what makes this fragrant wood so special? lets explore the rich history, uses and benefits of sandalwood. It is cooling in nature and have a refreshing fragrance. The essential oil made from sandalwood is used in soaps, incense sticks, and also to make perfumes.
Latin Name: Santalum Album
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Chandan
- Bengali: Chandan
- Tamil: Sandanam, Chandanam
- Telugu: Tell Chandanam
- Kannada: Sri gandha
- Malayalam: Chandanam
- Marathi: Chandan
- Gujarati: Sukhada
- Punjabi:
- English : Sandalwood
Sanskrit Name:
Chandana: One which is pleasant to see
Gandhasara : Aroma is situated in heart wood.
Chandradyuti : It is cool & pleasant like a moon.
Bhadrashri: It is auspicious.
Gandhrajam: King of all aromatic substance.
Sarpavasan: Snakes are found often near the tree.
Mayalaj : Grows in malaya region.
Shishiram : It is a coolant.
Sandalwood benefits & Ayurvedic Description
- Tikta (Bitter)
- Madhur ( Sweet)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Sheet (Cold)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Classical Categorization
Acharya charak has placed sandalwood in many groups.
1. Daha prashman : It is group of herbs that relieves burning sensation.
2. Angamardprahman : It is group of herbs that relieves body ache
3. Trishna Nigrahan : It is group of herbs that relieves excess thirst.
4. Varnya : Group of herbs that helps in enhancing complexion.
5. Kandughna : Group of herbs that relieves itching.
Sushrut samhita – Salasaradi, Sarivadi, Patoladi, Priyangvadi, Guduchyadi
Vaghbatt- Asanadi, Patoladi, Sarivadi, Priyangvadi, Guduchyadi
Bhav prakash Nighantu : Karpooradi Varga
Benefits of Sandalwood powder
Helps in Urinary tract disorders
Urinary tract infection is described under the broad term of Mutrakcchra in Ayurveda. Mutra means ooze and krichra mean painful. Thus, dysuria and painful urination are called Mutrakcchra. In the case of urinary tract infection, Sandalwood oil helps to control the burning sensation. This is because of its Mutral (diuretic) and Sita(cold) properties. It increases urine flow and reduces the symptoms of UTI like a burning sensation during urination.
Useful in managing fever
Fever is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha which leads to increased body temperature. Sandalwood helps manage fever due to its Pitta balancing property. It also reduces body heat due to its Sita (cold) properties.
Relieves anxiety and calms mind
Due to its anti-anxiety properties, one of the most popular uses of sandalwood oil in aromatherapy is to help soothe anxiety, fear, grief, or irritability.
Various studies have shown that sandalwood is a great essential oil to help cope with stressful and worrisome situations. Studies have found that santalols in sandalwood have a relaxing and sedative effects when a person is undergoing physiological problems. The effects of inhaling sandalwood helped to stimulate positive emotions and make a person calmer.
Useful in Skin problems
Sandalwood has long been used in skincare for its remarkable ability to rejuvenate the skin. Its antioxidant and astringent properties help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting the synthesis of collagen. Topical applications of sandalwood oil can soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and aid in the healing of minor wounds and blemishes. These effects not only contribute to a more youthful complexion but also support the skin’s natural barrier against environmental aggressors.
Anti inflammatory effect
Inflammation is a key contributor to many chronic conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. Sandalwood’s potent anti-inflammatory properties help mitigate this risk by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Its bioactive compounds work together to modulate the immune system, ensuring a balanced response to infections and stressors without overactivation. This immunomodulatory effect is particularly beneficial for maintaining long-term health and preventing degenerative diseases.
Advantages of Sandalwood in Ayurveda
Rakth prasadana : Detoxify blood useful in bleeding disorder.
Vrushya: act as aphrodisiac.
Pittahar: Balances pitta dosha and useful in gastritis.
Dahahar : helps to relieve burning sensation in neuropathy,gastritis.
Vishhar: Useful as anti toxic herb
Trushnahar: Helps in relieving excess thirst
Krumi : Useful in worm infestation.
Shramahar, Klamhar: Relieves tiredness,fatigue
Ahladana: brings about pleasant effect nourishes sense organs.
Asya rog : Useful in healing mouth ulcers.
Varieties of Sandalwood
There are mainly two types varieties of sandalwood
1. White sandalwood – Shwet chandan ( Santalum album)
2. Red Sandalwood – Rakth chandan ( Pterocarpus santalinus)
In various Ayurvedic text there is difference of opinion about varieties of sandalwood.
Dhanwantari nighantu : 5 varieties
Kaideva Nighantu : 6 varieties
Bhavprakash nighantu : 4 varieties.
Sodal nighnatu : 8 varieties are mentioned.
However in today’s time we get only two that is white & red.
Sustainability Matters
Due to its high value, Santalum album became endangered in some areas. In response, new ethical and sustainable plantations are being cultivated, especially in Australia. When purchasing sandalwood products, it’s worth checking for certifications that ensure ethical sourcing and sustainability.
Chemical composition
Sandalwood oil-a- santalol, B-santene, and santalenes ,santenol , teressantalol, nor tricycloekasantalal, 1- santenone, Santanone, teresantalic, acid a and B- santatilic acids other parts- santalic acid n- octacosanol plamitone etc.
How to use Sandalwood
Sandalwood can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Sandalwood powder: This form can be taken directly by making powder from the bark.
- Dosage :1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of this powder with water two times after meals.
- Decoction(Kashyam): To prepare decoction take a tablespoon of sandalwood powder add this powder to 2 cups of water and let it boil till it is reduced to half cup
- Dosage : 15 to 20 ml twice a day.
- Part Used : Heart wood (Kanda Sara), Sandalwood oil
What are the side effects of Sandalwood
Like any other Ayurvedic herb Babool is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to sandalwood they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .
May worsen Asthma
As it is coolant in nature it may lead to aggravation of asthma. So it should be used with caution.
Precautions
Avoid taking sandalwood if you are experiencing constipation, as its coolant properties can worsen the condition by further reducing bowel movements.
During breast feeding avoid consuming sandalwood.
Avoid consuming sandalwood during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use sandalwood in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using sandalwood. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Safe for using sandalwood in children.
Don’t use sandalwood continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store sandalwood in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Home Remedies of Sandalwood
To relief itching : Apply sandalwood oil mixed with lemon juice on the affected part. This remedy helps to provide relief from itchy skin.
For Urinary tract infection: Make a formulation by mixing these three herbs sandalwood powder, khas powder and amla powder. Take this mixture 2 to 3 times daily helps to relief burning sensation, fever in uti.
To Relieve Acne & pigmentation : Make a paste by mixing sandalwood powder and amba haldi (mango turmeric) in equal quantity. Apply this paste on the face and keep it for 2 hours then wash face with water.
In headache: Paste of sandalwood applied over the forehead relieves headache caused by stress.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does sandalwood take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly sandalwood powder benefits are seen.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Chandan ( Sandalwood)
Sandalwood is the main ingredients in following medicines
Chandanasva : It is one of the ayurvedic medicine prepared with fermantation process and is used in urinaty disorder like burning micturation, urethritis, cystitis and others.
Chandan bala lakshadi oil : This is ayurvedic oil used for external application in problems like burning sensation of hand and feet, itching and muscle wasting. It is also useful in bleeding disorder of women.
Conclusion
Sandalwood is more than just a fragrant wood—it’s a bridge between the ancient and the modern, the spiritual and the sensual. Whether you’re burning incense during meditation or applying a sandalwood-infused lotion after a long day, you’re tapping into a rich tradition of healing, ritual, and beauty.
Tip: Try diffusing a few drops of sandalwood essential oil in the evening—it’s the perfect way to wind down.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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